I used to get a kick from watching "The Little Rascals" at the movies and on TV.  They frequently came up with ingenious plans and inventions... which usually got them into trouble.

One scene that sticks out in my mind is Spanky and Alfalfa in a wagon tied to an old nag.  Spanky is holding a cane fishing pole and attached to the end is a big, juicy carrot.  This is their fuel supply.  They dangle it in front of the horse and, trying to step forward to get a bite, the horse pulls the wagon along.

Do you have a carrot dangling in front of you?  What rewards do you get for following your diet and exercise plans?

Too many of us wake up one morning to discover we have "suddenly" become overweight... unable to bend over to tie our shoes... having to lie down on the bed to get our jeans zipped.  We begin our weight control program with enthusiasm and dedication.  Weight loss itself is our "carrot" and we rejoice when the bathroom scale keeps showing lower numbers.

But then something happens.  People notice we've lost weight, tell us how good we look and add, "You don't need to lose anymore."  Never mind that we obviously still have 20...30...50 or more pounds to lose.

Our clothes are fitting better.  Our feet don't hurt as much.  We can climb a flight of stairs without getting winded.

Enthusiasm wanes.  We no longer follow our diet and exercise plans as strictly as we once did.  Also, our body seems to be physically readjusting to our new weight...shifting gears if you will...and the result is a plateau or even a slight regain of weight.

Since the weight loss itself was our only reward, we feel betrayed, frustrated and discouraged.

Don't despair!  There is a simple answer.  Dangle some new carrots!  Create a reward system for yourself to help reintroduce the dedication and enthusiasm necessary to get moving again.  Decide what changes you need to make in your diet and exercise plans and create a reward for carrying these plans out.

For example, let's say your exercise has slipped.  Your new plan is to walk briskly five to seven days a week.  Create some way to reward yourself for sticking to this plan.  Every day you walk, put a poker chip in your "reward jar" or a "gold star" on your progress chart.  When you accumulate 10 chips or stars, give yourself a treat... go to a movie, buy a book, get a new blouse or tie, phone that old college roommate (long-distance) you haven't seen in three years and talk for 15 minutes.  Use a reward that makes sense for you given your interests and your budget.

Create a similar reward system for...say...not eating any snacks between supper and bedtime.  Give yourself a reward when you've accumulated the appropriate number of stars or chips.

You may also want to have a special reward waiting for you at major points along the way... e.g. after every 25 pounds of weight lost and/or when you reach your final weight goal.  This reward should be major, like that special piece of jewelry, a Caribbean cruise, or a major shopping trip to replace your entire wardrobe.

There's only one caution.  Don't use food as a reward... i.e. "If I exercise five to seven days this week, I can go pig out at the ice cream shop."  This would be setting yourself up for disaster.

Be creative!  Challenge yourself!  Have fun!  Make sticking to your weight loss program a game.  This rekindles the enthusiasm and dedication you had at the start.

And guess what?  You're likely to start moving again when the "horse" sees all those new carrots (carats?) dangling right in front of him.