Since their appearance on the show in the fall of 2015, Luis and Roberto said they’ve worked hard at keeping the weight off and eating nutritious meals.
Their perseverance has its rewards. They’ve competed in 5K runs, half marathons, and triathlons. On Sunday, they’ll participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Always athletes since they were young, the twins also said they’ve always had hearty appetites. They recalled that as children they had a terrible diet heavy on fried foods, tortillas, and soda. Fruits and vegetables weren’t staples in their home. They continued eating poorly as adults and, eventually, it caught up with them, contributing to prediabetes and high blood pressure, which runs in their family.
Conscious of what they say is their addiction to food, the brothers are now more mindful of how much they eat. Their wives make healthier versions of meat with chilis and other Mexican dishes of their childhood.
Physical education teachers Luis (left) and Roberto Hernandez lost over 150 lbs. on “The Biggest Loser.” (Photo courtesy of Roberto and Luis Hernandez)
The twins said they’re baking chicken, beef and other meats, have cut back on fried foods and eat vegetables with every meal. Planning their meals days in advance helps them stick to their healthy diets.
But they do still allow themselves a treat now and then.
“I’m not going to lie to you,” said Roberto. “We are Mexican and we like our pozole to be like mom makes pozole .”
Luis and Roberto also made changes to their children’s diets and don’t let them eat as much junk food anymore. Their boys now want to eat healthy meals like their fathers.
The brothers have been one another’s champions even when some family members were slow to support their new lifestyle. For instance, Roberto said their parents weren’t sold on their healthy eating habits. But now they have stopped urging them to eat seconds.
The twins said their commitment has motivated an older brother to get fit. He has lost more than 20 pounds.
For others that are struggling with their weight, Luis didn’t mince words. He cautions it is much easier to lose weight than to keep it off.
Roberto also said the journey wouldn’t be easy, but that people who want to lose weight should set goals that work for them.
And, he said, it’s important to remember that “It’s not how many times you fall down. It’s how many times you get up.”
