Liz Taylor was hungry for change, and Virta delivered
In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, we bring you a second wonderful story of employee Liz Taylor.
As good things often do, progress for Liz Taylor started with a very hard conversation.
In December of 2023, Liz, senior digital commerce specialist at GE Appliances, was at her lowest. She never quite felt the same after battling postpartum depression, and the weight gain hadn’t made it any easier.
“From the outside, it looks like it’s just a physical wellness problem,” says Liz. “But it’s always deeper.”
Her husband of nine years took notice and approached her about it.
“At first, I wanted to be mad at him for pointing it out,” says Liz. “But the truth is, I hadn’t really been myself. And he wanted me back.”
This conversation coincided with a recommendation from a family friend and GE Appliances colleague who had recently transformed his health.
“I watched Virta work for him,” says Liz. “It was one of those moments where need and opportunity collided at the perfect moment.”
Virta, a diabetes and weight loss program provided by GE Appliances for employees, was an easy, low-cost choice for Liz.
The qualification process was simple. After confirming her eligibility through Virta’s website, she was connected with a health coach, a nurse practitioner, a nutritional guide, and recipe ideas. Like all Virta participants, she also received a blood glucose and ketosis monitor and an accompanying scale to track her progress.
“Over the years, I tried every fad diet, and after a month I would quit,” says Liz. “Virta gave me every resource I needed to succeed.”
Despite not having personal experience with diabetes, Liz recognized that her familial and medical background predisposed her toward developing the condition. Virta seemed like the perfect precaution.
Unlike other programs, Virta is medically focused. Pre-existing conditions and medications are considered throughout the program. Daily blood-monitoring results are sent directly to a health coach and watched closely.
“A few times my blood glucose level tested really low,” says Liz. “On her own initiative, my health coach reached out to check on me and make some recommendations. I felt safe knowing I wasn’t flying solo.”
While the program requires commitment, Liz has found the changes to be simple and doable. Thankfully, she doesn’t have to do it alone. From meal prep to keto birthday treats to a more connected marriage, Liz’s support system has made the journey a meaningful one.
“My husband has been so supportive,” says Liz. “He has given me permission to prioritize myself. Our marriage is better than it’s ever been. And I have Virta to thank. I’m so grateful GE Appliances provides this resource to employees at no cost.”
At the time of this interview, Liz had lost 79 lbs. in nine months. And she’s not done yet.
“Look, I’m a bread and carbs girl,” says Liz. “With every other diet, I felt like I was depriving myself. But, with Virta, I haven’t. I get to eat butter and cheese every day!”
One of her favorites? Virta’s meatball recipe. Liz shares it with everyone (including us!). See below.
Instead of depriving, Liz is indulging—in all the richest ways. This new beginning for Liz has been a welcome one. Turns out it wasn’t just physical pounds Liz needed to lose but emotional weight, too.
“I look back at pictures from that time, and I see the pain I was in,” says Liz. “Taking back my health felt insurmountable. But it truly could not have been simpler with Virta. I finally feel like myself again.”
Download Liz’s Meatball Recipe Now (include PDF)