"Improving Health Behaviors" p. 2-11

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Part 1 - My unhealthy behaviors
I tend to have many unhealthy behaviors. Like eating too many sweets and not getting enough exercise. Over the summer I had planned to go to the gym every day for two hours but after the first month I got lazy and didn't go after that. I also tend to read too many books that I get carried away with and I spend my whole day reading. I also don't get enough sleep at night or eat the right kinds of food.

Part 2 - Which behavior do I think I could change?
I really think I could change what I eat and how much exercise I get a day. Of course I could change all of my behaviors if I really put my mind to it, but for right now those are the two biggest ones that I know I can change I just didn't want to before.

Part 3 - What are 4 reasons I might want to change this behavior?
Four reasons are:
1.) I want to lose weight and look better
2.) I want to be able to run long distances and not get tired - be able to keep up with those who are faster than me.
3.) Getting exercise and eating right makes me feel better
4.) It has been a habit that has held me back in so many physical areas, plus I don't want to be a lazy mom when I get married and have kids.

Part 4 - How would changing this behavior help improve my overall health?
It would help improve my overall health by allowing my body to function better. When I don't eat the right foods my brain slows down and I can't function like I want to. When I don't get enough exercise I feel slow and tired all the time. These two behaviors, or I like to say habits, coexist because when I do get good exercise and eat right then I feel better overall and I know it's improving my body by them being the reason for my losing weight and achieving all my goals, physically and academically. Hey, when you do eat right and exercise you do better in school.

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I'd say that Maria is in Contemplation.
I think Abby is in Maintenance.
Terrell is in Preparation.
Jade is in Action.
I think Carlos is in Precontemplation.
I'd say that Gavin is in Relapse.

Page 8 - My Health Behavior Change Goal
1.) What health behavior are you going to attempt to change?
I am going to change how many sweets and fatty foods, along with dairy (I'm lactose intolerant) I eat. Also, I am going to change how much exercise I get in a week. I'm going to go to the gym every day and exercise for 1 to 2 hours a day.
2.) Write a statement that describes your thoughts related to this health behavior.
I think this health behavior is what has caused me to be so over weight. I think it's not helping me live healthier, or live longer. I also don't think it's going to be a good example for my patients when I become a doctor. I want them to be able to look at me and say "Wow, I think I could do that."
3.) What stage of change are you currently in?
I'd say that I am in Preparation and that I'm ready to kick this thing in the butt.
How do you know?
I know because I have the resources sitting right next to me right now and I'm planning a schedule so that I can get exercise every day and I'm in an Independent Study dedicated to just helping me live a healthier life, and maybe through me I could help others just like me.
4.) Write a specific goal for your health behavior change.
I will go to the gym every day and exercise from 1 to 2 hours. I will push myself and I will not fall prey to temptation to become lazy and eat sweet, fatty, or dairy foods.
5.) List 2 barriers or things that might get in the way of reaching your goal.
1.) Being tired.
2.) Having too much on my plate and I have to give up doing some things for that day.
3.) Watching friends eat things that I can't or going to a get together where the food is sitting right there on the table.

6.) List 3 benefits of reaching your goal.
1.) I will lose weight.
2.) I'll have a better self-esteem.
3.) I will be able to help others who are struggling just like me.

7.) Who can help you reach your goal?
I think that my parents, my friends, Ms. Reese, and anyone at the gym can help me reach my goal.

Well, that's enough for today. Wow, this book has a lot of great information and planning strategies to help me achieve a healthy lifestyle. It's so cool. See ya!