Thirteen Alternatives to Food Rewards
If you’re at all like me, then at least at one point in the past you have rewarded yourself (and probably others, too) with food rewards. A cake. A pie. Sweets. A night out. His/her favourite indulgence.
And why not? It usually tastes excellent, isn’t something s/he eats every day, and makes the person feel good.
Well, that sort of thing isn’t so great for those of us trying to have a healthier lifestyle. While having a treat every now and then certainly isn’t the end of the world, it would make things easier if we just changed the behavior habits…
1. If you must make a food something, then make it healthy. Things like fruit pizza are usually very yum without as much of the bad stuff to worry about.
2. If you must go out for a meal, choose a place with a lot of healthier choices. Or a place the focuses on healthier food. That makes it easier.
3. Try a non-food outing. There are parks, theme parks, tours, market days… If you go out, it doesn’t mean you have to eat.
4. Try a CD or DVD. This can mean a lot more than food because it shows you pay enough attention to know what the person likes.
5. Gift cards. People think they are impersonal, but I think they’re nice. What’s better than letting someone pick out what they really want?
6. Go to the movies.
7. Spa day. While this might not work as much for the guys, it’s still a great idea. If you’re willing to spend money on the person, why not do something to enhance their life instead of hindering it (with not good for you food)?
8. Other shopping. Has the person got a new job? Clothes shopping. Has the person accomplished something tough? Maybe a new something to symbolize getting through that struggle.
9. A weekend holiday. Go somewhere new and have a little fun.
10. A lazy weekend. Declare a lazy weekend where you don’t answer the phone, wear your pajamas all day, and just relax.
11. Go out with a group of friends. Maybe shoot some pool, go for a drive, or do something else with your group.
12. Go to a sporting event or concert.
13. And sometimes a hug and a kiss is all that’s needed to make someone else feel great.
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