Achieving Lasting Change
Deborah Reed worked with the MOVE! team at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, MI, to beat the "yo-yo" and develop a healthy lifestyle that would help her remain consistent.
A New Start
Deborah's efforts to maintain a healthy weight have been a battle for "most of my adult life," she explains. While being in the military provided motivation for her to keep weight off, after she retired, "all bets were off." Unsatisfied with her weight gain, Deborah reached out to her VA health care team and was referred to the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans. Ready to make a change, Deborah began participating in October 2024.
[Veterans] need to try it. If they are struggling with weight or just want to lead a healthier lifestyle they need to give MOVE! a try.
Deborah Reed
Enjoying Healthy Habits
After starting MOVE!, Deborah realized that "the biggest thing that helped me the most was tracking my food intake," and that "learning to read food labels and understanding them" was also essential. Importantly, "learning to eat better, but still enjoy your food" made a great difference as well. Deborah's husband began cooking them delicious, healthy meals that made sticking to their plans easier. "Not only did it save us pounds, but it saved us money," she recalls. Another healthy habit Deborah has added is using a rebounder while watching TV, sharing that instead of sitting, she now adds to her minutes of activity.
Continuing to Strive
Since starting MOVE!, Deborah has lost over 30 pounds and plans to continue to enjoy the benefits of her new, healthy lifestyle. In addition to the weight loss, Deborah reports other improvements to her health. "I feel better, I eat better, and I have more energy," she explains. She is grateful to her MOVE! team, and especially her husband, for their support and encouragement throughout her weight loss journey. Thanks to feeling better, Deborah has found the energy to give back, and now volunteers with a dog rescue organization.
