weight loss and "paying for It"

First, concerning the question posed on the comments yesterday: artificial sweeteners seem to have no adverse impact on weight loss efforts..long term effects of Nutrasweet/Splenda etc? No defined studies showing increase cancer rates but we can never go wrong with drinking water as our beverage of choice!

Today's topic is about a human trait of being motivated when we "pay for something". One of the aspects that contgributes to the success of any weight loss program or effort is the person paying money for it. We, as humans, tend to want to "get our monies' worth". hence the rreason why cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts are not a good vacation for a person trying to lose weight...put ourselves in a situation where we are paying the same price whether we eat/drink more or less and guaranteed we will feel the pressure to eat/drink more so as to get the full value of what we paid for. Similarly, when people are paying money for weight loss efforts, there is an added incentive/motivation to be successful in the efforts.

How can we create a sense of "paying for it" when we are really not? Obviously, we love to see our patients but we also root for your success in keeping that weight off. Perhaps buying clothes (expensive) that will only fit when weight is maintained/further loss occurs? Other ideas?

Think about how you can provide a sense of "paying for it" even when you leave your visits. This can only help in your continued success.