Thursday, April 7, 2011

Incentives, Part 2

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing … that’s why we recommend it daily.” ~Zig Ziglar

Behavior modification is not my favorite. I spent most of this last week trying to think of some really good incentives to help keep me motivated. Gold stars aren’t going to cut it.

So, I made myself a little chart (it’s really more like a daily journal page), and I listed out all my supplements and left space for writing in what I ate that day. I also created a space for writing in my caffeine and alcohol consumption, both of which I do not plan to kick completely out of my diet. And at the bottom of the page is a section for recording any exercise.

I’ve decided to focus on supplements and healthy eating in April and to hold off adding exercise until May. One new thing a month might be all I can handle.

I’m focusing my efforts on weight loss. Like Erin, I think this could really improve my fertility. Unfortunately, I have this annoying habit of losing and regaining the same 2 pounds every week, which needs to stop. Right now.

I’ve decided I’m going to pay myself $10 for every pound I lose. After the first 10 pounds, the price will go up. At first I was thinking of rewarding myself by buying a bottle of wine, but that might be counterproductive. Anyway, I’ll set the money aside and when I hit 10 pounds, I can spend it on whatever I want.

Regarding the supplements, I need some tiny reward I can give myself daily for a job well done. I’m thinking if I take all my supplements one day, then the next day I can buy myself a KeVita or Kombucha. These drinks are super healthy, but I definitely think of them as a treat. On the weekends, maybe I’ll get a latte.  

I need change to be slow enough that I stick to it but the results to be fast enough that I stay motivated. Plus, I need to be able to cheat without derailing my diet. Yes, I'm hoping for a miracle.

(Fair warning: Not everyone loves my funky health drinks as much as I do. You may think they are grosser than royal jelly.)

7 comments:

  1. You made me try Kombucka and I still haven't forgiven you. Yuck! ;-)

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  2. Dan doesn't know what he's talking about - Kombucha rules! Go Raw Strawberry! =D

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  3. I've been thinking about this some more, too, and I think I'm going to make an inspiration board, a la a seventh-grade art project. I'm going to paste inspirational magazine photos on it and a little thermometer thingy showing my weight loss ... I find it's easier to stick with the program when I constantly remind myself I've actually lost a little weight and that it would be really shitty if I gained it back.

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  4. Erin, you should try drinking Kombucha. It's very good at killing your appetite.

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  5. John - that's what I have flax seed oil and royal jelly for, both of which make me gag. :-)

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  6. I just keep telling myself it's only for three months. I can do anything for three months. And does the royal jelly give you royal heartburn? It does me.

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  7. C~
    I if I went on a real, healthful eating diet, I think my dad would actually pitch in $10 for every pound lost. I think you should solicit financial supporters.

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