Michelle Wilson

“I’m eating better, feeling better, sleeping better. My cholesterol is down, blood pressure is down, and prediabetes is not a concern anymore.”

Transforming More Than a Diet

The L.I.F.E Program is designed to give you the knowledge you need to live a healthy life. During convenient evening meetings, David Kroska, MD, covers lifestyle, food and exercise in this transformative 10-week course.

CentraCare Weight Management features a team of health coaches, dietitians and doctors who will tailor a weight loss plan just for you.

Michelle Wilson spoke with us about her experience in both programs.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your health story? What led you to the L.I.F.E program?

Michelle: I live in St. Cloud. I’m 39 years young! I enjoy reading, spending time with family, hiking, hunting for agates at the North Shore, camping and driving my ’68 Mustang. We moved into a new house three years ago and are still remodeling so a lot of time is spent on that right now.

I have been wanting to lose weight for several years. I felt fat, frumpy, dumpy, out-of-shape. I could not keep up with the kids and did not like looking in the mirror at myself. In December 2018, I had a breakdown. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was desperate for a change. So, I jumped in with both feet. I signed up for the L.I.F.E Program, enrolled in the CentraCare Weight Management Program and took exercise classes at the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA. So far, I have lost 20 pounds and two pant sizes, and plan to keep going!

Q: How did you hear about the L.I.F.E program?

Michelle: I work at the St. Cloud Medical Group and while I was reading a newsletter, I saw that a class was coming up. I started the process to sign up, and just did it!

Q: What changes have you made since taking the course?

Michelle: I only eat meat once or twice a week, have more whole grains and I cut down on dairy. My husband and kids are not totally there with me yet, but we are working on it. My sister, parents and stepmom think that I am nuts for eating “vegetarian” and being a “hippie.” I guess that is what they call someone trying to be healthy!

Q: Was there anything in the class that was difficult to incorporate into your life?

Michelle: I am having a hard time adding beans to my diet. I’m not a fan of the texture, but am working on this part.

Q: Have you seen any changes in your health as a result of the class?

Michelle: I’m eating better, feeling better, sleeping better. My cholesterol is down, blood pressure is down, and prediabetes is not a concern anymore. I do not seem to be as sick as often as I was prior! Much of my pain has gone away.

Q: What do you think was the most valuable part of the L.I.F.E program?

Michelle: I did not realize that what we eat has such a HUGE impact on our bodies, our health and our life!