Dieting and Intrinsic Rewards
People who diet often use an external reward to gauge progress: the scale. However, this may not be the most effective method.
Weight Loss Works When Rewards are Personal
Research has found that those who receive an external reward for completing a task actually lose internal motivation. It is possible though for people who are dieting to create their own rewards. For example, making better choices for their health. This allows them to feel more in control of their own success. Also, this allows them to give themselves credit for trying skills that promote healthy dieting.
Rad the full post here: Intrinsic Motivation.