Each month, we feature MyFitnessPal success stories to inspire others on their health journeys.
name: Robert A.
year: 37
position: missouri
Occupation: mechanic
Important points: “I used to eat to comfort myself when I was angry or upset. When I was upset, I relied on food to soothe me. It wasn’t a hunger issue. I was just eating to comfort myself. I was just eating my emotions…Now I focus on eating lots of protein, like eggs and tuna. I’ve mostly stuck to single-ingredient whole foods. , I noticed that I had much more energy to do the things I wanted to do. Emotionally, I felt better about everything in my life.”
Robert is a mechanic. That weight loss journey helped me transform both my relationship with food and my health in general, and my mood in particular. After struggling with a lack of energy and emotional eating, Robert found the tools and mindset to make real change.
By adopting intermittent fasting, eating nutrient-dense foods, and maintaining a positive mental attitude, he increased his energy and changed his outlook on life.
Learn how Robert rebuilt his habits for a healthier future.
What was your relationship with food before you started your journey into nutrition?
Food was a way for me to cope with emotions. When I had a stressful day at work, I would buy and eat snacks while playing video games.
After eating a full dinner, I ate an entire box of snack cake without drinking anything other than soda and chocolate milk. It didn’t matter if I was angry, upset, or happy. We eat to celebrate and we eat to feel good. Looking back, it was like trying to fill an emotional void.
Basically, I was eating to comfort myself when I was angry or upset. When I was upset, I relied on food to calm me down. It wasn’t a question of hunger. I was just feeding off my emotions.
What inspired you to live a healthier life?
When my mother passed away last September, I was shocked because I had the same health issues as her. I got scared and was afraid to go to the gym.
Around that time I also started intermittent fasting and was staying active enough that the fat really started to melt. I was so motivated that I just kept going and now it’s just a habit. Don’t eat after 7pm and before noon. I walk 8,000-12,000 steps every day and train almost every day.
I knew I had to take control of my health in order to live a better life.
How has your mood and eating habits changed since using MyFitnessPal?
In the past, I often ate a lot of sweets, sodas, and other high-calorie foods that made me feel physically and mentally unwell. Right now, I’m focusing on eating lots of protein, like eggs and tuna. I mostly stick to single-ingredient, whole foods. Since making these changes, I’ve noticed that I have much more energy to do the things I want to do. Emotionally, I feel better about everything in my life.
First, I have the energy to spend more time being active with my kids, and I’m very happy.
When I got home from work, I was playing video games and was distracted. After I started eating healthier, I started preparing dinner when I got home from training and going out with my kids. We jam to music and talk about the happenings of our days. This makes me and the kids feel really good. It’s become more fun.
One day my wife hugged me and said, Even now, just remembering it makes me feel so good.
Do you want to eat to feel better?
Try the Feel Good Fall tool to get nutritional recommendations based on how you’re feeling. >
How has your overall health and energy changed?
I feel much healthier overall. As a mechanic, I’m constantly crawling under cars, but after training and losing weight, it’s not as physically taxing as it used to be. With more energy, you can stay motivated and positive throughout the day. Knowing that you’re doing what’s best for your health makes a huge difference.
How has using MyFitnessPal impacted your mindset?
This will help you stay focused and keep you in a good mindset. When I’m in that positive state of mind, I’m just content. I’m thinking about my next training. Planning my meals and tracking my workouts became a habit and gave me something positive to focus on. I believe in having the right mindset. Stay positive and things will definitely work out.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Please stick to it! I always tell people to use it. my fitness pal Along with a fitness program. Even if it takes time, you will always see progress. Be patient and trust the process.
Any final thoughts on using MyFitnessPal?
I’m very happy to have found it my fitness pal— it made a huge difference. Now you don’t have to think about what you ate or how many calories you burned. It’s no longer a guessing game. It gave me the confidence to take charge of my physical and mental health.
Robert made positive changes with the help of MyFitnessPal. You can too. Download the free MyFitnessPal app today Start your journey to better health.
*As always, everyone’s weight loss story is different. Weight loss is hard work and requires healthy eating and exercise. Consult your doctor before starting any new diet, such as intermittent fasting.
The post Robert’s path to better health, better mood, and more time with family appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.
