Congrats to Deb Foster, a Healthy Citizen Awardee!

Please join us in congratulating Deb Foster, an inspirational Healthy Citizen. Through determination, consistency, and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, she has transformed not only her health but also her everyday life. Her journey is a powerful reminder that small, intentional choices can lead to extraordinary results. We are proud to celebrate her success and are grateful that she has shared her inspiring story in her own words.

“One year ago, on July 6, 2025, I made the decision to completely change the way I thought about food—and that decision has changed my life.

Since then, I've lost 50 pounds by committing to a healthier lifestyle. Our grocery cart looks very different now, with no potato chips, bread, pasta, or other high-carb foods coming into our home. My husband, Mark Foster, embraced the lifestyle change alongside me, and having that support has made a tremendous difference.

The results have been incredible. My doctor has taken me completely off my blood pressure medication and my daily insulin because I no longer need them. At one point, my A1C was over 10. Today, it's 5.3. Even my doctor has been amazed by the transformation.

For me, it all comes down to having the right attitude and making a consistent, lasting lifestyle change.

Beyond the numbers, I simply feel so much better. My knees hurt less, I have more energy, and I can walk farther and move more easily without becoming short of breath. I've gone from wearing size 16–18 clothing to a size 12, and from an XXL to a medium or large. I'm still working toward my goals, but I'm proud of how far I've come.

I've had to buy a whole new wardrobe, and my rings are so loose they fall off—but those are changes I'm happy to celebrate. 

The biggest victories are often the little things I once took for granted: crossing my legs comfortably, tying my shoes with ease, and working in the yard without struggling. Those everyday moments remind me just how much this journey has changed my life.

I'm grateful for the progress I've made and excited to continue building a healthier future, one day at a time.”

Congrats to Deb! An inspiration for us all. 

What is a Healthy Citizen?

A Healthy Citizen can be anyone in the organization — no matter their fitness level, shape, or size—who is passionate about health and well-being and is actively engaged in Citizens Energy Group’s wellness program. A Healthy Citizen serves as a positive role model who also provides support, encouragement and motivation to peers to participate in Citizens Energy Group’s wellness program. Colleagues and the Wellness Team can nominate individuals who they believe exemplify these qualities.

Defining Characteristics of a Healthy Citizen:

• Nominee models healthy behaviors. Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Takes and promotes movement breaks during the day
  • Promotes and practices healthy eating behaviors
• Nominee participates in Citizens Energy Groups wellness programs. Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Health Coaching
  • Wellness Workshops
  • Wellness Challenges
  • Company-sponsored wellness events like the Heart Walk, Corporate Challenge, or the Walk to End Diabetes
  • Blood donations
  • Onsite screenings/vaccine clinics
  • Well Points Program
• Nominee supports and encourages healthy behaviors in others. Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Promotes walking meetings and/or movement breaks
  • Encourage others and also brings healthier options at company meetings
  • Encourages participation in wellness events (company or community)
  • Encourages preventative screenings and well visits
  • Encourages participation in Wellness Challenges
  • Encourages others to attain their Well Points
• Nominee participates in wellness-related Community Events. Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Participates in community fitness events like running/walking, pickleball, tennis, cross fit, etc.
  • Volunteers time for wellness-related organizations 

What are the Benefits of being Named a Healthy Citizen?

• Featured in the Engauge Magazine
• Monetary Award (Valued at $50)