It is a wonderful feeling when you finally reach the point of losing those 10 pounds you wanted to drop. However, it takes a while to reach that goal. Even if you’re diligent about doing a slow and steady diet of good habits, like eating nutritious foods balanced with plenty of exercise and sleep, at most your body can drop around 1 pound a week. That’s 10 weeks - around 2.5 months - before you get your reward and develop a true healthy habit. 

You know what your brain loves immediately? Indulging in that slice of chocolate cake you’ve been trying so hard to resist. A chemical reaction occurs in the brain in the form of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine the moment we bite into that moist chocolatey goodness. It’s enough to make you forget all about your goal that you’re over 2 months away from reaching. 

Therefore, create short-term rewards for yourself every time you practice your good habit. For example, if you’re craving something sweet (like chocolate cake) give yourself something sweet and get that immediate reward. However, choose something like a sweet juicy apple or a fresh orange instead to satisfy the craving.

Or, for every time you choose a healthy option over something indulgent, figure out a way to reward yourself. Maybe drop a dollar into a jar (to buy yourself something fun at the end of the week), or take a long hot bath. By enjoying an immediate reward, you’ll be more likely to enjoy the process of forming the habit rather than waiting for the end result. 

Making true changes in life isn’t necessarily about having enough willpower or strength to create change. It’s making small changes consistently - over and over again - to the point where it becomes a habit. That habit is your daily ritual that takes so little thought that it naturally becomes a part of what you do, and who you are. These tips will help you make and keep your healthy habits going throughout your entire life!