"R" is for...

REWARDS...

Even if your goal takes a lot of work and a long time to achieve, is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Is there a treat that is so appealing that you can't help but be drawn to it? Apart from the obvious benefits and wins like lower blood pressure, more energy, more fashionable clothes... we all have something in mind, a promise we made to ourselves once we got to goal... a fancy pair of shoes, a makeover, a new haircut, a holiday in a bikini.... These are good things to have.. but along the journey when you're feeling a little .. meh... then you have to reward yourself or you'll lose the plot and just give in... One gal in my class has a pedicure/manicure/facial for every silver 7.. it spurs her on... its summer and her toes are coming out (dear GOD let the sun shine this weekend!) .. and treat don't have to be expensive! They're very personal and 

Buy yourself ... a belt, cause you're shrinking... a book, flowers, clothes (shirt, shorts, skirt, jacket, jeans, etc., DVD, exercise clothes, healthy cookbook, iPod or mp3 player, iPhone, or iPad accessory, kitchen gadget, magazine subscription, membership (to a website, club, museum, etc.), new shoes, perfume/cologne, picture frame, exercise equipment (ball, weights, resistance bands, yoga mat, etc.), jewelry, fancy underwear...

Rewards don’t have to be expensive.

Download an app, computer game, exercise video, kindle book (e-book), movie...

Earn a date night with your significant other, a day off from doing the dishes or pick some housework you hate (ironing people!)... get a massage, a night off from cooking, a night off from giving the kids a bath.. whatever is a treat to you...

Spend time alone.... and do nothing... how often do you just sit down and do NOTHING.. just enjoy peace and quiet, lay down for a nap, read a book or magazine, sip coffee or tea and watch the world go by... Watch your favorite TV show (reserve the TV!!!)

Spend time doing anything you enjoy but don’t typically take the time to do.

Go to the bowling alley, comedy club, get tickets to a concert, golf course (even if its crazy golf!), go to the movies or a museum, take a day for yourself at the spa, or just decide today is your day and wander around at the zoo... 

Pamper yourself.... try acupuncture, run yourself a bubble bath with some fancy new  products, book yourself in for a facial.. I did this after I was sick and my poor skin needed it badly.. it was such a treat and well worth the money.. try a new haircut, feck it a new color, even a bit of fake tan would make you feel good about you!

Start saving and put the money towards a gift card for your favorite store, horse back riding, hot air balloon ride, a personal training session, sky diving, Spa day, a weekend trip...something you've really wanted to do but just haven't got round to it for whatever reasons... 

Set up a reward system where you earn money for achieving daily or weekly goals. Save the money in a jar or bank account and spend it on a large reward once you’ve earned enough. You could even start a matching program (euro for euro) if you have the cooperation from a significant other, friend, or family member!

Take a class from photography to golf.. whatever takes your fancy...

You're succeeding and you deserve to celebrate it!

RESULTS
Non scale victories can sometimes be your biggest friends.. that bloody scale hasn't moved in a few weeks and you're sick of counting points.. but .. but .. but.. wait! Your belt on your jeans in a notch tighter and that 'snug' dress just glides on now! Every thing from the seat belt on an airplane to being about to put on a sundress and not freak out about your bingo wings! You can sit in a meeting knowing the buttons on your shirt arent' going to take someones eye out! It all adds to your confidence... and the more compliments you get and the better you feel, the more likely you are to stay on track! Don't take the number on the scale as the be all and end all...

REVAMP
Throw out old clothes… I'm currently in the process of doing just that! 3 bags so far! You're never going to be that size again! If you keep your fat pants.. in your mind you're doubting your own success... chuck em! Get that haircut you've wanted but didn't have the confidence to get let alone brazen it out! Get some pals you trust and have a mini Gok session.. new underwear.. lads look away... I have gone down a bra size recently but when I got measured and fitted my boobs actually looked bigger!!! I KNOW!!! So the right undies make ALL the difference! Your body is changing so the clothes you put on it need to adjust too!

REFUSE
... to give up... Don't let the biscuit tin win... 

RECIPES
You all know I love to cook.. and I really must get around to adding more recipes on here.. I don't work for Weight Watchers but their cook books are ACE! Most of their products are over processed and whilst handy to have as a back up in the freezer or cupboard ... I'm the kinda gal who likes to make stuff from scratch knowing there's no 'E' numbers in there and it won't last until 2015 or beyond! There's so many great WW recipes blogs online.. seek them out and start with something simple if you're not a foodie.. before you know it .. you'll be telling Jamie Oliver he's wrong! I mean WHO would do that?! ahem..  *raises hand*

Soup is the easiest... experimenting is best.. add chilli, garlic, herbs, spices.. you will make mistakes.. and it will taste rubbish and you'll bin stuff and curse Nigella but you will improve with every recipe and be eating freshly made food that's so much better for you!

RESOLUTIONS!
Don't wait until January to climb back up on the wagon.. and that 'I'll start again on MONDAY' will always be there.. make a decision today.. for you.. for your health.. and your body... that you will take care of it and nourish it.. you only get one.. there's no spare parts! 

Again amazing losses.. this challenge has been I think one of the better ones.. I've been so motivated by you.. I mean I came back from NYC lighter!!! I KNOW!!! 

Hope you all had a great bank holiday weekend and didn't go too crazy! 

Another challenge in the pipeline and a little revamp going on here but fear not there will be no disturbance whilst the decorators are in! 

Doll x