In my world, most great athletic endeavors are followed by great eating endeavors. I  recently completed a short triathlon in Santa Barbara and followed it up with a burrito that I enjoyed while sitting outside of a friend’s local shop. While I was chowing down, someone came to shop and I made a joke to excuse myself for stuffing my face while she shopped around me. A fellow bench-sitter chimed in saying, “She earned that burrito, she did a triathlon today!”

While I appreciate the intention behind this comment, and know that it was a compliment and acknowledgment of an accomplishment, it actually bothered me. So much so that I am still thinking about it many days later. 

Here’s why: food is not a reward for exercising. I do not exercise to earn my food. I enjoy exercising and I enjoy eating. Food fuels my body and supports my ability to exercise. When I exercise more, I am often hungrier, so I eat more. I am more likely to eat a burrito after a long bout of exercise because I am hungrier than when I do little exercise. I feel strongly about this because if food is a reward for exercising, then the reverse is also true: exercise is a punishment for eating. Neither is true nor necessary. 

While I have been ruminating on this, I have also been listening intently to the people around me and noticing the ways we refer to food in relation to exercise. There are many off-hand comments made about “earning” food and drinks from exercise. It is a deeply ingrained way of thinking and I hope we can collectively start changing these thoughts and comments and eventually the mindset around them. 

Humans are hardwired for rewards, so it would be silly not to use that system. But, like everything, it is up to us to use that system responsibly and choose appropriate rewards. What makes rewards appropriate would be unique to each individual. What motivates and excites you? New clothes? Then maybe buying a new article of workout clothing when you sign up for a race or when you finish a 6 week challenge is a good reward. Are you motivated by feel-good rewards? Maybe treating yourself to a massage once a year or once a month is appealing. Are you socially motivated? Maybe planning a fun outing or weekend adventure with friends when you accomplish your goal is best. 

This is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better, to find out what really motivates you, to see which rewards help your personal drive. It will take some trial and error, and you will not nail it on the first try, especially if you have been using food as a reward for a long time. Be patient and give yourself some grace. Behavioral changes are best accomplished in small increments over time. I encourage you to maintain a curious mindset and be observant. Try different things and see how you feel as you go. Keep as many of the things that make you feel good as you can. And when I say feel good, I mean the good kind of good…not the fleeting sugar high you get from eating cake on the couch.

And just to be very clear: this does NOT mean that I cannot be bribed with food…that is a different notion altogether and absolutely still works…. :) 

Originally posted September 15, 2021.