Carlos Garcia, RN, BSN, Nursing Supervisor, Baytown Clinic
March 2022
After turning 40, Carlos decided to take control of his health – and it took some trial and error. He learned he didn’t like scanning what he ate with his phone, keeping a food diary, or even counting calories. What worked for him was keto. By adhering to a keto diet, he found the key to losing weight! Carlos has lost 57 pounds and entered his 40s with a new, healthy outlook.
Why did you decide to try to improve your health and wellness?
I was getting older and decided I needed to get it together! I was fairly healthy – but when I turned 40, I decided to take things more seriously.
What strategies did you use to improve your wellness?
I tried WW, but it wasn’t for me – there was too much scanning. Then I tried a low-calorie diet, but I’m just not good at keeping up with, or tracking, what I ate. So, eventually I went to keto – and I like it. I don’t have to think about it. I just eat, knowing what foods I need to avoid.
When did you start on your keto diet?
I began doing keto in 2020 and lost 45 pounds. I took a break between November 2020 and January 2021, but then picked it up again in February 2021. As of now, I’ve lost 57 pounds.
What foods do you typically eat?
I love breakfast! I eat a lot of eggs. I learned that I actually like vegetables – I didn’t really eat vegetables before. I’ll grill them, roast them, and even mash them. It’s good when you add some jalapeno or serrano peppers for some spice. I meal prep on Sundays so I have food ready for the week.
Did you add exercise to your daily routine?
Yes, I walk a mile every day during lunch. My clinic administrator walks with me. When I get home, I walk the dogs around the neighborhood. On weekends, I ride bikes with my sisters. Houston has so many bike trails that we’ve discovered.
What challenges have you faced?
The holidays are difficult. For Halloween, there is leftover candy laying around. Then there is Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years – and all the food that goes with those holidays. I kept breaking my diet! Finally, I decided to give myself a break. I picked my keto diet back up in February.
What do you like most about working for Kelsey-Seybold?
My coworkers! They know about my diet, so even if there is a party or some celebration we’re having, they’ll bring something I can eat. For example, if the group is having cheesecake, they’ll bring me a cheesecake flavored protein bar. It’s a great team!