Chocolate. Wine. Seconds. Queso.
These are the ways I typically treat myself. Whether it’s because I survived a long day of word, had a super productive week, finished a project I’ve been procrastinating or lost a couple of pounds on my fat loss journey, I look to food as a reward. Seriously, I am Stuntman Mike waiting for a treat for being doggone cute.
Unfortunately, food as a reward isn’t always the best choice. Especially if you are on a journey to better anything about your health. It can be detrimental to work you’ve already. It can be a fleeting sense of enjoyment. And, it can lead to overconsumption.
In last week’s progress, I shared that I had lost almost three pounds during the previous week. This week, I wanted to treat myself so I agreed to a couple of happy hours.
Now listen, in general there is nothing wrong with happy hour. And, when you’re on a health journey, if you have the discipline to stick to your plan, meeting up with a friend for this can still be a very happy hour. But, when your perspective is that you basically had no wine the previous week, and you lost almost three pounds, and you deserve a glass of wine for getting feeling better, using wine as a reward isn’t the best choice.
As I was preparing to take my weekly assessment this morning, I knew the scale would likely be up a little and I knew why. The difference is, instead of just chalking it up to “it is what it is,” I have spent time today thinking about other ways I could reward myself that won’t be a set back to my progress. Here’s my short list.
- Read a book.
- Take a walk (and listen to a book or a podcast).
- Enjoy a bath, complete with a candle and bubbles and the whole nine yards.
- Buy a new lipstick. Life can be changed with a good lipstick.
- Have lunch, dinner or coffee with a friend.
Going forward, for the rest of my program and just in general, I’ll look for ways to celebrate that will encourage my progress and keep me moving forward.
Health Stats
Weight: 133.6 (up 1 lb. from last week, down 2.5 lbs. since Day 1)
Body Fat: 25.8% (up .2)
Muscle Mass: 32.7% (unchanged)
Current Macros: unchanged from last week
My Coach: Kendra Jarratt
My takeaway this week
Choose rewards that encourage your progress, not hinder it. It’s as simple as that.
Goals for next week:
1. Lift weights at least four times.
2. Lose 1.5 pounds.
Favorite meal from this week:
skinnytaste is my go-to for healthy, delicious and macro-friendly recipes. As I’ve been incorporating more fish into my diet this year, one of my favorite (not to mention super easy) recipes is her Skillet Cajun Spiced Fish with Tomatoes. I enjoy it over Trader Joe’s Organic Brown Rice (found in the freezer section).