Do you too often feel oh-so tempted to zip through the closest drive thru? And, do you also find yourself oh-so easily picking up pounds year after year? If so, you may want to give this idea a try. One of my clients passed a fastastic idea on to me a few years ago. She said by committing herself to this for one year (and a few other simple things), she was able to shed 47 pounds and take her kids on a great vacation!!
So, what was her secret? She put a plastic money jar in her car. Every time she was tempted to eat out but made the choice to eat at home or pack her food instead, she would place the money she would have spent into her jar. She would empty it out every month or two and treat herself to something she wouldn’t normally have money for. She said it was just enough motivation, placed right at her point of decision, that helped her start to make a change. A change she had “thought” about making for a long time! Once she cashed her money in once…she was hooked!
If you like this idea, here is exactly how she did it:
1. Get a plastic money bank, or any empty container with a lid. Cut a slit to deposit money in the top.
2. Glue or duct tape the lid on so you won’t be tempted to take money out.
3. If you use an ATM card often, you may want to attach a pad of “post it” notes to the outside or keep them in your car. Fill out an IOU to yourelf for the amount. Make note of what you wanted to buy just for your entertainment later when you cash in!
4. Place the container in your car somewhere you won’t forget about it. Write a silly title or note on it if you like that sort of thing. 
5. Make a committment to yourself that anytime you are tempted to pick up fast food when you could realistically go home and eat a better choice. Put that money into your jar.
6. Make a plan for when you are going to “cash in” or your new habits and see how much money you have been wasting on unhealthy food!
Thanks Janet for this fab idea!! If you have great ideas that have worked for you….please share!
