2018: A good year for Mike Modrick’s health

KOTA Territory chief meteorologist Mike Modrick had a transformational 2018. He has been on a wellness journey for the past 12 months.

For most of his professional life, which has spanned more than 30 years, professional consultants have gently suggested that he lose weight.

"I wish consultants would just stop telling me to lose weight," he says as he thinks back on those days.

Mike had successful career, a marriage to be proud of and overall had a happy life.

He believed that "everyone has to find their own path; everyone has to find their own journey."

And this time last year, he did not imagine he would be where he is today ... 90 pounds lighter.

Thanksgiving 2017, Mike decided to take a different path. He made one decision that altered his life. He simply said no to carbs.

"That was the beginning of this, there was no plan. I didn't say hey lets lose 90 pounds this year," says Mike.

He began his journey on the day known for overindulging.

"I don’t have the luxury of time anymore whereas when you're young, you're in your 30s and 40s you feel invulnerable you've got all the time in the world. Well there are fewer days ahead for me than there are behind now,” Mike says.

Mike says he has finally found the secret that works for him.

"The secret to doing this is you have to want the healthy lifestyle more than you want a half of a cake or an entire pizza or a bottle of wine."

He has had to rearrange his time and priorities.

"This is a full time job; you have to constantly be thinking about this. I'm always thinking about what's my next workout; I'm always thinking about what I am going to eat."

His main staples for food are steaks, almonds, salads, peanut butter and cabbage lasagna. But he sometimes misses those foods that he used to eat.

"All of those sweet things, white cake with white frosting, it sounds good, it looks good. It's like a pull for me. That's why I have to refocus every week to stay on this path."

The hikes he takes are more than simple exercise. It has become a very spiritual journey.

"This is my church where we are right now this is where I come. This is where I say a prayer to give me the will courage and determination to keep this plan going for me."

He may have lost 90 pounds of weight, but he gained something else.

"My dad used to have a plaque on his wall, it said 'we grew too soon old and too late smart.' Well I'm here. I finally got smart."