Finding the Right Path
Ron Davis worked closely with his VA dietitian in Birmingham, AL, to lose weight and build healthy habits he could maintain for the rest of his life.
Setting the Course
Ron’s weight loss journey began in early 2023. At the time, his weight was contributing to significant health issues. "I was unable to do the basic things," he explains, "like get up off the floor without assistance or walk short distances without stopping for breath." When a VA provider suggested that he see a dietitian, Ron was hesitant. He shares that he needed "someone who could gently, tactfully encourage me to be accountable." Then he met with MOVE! Dietitian Stephanie Eddy, who encouraged him to try the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans as one of the first steps on his journey to better health.
[MOVE!] is worth it. I know how hard it is to lose weight…don’t let anything stand in your way of becoming a healthier you! If I can do it, anyone can do it!
Ron Davis
On the Right Track
With Stephanie’s guidance and support, Ron began to learn and utilize strategies that led to healthier habits. Through detailed discussions with Stephanie, analyzing his past habits, and creating an action plan, Ron started by making small, manageable changes. "She dug deep into my past…and current eating habits, why I binged, why I was a stress eater, and most of all, she developed a program to best meet my needs," Ron explains. He came to understand the "why" behind his eating habits and learned about psychological hunger and its effect on his routine. "My total health composition was more than what I ate," Ron recalls. "It involved my mental outlook, my physical activity, and so much more." MOVE!’s focus on each of these factors helped Ron "make a lifelong lifestyle change" by adding habits like paying close attention to ingredients and nutrients to create healthy recipes.
Enjoying the Destination
"I owe all of my success to three people," Ron explains. "God, my wife Linda, and Ms. Stephanie Eddy. In a nutshell, my life has improved dramatically." Ron has lost over 100 pounds and has improved his health in different ways, such as being able to walk 90 minutes nonstop and get down and up from the floor easily, having more energy, needing fewer medications, and improvements in sleep and blood work. "I never dreamed I could be this healthy and I am so grateful to Ms. Eddy and VA," he shares. Ron has maintained his new healthy weight and enjoys having more energy for his daily life, especially his model train hobby.
