Submitted by Lesley Price, RD, CD, Population Health Program, for Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
For the past year the LifeSteps LifeStyle Change Program has helped people make life-changing behavior changes. LifeSteps is a structured 16-week, in-person program that helps adults become healthier versions of themselves by creating healthier habits. It focuses on five key areas: nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, small group support and personal lifestyle change. Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (TCPHSS) is proud to offer this program free to participants!
LifeSteps is a researched-based nutrition, weight and lifestyle change program that uses proven strategies to help participants boost positivity, shift negative thinking, and create small, gradual behavior changes that lead to lasting health improvements in mind and body.
Some examples of behavior changes that can be made to help create these life-long improvements in mind and body include:
- Positive self-talk (affirmations). Instead of beating yourself up for eating that bowl of ice cream after dinner – praise yourself for the new habit you are working on of walking to your mailbox instead of driving your car.
- Daily WOWs – focus on one thing that went that went well or made you happy each day.
- Choose movement that brings you joy! Physical activity doesn’t have to be boring.
- Create a plan to deal with your emotional triggers related to food.
- Instead of circling the grocery store parking lot in your car 3 times looking for a close place to park – park farther away and walk if you are able.
- Add some fruit to your lunch.
- Stand up every hour and joyfully move around the house or office.
- Eat your meals on a smaller plate (portions have increased significantly over the years).
During each of the 16 weeks in the program you will take one small, achievable step to 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 Certified LifeSteps Leader who is a Registered Dietitian with over 30 years of experience in the nutrition field.
The possible benefits of LifeSteps are endless! Even the smallest behavior (habit) change can have lifelong rewards. You may feel better physically and emotionally. You may have more energy and have a more positive outlook on life. Your health could improve, and you might even make some lifelong friends!
If you think LifeSteps may be right for you at this time in your life, attend the required orientation on Thursday,January 22, 2026, at 10:00AM – 11:30AM at TCPHSS, 412 Lilly Rd, NE Olympia WA 98506. If you are still interested after the orientation, you will be scheduled for a one-on-one consultation with the Registered Dietitian to ensure this program is the right fit for you.
The in-person 16-week sessions will be held Thursdays, January 29 – May 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, 412 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia.
Register for the required orientation here.
Contact Lesley Price, RD, CD for more information at 360.480.4654 or email LifeSteps@co.thurston.wa.us.
