Starting Point #40: Nutritional Activity Readiness

St. Leonard Wellness Program Nutritional Activity Readiness Questionnaire- NAR-Q This questionnaire is one of the first steps to take when you are planning to evaluate your nutritional wellness. The NAR-Q will help you decide whether or not you may need to seek outside support from your medical team, mentors, or clergy to begin the sometimes emotional process of improving your nutritional wellness. Having other professionals involved in your nutritional improvement plan is a good idea, as they can help you with the change process. Please read the questions carefully and check YES or NO opposite the question if it applies to you. If yes, please explain. YES NO ____ ____ 1. Do you ever wonder if you have an appropriate relationship with food? Yes, ____________________________________________ ____ ____ 2. Do you avoid weighing yourself? Yes, _____________________________________________ ____ ____ 3. Do you have trouble balancing your hunger needs with your energy needs? Yes, ____________________________________________ ____ ____ 4. Do you wonder if you may be drinking too many alcoholic beverages? Yes, _____________________________________________ ____ ____ 5. Do you feel that you are too young or old to worry about your diet? Yes, _____________________________________________ ____ ____ 6. Have you tried to lose weight and/or do you have trouble keeping your weight stable and within your ideal range? Yes, _____________________________________________ ____ ____ 7. Have you avoided discussing nutrition topics with your doctor? Yes______________________________________________ ____ ____ 8. Are you taking herbs and supplements and wonder about their true benefits, and worry about their risks? Yes, _____________________________________________ ____ ____ 9. Do you worry about common foodborne illnesses and whether you are taking the proper precautions in all situations? Yes, _____________________________________________ ____ ____ 10. Do you avoid the dentist even though you have had dental issues? Yes, _____________________________________________ ____ ____ 11. Do you suffer from food related cravings and addictions? Yes,______________________________________________ ___ ____ 12. Do you have digestive disorders that are unstable? Yes, ________________________________________________ If you answered NO to all of the questions above, it gives a general indication that your nutritional wellness is stable. You may now wish to keep a journal of your nutritional wellness. This journal can act as a teaching tool for others who may need your help in this area. If you answered Yes to any of the above questions, then you should evaluate the issue and develop a plan for improvement in this area. Seek outside support as often as needed, and remember that change can be difficult if it occurs in isolation or without a network of support from friends or family.