VISN 8 MOVE and MOVEmployee - Motivation

	MOVE!		Food		Exercise		Motivation		Health		Local Info

Motivation

MOVE23! Questionnaire Stages of Change Stress Reduction Emotional Eating/Addiction Support Systems/Links

Stages of Change

It is important to gauge your level of motivation when discussing any major change, such as dieting or starting an exercise routine.  What are your reasons? Do you have an end goal in mind? Here are some pointers to assist you:

1. Consider taking the MOVE23! Questionnaire if you haven't already done so. You may link on the national MOVE website to do this or speak with your VA nutritionist or dietitian.
2. Set some reasonable goals. Determine safe weight loss goals with your physician and/or dietician and ask them to help you set timeframes.
3. Discuss exercise options with your physician. Think about what sounds FUN to you and go from there. See the Exercise portion of this website for further information.
4. Get support. Tell your closest family and friends that your goal is to lose weight and that you may need their understanding and support. The people around you will need to change, too. For example, your best friend may lose a snacking buddy, or your spouse may lose his/her favorite tester when trying out new and rich dessert recipes. See if you can interest them in what you're doing, so that they will understand.  Please check out more information in Support Systems.
5. Imagine yourself in the end. Perhaps there is a certain size you'd like to fit into or a new outfit you'd like to buy. Maybe you see yourself dancing at a reunion, looking fitter than ever. Recall this image every day, at least upon waking and going to bed. Imagination is a powerful tool and can help you battle against temptation and discouragement.
6. Finally, be kind to yourself! It took you a long time to get where you are now, and change is a challenge.  If you find yourself slipping, re-evaluate your level of motivation and ask for assistance.

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Stress Reduction

There are many tips on how to manage stress. Learning to apply them could help your stress level come under your control and could lead to quicker changes in what and how you eat.

Exercise, relaxation, meditation, and distraction (hobbies, social activities, and fun) are very useful in helping to relieve high stress levels.  Additional assistance is useful through counseling because we sometimes create stress and tension out of habit.

If you feel you are under too much stress to get your overeating under control, consider asking your local VA mental health clinic for some tips. Also check out the following links on stress and how to manage it.

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