Virta Makes it Easier
“I’ve struggled with my weight all my life,” says Tommy Champion, a paramedic at Roper Corporation. “I tried all the fad diets and had gastric sleeve surgery 15 years ago, but I always fell back into my old ways.”
Then Tommy came across a new program listed on the employee benefits package.
“I saw a weight-loss program called Virta,” says Tommy. “I figured it was free, and it couldn’t hurt to try it.”
Virta helps with weight loss and managing blood sugar. At GE Appliances and most affiliate locations, employees have access to Virta free of charge.
“After an easy onboarding process, I had an online interview with a health coach and a doctor to get things started,” says Tommy. “They sent me a blood glucose monitor, a ketosis monitor, and a scale to track my progress.”
Tommy, like all Virta participants, was also given a tracking app, a scale that syncs with the app, and a nutritional guide.
“My goal was 30 grams of carbs per day,” says Tommy. “I lost 15 lbs. in the first month!”
Tommy took advantage of Virta’s hundreds of recipes online.
“Most of the Virta recipes have been great, and even my 13 year old enjoys them,” says Tommy. “It’s nice that you don’t have to buy special foods. It’s more about learning to adjust the way you cook. I even managed to keep my carb goals through the holidays!”
Tommy’s favorite breakfast is a 90-second microwave bread (recipe below) that’s similar to an English muffin. He tops it with cream cheese or adds cinnamon for a sweet twist.
“My health coach (ironically with the name of Bacon) was very helpful and responsive,” says Tommy. “My wife and daughter have cheered me on. I never felt like I was flying solo.”
Tommy has labs done onsite at CareATC every three months. His blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose continue to improve.
“I’m down three pants sizes,” says Tommy. “On Virta, I’ve lost over 60 lbs. in four months.”
As a paramedic, Tommy is well-versed in the risks of obesity.
“I’ve seen enough; I know better,” says Tommy. “But you have to reach the point where you’re ready. I’m just thankful GE Appliances offers this. I still have to do the work, but Virta makes it easier.”
And doing the work means Tommy gets to enjoy more of life.
“When my daughter tells me how proud she is of me, I think, ‘Gosh, I should have done this a long time ago,’” says Tommy. “I don’t want to miss out!”
Recipe:
Low Carb 90-second Bread
1 T Butter
1 egg
3 T almond flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Cool briefly. Add all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Microwave on high for 90-seconds. Serve with cream cheese & sugar-free strawberry preserves if desired.
Pics below:
Virta: A Healthier Path to Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
Virta helps you safely lose weight and lower blood sugar without side effects. Fully covered by GE Appliances, Virta is available to benefits-enrolled employees and adult family members with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or a BMI of 27 or greater.
Take the first step toward your health journey at GEAppliancesWellWithin.com to explore Virta and 14+ resources to enhance your wellbeing, plus inspiring employee stories.
CareATC Onsite: Confidential Primary Care for You
CareATC offers low or no-cost, high-quality medical care, including primary care visits, prescriptions, lab tests, and counseling—all in a private, comfortable setting.
It’s not open to the public, ensuring shorter waits and unrushed appointments for GE Appliances employees and their family members at Appliance Park, Roper and coming soon to Monogram. Hourly employees can use ON-THE-CLOCK care. Your care is always completely confidential.
Start your health journey today at GEAppliancesWellWithin.com for more resources and inspiring employee stories.