Motivating Change

In this episode, Dr. Rak and Po delve into motivation, and specifically, they talk about self-determination theory, in addition to a discussion on controlling our food environment.   

Self-determination theory is a psychological theory that focuses on the motivation behind human behavior and the importance of fulfilling innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in achieving well-being and personal growth. It posits that individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors that align with their own interests and values, and that supporting these needs can lead to greater satisfaction and thriving.

First Dr. Rak and Po talk about relatedness, and Po and Dr. Rak both reflect on his prior exercise habits they developed that were fueled by community and connection. 

Next, they talk about autonomy and feeling in control of our life and our decisions.  They also discuss the benefits of movement in quieting the mind, particularly the Default-Mode-Network (DMN), a series of brain structures involved in self-referential and ruminating thoughts.

They also discuss how we frame movement, as a gift versus a chore, and how that impacts our motivation.

Finally, they talk about competence and the interrelatedness of competence and autonomy. 

The discussion then pivots to talking about the food environment, specifically, how Po doesn’t feel in control of his and the steps that Dr. Rak has taken to manage his.

The two end by thanking the listeners and describing more of their vision for The Health Feast.

Have a question or comment for Dr. Rak and Po?  You can submit them on our website at thehealthfeast.com

Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before embarking on this journey.  The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of our employers.