Losing Weight: Controlled Reward

There will come a time during your change of lifestyle that you may feel a bit lethargic and tired with not being able to enjoy the treats and indulgences that you were once able to. Despite the progress you’ve made on the scales and how you look in the mirror, you’re coming to the point that you’re asking yourself ‘is it really worth it?’.

I know because I felt the exact same way. I monitored everything I put in my mouth, both food and drink and although I was seeing progress every week I stepped onto the scales, I couldn’t help but feel a bit down thinking back to those wonderfully wicked snacks and treats that once made me feel so good (especially the alcohol!).

Feeling this way is perfectly normal and I’m not promoting a lifestyle of no fun and no rewards because life is for enjoying yourself, as long as you can do so responsibly. So this is your next test. You’ve got to be able to take responsibility for these occasional treats. One chocolate bar a week won’t harm you, in fact it will make you feel more satisfied which will help sustain your new lifestyle for longer.

If I turned round and said ‘no chocolate, crisps, alcohol etc ever again’ you’ll just end up reverting back to your old ways. Instead you’ve got to be in control and know this is a one-off that you’ll enjoy.

Personally, I like a packet of crisps once a week, or if I buy a chocolate bar I only have a few squares every other day. If you do want a reward, remember not to buy in bulk i.e. a multipack of crisps instead of just one packet as the more that’s in your home, the more likely you’ll be tempted by it. Think of it as a reward for the hard work and committment you’re showing and really enjoy the taste.

You’ll actually appreciate these occasional treats so much more than you once did because you know they’re being restricted. The more in-control you are of your food and drink, the better your results will be, so just remember, this is a marathon and not a sprint.