From Resistant to Radiant
Kris Klaerner forged a path to a healthy weight and better health with the help of the MOVE! team at the American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma, WA.
Deciding to Try
"I was resistant at first," Kris reports. Having struggled with her weight for years, she felt disheartened that she was not able to sustain change. "I was ashamed of my weight gain," she recalls, "but I also did not want to become a burden to my kids." In addition to the number on the scale going up, she began to notice effects on her health. After a consultation in which her VA dietitian recommended the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans, Kris resolved to give it a shot, even though she was "not immediately convinced."
MOVE! has structure but we still work at our own pace. We support each other and it’s great to have a little bit of that camaraderie back in my life.
Kris Klaerner
Making it Work
Kris began attending MOVE! group video sessions along with Be Active and MOVE! exercise sessions at her local VA and was thrilled to share that "activity has become fun again as the weight has been coming off, and my stamina is increasing." Physical activity was an important piece of the puzzle for Kris, but MOVE!’s comprehensive approach helped her make lasting changes to improve her health. Kris explains, "aside from moving a lot more, the way I eat has changed drastically. I am not on a diet. I have changed the way I eat and my relationship with food. I’ve learned to eat in a way that’s sustainable for me long term. I make sure I’m getting enough protein and fiber while watching portion sizes. I also keep my water intake consistent. I almost forgot how much I love fresh fruits and vegetables!"
Staying on Track
"I’m so happy that I…decided to give it a try!" Kris shares that since starting MOVE! she has lost weight, gained energy and confidence, improved sleep and pain, and been able to decrease some of her medication. "I am definitely a lot busier now," she shares, and is active with friends on the beach and local trails. Continuing with MOVE! Maintenance, as well as MOVE! Coach with Clinician Contact, Kris is setting new goals and working toward even more health benefits. "The support that’s available is just the right amount without being intrusive," Kris says about her MOVE! team. She leans on their support along with that of friends, children, and her church community to stay motivated and focused along her journey.
