That is a power packed question too! As for buying clothes for motivation- I am so sick of my skinny clothes! And, is it a bad sign that they are no longer in style and I still can't fit them? I am torn on this issue. I think that allowing myself to by bigger clothes has just allowed me to fill them in! I may try to pull out my motivation jeans, or bathing suit and let you know how it goes!

When I was working out very hard, and eating clean- the longer into my regime, the less I even craved my "cheat day". In the beginning, however- I thoroughly enjoyed my cheat day. Some people do absolutely warn you, however to not overdo it as you can really pack on the calories in one day. My tip would be to keep it to a cheat meal, or your favorite desert. That is how I began.

My motivation source changes all of the time. Sometimes it is the jeans or the bathing suit. Sometimes it is an occasion, or an event. Sometimes it's an activity- running the stairs again!, etc. The key is keeping on top of the changes and finding the source so that you can keep with the ebbs and flows. Tricky- I still haven't figured it out completely. It is about building the momentum and getting back on the healthy wagon as quickly as you identify that you're off. Good luck. What works for you?

Actually I do use buying clothes as a motivation, but I don't buy them before I can wear them. After I lose five pounds I may treat myself to a new top at the ten pound mark a couple of pairs of pants. I like buying new clothes in smaller sizes that fit and flatter. Buying them before I can wear them never motivates me. It just depresses me and makes me want to give up. Other rewards are new makeup, having my nails done or getting a massage. Eating as a reward is a horrible idea.