A new (?) idea for mini-goal "rewards"

A recent topic on how to reward ourselves as we reach interim goals got me thinking.  Even though I have been buying little things for myself at each mini-goal, I didn't really find it very "rewarding".  I decided I needed something that would make my success more tangible to me, and also maybe "atone" a little for all the self-absorption that improving my health has seemed to engender. 

I just achieved another 10-pound mini goal, bringing my total lost to about 40 pounds (about 30 since discovering CC).

I went to Costco and bought:

• All-natural peanut butter (2 jars)
• Albacore tuna in water (8 cans)
• Chicken breast in water (6 cans)
• Cheerios (big box)
• Quaker Granola (double pouch)
• Kidney beans (8 cans)
• Diced tomatoes (12 cans)
• Graham crackers (big box)

About 40 pounds of food.  It cost about $60.  It represents a serious commitment to my own better health (priceless).

Today, I will drop by the local food bank and donate this to people who have a much greater need for it than I had a need for the 40 pounds of fat it "represents".

I took pictures of both me and the food.  I can't believe that I used to carry this much weight (not volume -- I got some lower bulk items as well as cans) around on my body. 

I really feel "rewarded" and plan to continue this exercise each 10 pounds until I reach my final goal.

Great ideas, and many congratulations. 40 pounds is fabulous.

Cheers on the weight loss! What a very wonderful and inspiring way to reward yourself. Thank you for sharing it.

I would like to say that I was truly touched by this; it is because twice in this past year I have had to apply to Food Bank myself, the last time just two months ago. I may have to do it again this month. It has gotten my family through some very hard times. It's rough to calorie count IMO when you're eating food from Food Bank, because often times it's Mac & Cheese or something unhealthy; for this reason, I especially appreciate those who donate healthier options. Not everyone using Food Bank is starving or skinny; they are often simply very poor and need to round out their extremely limited diet which might consist of just rice and beans, for example. It's hard to get in your fruits and veggies when Ramen noodles are so much cheaper...

Many Thanks for sharing your very thoughtful & brilliant idea. Your choice of food to donate is not only healthy, but versatile. I'm always inspired by people like you, who are focused in their goals, but not self-absorb. Sharing one's joy & success is a good way to keep the good Karma of this world swirling.... Congrats on your weight loss! Way to go!!!!     

What a wonderful, generous way to celebrate your mini-goals. You are a wonderful person. Best of luck in your pursuit of "loss".

hey this is a great idea because not only does losing the weight make u feel great but giving to others makes u do too. so you are doubling you endorphin high.  congrats on the weight loss and thanks for sharing the tip. will definately do this.

What an excellent idea --- in addition to serving a good cause, it gives you a visual of how much you've lost!  Thanks for sharing ....

God Bless you!

What you have done is amazing thing and it brings tears to my eyes.  You have truly inspired me to do the same thing.  I too have lost 40 pounds as of this weekend and I am going to the store to make some healthy choices to donate to our local shelter.  I am also going to spread the word on this selfless act of kindness to everyone I know who is on this journey.  Thank you for sharring your wonderful idea. 

Great idea!  Donating the amount of food equal to the weight I've lost!  I'm there! I've tried to incorporate being grateful for so much food that I have to fight NOT to eat, especially when I know others who are fighting to find enough to eat everyday.  It has helped change the way I think but this is putting that thought into action!  I like it!!!

This idea is so simple and so excellent that I am speechless.  You have inspired me!  This month I reached my first major goal of 50 pounds gone, and I pledge to donate fifty pounds of healthy food to the food bank this month.

PS - Thanks to all the wonderful people on CC who really make this work.  I have never had such success in getting myself healthy before and I know it was all of you who helped me get where I am.  Hugs to all!

I just started on my journey to lose 50 lbs...  I definitely love the idea of donating to the food bank.  I don't know where there is one around where I live.  Does anyone know how to find out?  Thank you guys, wish me luck on my new journey!

Almost every county in the US has a food bank.  Church groups and HIV support groups often collect food donations, as well.  The approach I used was to google "food bank" and "food pantry" and my location to find the nearest options.

Congratulations,

Great job, inspirational and motivational. I will consider this when I sart having some considerable weight loss that would be measurable to donate. I plan to donate to Goodwill as well and will weigh my clothing before bringing it in, see if I can match my loss then, and will come back and report! Awesome!

Man, this site is going to help me lose that last ten, reading these make me want to try harder and not give up.

Great Idea!!!

well i want to congradulate you on your mini goal!!!! great job!!! that is a great idea to donate the amout of weight you lost to a food bank thats awesome!!!

i agree with the others here who have said it is a very kind and wonderful way to celebrate your weight loss! and to see it separate from yourself is amazing!

Great to see so many good suggestions.

It really is an awakening when you look at it from that point of view.  Not only did this remind you of what you've lost and to keep on going but you also helped out a charity by donating during a very struggling time (I assume they are struggling because of the economy right now and there isn't a lot to give).

I really like your idea and I hope to be able to come back in here and say I've done the same (weightloss and donating).  Thanks for sharing!!

-uneeq-

That is so cool, I really liked that idea!  You are very thoughtful and I know the food bank and people it helps will be so grateful to get that food!!