Rewards for Being Good

Every book I read on healthy eating, exercise and weight loss says something to this effect:

"When you reach your weight or fitness goal, go ahead and reward yourself with something like a trip to the spa, a manicure/pedicure or a massage."

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not going to spend $50 every time I "be good". Also, the whole mani/pedi/spa/massagy culture is TOTALLY foreign to me. I'm not a high maintenance girl (was the tiara misleading?) and spending that much just to reward myself seems like an anti-reward.

They also tell you NOT to use food as a reward. Phooey. First, how many people are going to work hard then blow it with an entire cheesecake? Second, using food as a reward can fuel the next goal--for example, buying a bulk bag of frozen mixed berries or some other healthy food you've been wanting to experiment with. Or get that super loaded loaf of 12 grain bread.

Rewards can be helpful, but don't feel like you have to book a full day spa trip. You won't see me there...