LifeSteps® LifeStyle Change Program
What is LifeSteps® LifeStyle Change Program?
LifeSteps® is a 16-week nutrition, weight, and lifestyle change program grounded in five components: nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, small group support and personal lifestyle change.
Grounded in Science
LifeSteps® is an evidence-based program based on over 20 years of research.
- It follows the guidelines of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Research Group.
- The nutritional concepts are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans & MyPlate – Five Food Groups – Food First.
- The physical activity concepts are based on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Group support is a vital component, and the social support makes it fun! LifeSteps® is a comprehensive program that empowers participants and teaches lifelong skills.
What to Expect
LifeSteps® is not a diet, it is a lifestyle change. During the 16-week small group sessions you will make tiny habits that have the potential to last a lifetime.
- The first step is learning about your eating and activity behaviors by using the LifeSteps® unique FOOD AND ACTIVITY RECORD. By tracking your daily food and activity on this powerful, proven weight management tool, you will discover specific behaviors that may have been hindering your progress until now.
- Then you take one small, achievable step each week and create a personal action plan that leads to a healthier version of yourself.
- You will be provided guidance on what is included in a more nutrient dense eating pattern by a Registered Dietitian who is a Certified LifeSteps® Leader.
- You will also create a physical activity plan that works for you.
Note: There will be no weigh-ins as part of this program. You are encouraged to monitor your own weight if that is a goal for you.
Benefits of LifeSteps®
Some of the many possible positive benefits of LifeSteps® include:
- Feel better physically and emotionally
- Decrease stress
- Become more positive
- More energy
- Make new friends
- Clothes fit better
- Possibly being able to reduce or stop medications
- Better blood sugar control
- Improved blood pressure
- Decreased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and many other chronic diseases
- Manage weight
- Weight loss IF that is your goal. LifeSteps® can also work for you if you don’t want to focus on weight loss but want to become a healthier version of yourself. A healthier lifestyle is NOT about the scale!
What is the cost and how do I find out if LifeSteps® is right for me?
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department is proud to offer this program free to participants. It also includes a LifeSteps® - Your Personal Plan for LifeStyle Change notebook.
Orientation Sessions:
If you think LifeSteps® may be right for you at this time in your life, be sure to attend one of the required orientations (registration link below):
Date & Time: January 14 or 21, 2025, at 2:00PM – 3:00PM.
Location: Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department - 412 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Personal Interviews:
An initial one-on-one consultation will be scheduled with the Registered Dietitian at the orientation. This consultation will help make sure this program is the right fit for you.
Program Dates:
The in-person 16-week sessions will be held Tuesdays, January 28 – May 13, 2025, from 2:00PM – 3:00PM.
Please note: LifeSteps® is not an appropriate program for someone living with an eating disorder or who expresses behaviors of disordered or restrictive eating patterns during the pre-program consultation with the Registered Dietitian. If you or someone you love is living with an eating disorder or has behaviors of disordered or restrictive eating patterns, there is help available:
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders
- Call the free helpline: 1-888-662-1235
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
- Call the free helpline: 1-888-375-7767
- The Emily Program
- 888-364-5977 or admissions@emilyprogram.com
Contact Lesley Price, RD, CD for more information at (360) 480-4654 or email LifeSteps@co.thurston.wa.us.
The dates for the fall 2025 LifeSteps® series will be announced in the summer of 2025.