Irene and her coworkers had a friendly weight loss competition in January 2021 as a way to kick off the year improving their health. After having a baby in 2019, Irene enthusiastically participated as a way to lose her baby weight. But after the competition ended, Irene kept the healthy habits going. Now, she has lost nearly 40 pounds and has more energy to keep up with her busy life.

Why did you decide to improve your health and wellness?

I had my son in 2019 and had gained a lot of weight. I wasn’t happy with that, so I began making some changes. 

 How did you get started?

We did a weight-loss competition at work in January 2021. My physician and a few coworkers participated. That was the push for me! Even when the competition ended, I kept going and have been ever since then.

What changes did you make?

I watched what I was eating – and ate a more balanced diet. This was good for me as well as my three kids. I incorporate them into what I am doing – so if I’m doing Zumba or T-25 workouts, they do it with me. I especially like the T-25 workouts because they are quick. It’s a 25-minute video workout I do at home. I try to do them seven days a week in the evenings. Those quick, intense videos work for me because we are always busy.

What about diet – what adjustments did you make in what you ate?

I eat mainly fish and chicken and a lot of vegetables. I’m lucky that my brother-in-law is a chef, in the beginning he helped me with meal prep. Now, I meal prep myself every couple of days because I like my food to be fresh!  I also like the HEB meals-to-go if I need to pick something up.

I do calorie-counting as well. I try to stay within a certain number of calories per meal.

 What do you like for snacks?

For snacks I like to eat yogurt or almonds around 10 a.m. Then for lunch, I’ll eat the meal I bring from home. As an afternoon snack, I will eat fruit or my 90-calorie popcorn. I eat a small dinner, something like a protein shake or peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I don’t like to go to bed with a full tummy.

Have you reached your health and wellness goal?

My original goal was to lose 30 pounds, which I did reach. Once I saw I could get there I went a bit further. My new goal is to lose another 10 pounds. Once I get there I will just maintain.

What do you do to relax and self-care?

Once the kids are in bed, I will watch a movie or read a book. I also love a good soak in the tub!