Each month, we feature MyFitnessPal success stories to inspire others on their health journeys.
Name: Robert A.
age: 37
Place: missouri
Profession: mechanical
Key points: “Whenever I’m angry or upset, I eat to comfort myself. When I lose my temper, I turn to food to calm down. It’s not about hunger – I’m just feeling what I’m feeling… Now, I focus on eating lots of protein, like eggs and tuna. I stick to mostly single-ingredient, whole foods. Since making these changes, I’ve found that I have more energy to do the things I want to do. , I feel better about everything in my life.
Robert is a machinist whose weight loss journey helped him transform his relationship with food and his overall health, especially his mood. After struggling with low energy and emotional eating, Robert found the tools and mindset to truly change.
Through intermittent fasting, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining a positive mindset, he increased his energy and changed his outlook on life* * *
Read on to learn how Robert reinvented his habits for a healthier future.
What was your relationship with food like before starting your nutrition journey?
Food is how I process my emotions. I had a stressful day at work and I would play video games and eat snacks.
I would eat a big dinner, then turn around and eat an entire box of snack cakes, drinking nothing but soda and chocolate milk. It doesn’t matter if I’m angry, frustrated, happy or whatever. I eat to celebrate, I eat to feel better. Looking back, it feels like I was trying to fill an emotional void.
Basically, whenever I’m angry or upset, I eat to comfort myself. When I lose my temper, I turn to food to calm down. It had nothing to do with hunger – I was just living with what I was feeling.
What motivates you to live healthier?
When my mom died last September, I was terrified because I had the same health issues she had. It makes me afraid to go to the gym.
I also started intermittent fasting at that time and stayed active enough that the fat really started melting away. That really motivated me so I just kept at it and now it’s just a habit. I don’t eat after 7pm or before noon. I walk 8,000-12,000 steps a day and exercise almost every day.
I knew I had to take control of my health to live a better life.
How have your mood and eating habits changed since using MyFitnessPal?
Before, I ate a lot of sweets, soda, and other high-calorie foods, and I felt bad physically and emotionally a lot of the time. Now, I focus on eating lots of protein, like eggs and tuna. I mostly stick to single ingredient whole foods. Since making these changes, I’ve found that I have more energy to do the things I want to do. Emotionally, I feel better about everything in my life.
On the one hand, I now have the energy to spend more time doing activities with my kids, which makes me happier.
I used to come home from get off work and play video games. When I started eating healthier, I got back to exercising, started cooking, and hanging out with the kids. We listened to music and talked about how our days were going. It really puts me and the kids in a good mood. we had more fun
My wife hugged me one day and said, “Wow, I can wrap my arms around you so much easier!” Just remembering it still makes me feel great.
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How has your overall health and energy changed?
I feel healthier overall. As a mechanic, I crawl under vehicles a lot, and between my workouts and weight loss, it’s no longer as draining as it once was. I have more energy, which helps me stay positive and positive throughout the day. Knowing that I’m doing everything I can for my health makes a big difference.
How has using MyFitnessPal affected your mindset?
It keeps me focused and in a good frame of mind. When I’m in that positive frame of mind, I’m content. I’m thinking about my next workout. Planning my meals and tracking my exercise has become a habit and it gives me something positive to focus on. I believe having the right mindset is crucial – if you stay positive, you’ll do well.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Keep it up! I always tell people to use both MyFitnessPal and a fitness plan. Even if it takes time, you will see progress. Be patient and trust the process.
Any final thoughts about using MyFitnessPal?
I’m so glad I found MyFitnessPal – it’s made a huge difference. Now, I never have to wonder what I’m eating or how many calories I’m consuming. This is no longer a guessing game. It gave me confidence that I was in control of my physical and emotional health.
Robert made positive changes with the help of MyFitnessPal, and you can too. Download the free MyFitnessPal app today to start your journey to wellness.
*As always, everyone’s weight loss story is different. Losing weight is hard work and requires a healthy diet and exercise. Consult your doctor before starting any new eating regimen, including intermittent fasting.
The post Robert’s Path to Better Health, a Better Mood, and More Family Time appeared first on the MyFitnessPal Blog.
