Using the Decision-Making Process Gabriel meets with his doctor, who advises him to lose weight and then maintain a weight in the healthy BMI range. After his doctor’s appointment, Gabriel sits down to make a plan for losing weight. He determines that he needs to lose 20 pounds and wants to lose them in three months. Gabriel talks with his friends and family members about his goal to lose 20 pounds in three months. His friends and family members offer a few ideas, and Gabriel also researches weight-loss strategies online. He keeps a list of possible strategies: ● ●● Exercise 30 minutes three to five times per week for three months. ●● Eat two meals per day instead of three for three months. ●● Start a fad diet to lose weight quickly for three months. ●● Take diet pills for three months. ● Eat lower-calorie meals and exercise 30 minutes three to five days per week for three months. Gabriel considers the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative. After more research, he learns that skipping meals, taking diet pills, and following fad diets can have serious negative side effects. He learns that experts recommend reducing calories and increasing exercise. He also talks with his brother, who has successfully lost weight in the past. He lists his alternatives in order from most effective to least effective. Gabriel chooses to eat lower-calorie meals and exercise 30 minutes three to five days per week for three months. Figure 2.1 The decision-making process consists of six steps and can be used to help you make your best decisions every day. To implement his decision, Gabriel joins an exercise class at a gym nearby. He plans a workout schedule and begins using an app to plan his meals and calorie intake. He plans to weigh himself and track his weight once a week. After three months, Gabriel reviews his progress. He has lost 15 pounds. Gabriel has been exercising three days per week and likes how he feels. He decides to continue attending the exercise class. He has noticed he gets hungry between meals and sometimes eats too much for dinner. To revise his plan, Gabriel decides to eat small, healthy snacks between meals. Evaluate and revise. Decide and act. Identify the best alternative. Consider the consequences. Explore alternatives and options. Define the decision or problem. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 36 Unit 1 Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Wellness