We teach LifeSteps^® because it’s a realistic lifestyle that people can continue for the rest of their life.  They learn that it’s manageable in every aspect of even the craziest life and schedule.

We also have an exercise specialist as part of our team who is available to meet with participants to help them get an exercise program going and take away the scariness of movement and exercise.

Brenda Moeckly, MS, RDN, CD  |  Clinical Dietitian, Wellness                                     

Kaitie Delgado, MS, RD, CD, ACSM-CPT   |  Clinical Dietitian, Nutrition and Dietetics Department

Organization:  Hendricks Regional Medical Center, Indiana

Teaching LifeSteps^® since:  2011

Programs offered:  One day and evening program twice a year, a starting in January and August

You’ve had had great success at Hendricks with the LifeSteps^®. What do you think makes it so successful?

It’s a realistic lifestyle that people can continue for the rest of their life.  They learn that it’s manageable in every aspect of even the craziest life and schedule.

We also have an exercise specialist as part of our team who is available to meet with participants to help them get an exercise program going and take away the scariness of movement and exercise.

What’s your key message about LifeSteps^®?  

It’s a lifelong program.  That’s what many people comment about when the program ends.  They feel empowered to continue because they recognize they can still eat their favorite foods.  We’re teaching them how to live a healthier life that includes these foods in a healthier way.

What changes do you typically see in participants as you teach the program?

In every single class, people are just blown away that they need to eat more fruits and vegetables. They’ve never really realized it until they start tracking their intake. They think that they are eating them, but in reality they aren’t.

They also learn what a serving size looks like and how much they have been eating.  They think they’re not eating very much, but actually they were eating two, three or more servings at a time.

They often try new healthy foods and they’re surprised that they like them. A lot of the foods are fruit or vegetables.

What do you like most about teaching LifeSteps^®?  

The inspiration we get from participants is unbelievable.  We walk in thinking they need to be inspired by us, but truly, we are inspired by them and the changes they make. That’s rewarding for us.

What do you like most about the program?

We like how each step opens with the “Where Are You Now” activity. They’re simple questions that are eye-opening.  It’s simple questions like these that surprise them. Every week with the ‘Where Are You Now’ people say, “Hmmm, I didn’t know I was doing that.”

What personal benefits have you experienced from teaching LifeSteps^® ?  

Katie: I practice what I preach so it keeps me on track.

Brenda: Personally, I just enjoy the relationships that build over the 16 weeks. By the last third of the program, I look forward to people coming through the door and catching up on how their week has been.

Can you comment on the group aspect of the program?

That’s big for both of us. At orientation and week one, they’re leery of the group.  When they realize they’re all doing the same thing and they buddy up. Then, it’s difficult to hold class because we can’t keep them quiet!  They walk in with a “wall up” and different individual goals.  Then that wall comes down and it’s ‘game on’ because they’re all here for same reason.

What’s the most inspiring story you have to tell about your experience with the LifeSteps^® program?

There are so many! One that comes to mind is a husband and wife who took LifeSteps^® twice in a row, which we get sometimes. When they started they could not walk from their car to where they weigh in – probably 100 yards.   Now they are all over the place!  They exercise three times a week and still come to weigh in. They’re an inspiration.

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