Each month, we inspire others on their health journeys with MyFitnessPal success stories.
name: Robert A.
age: 37
location: Missouri
job: mechanic
Key takeaways: “Whenever I got angry or upset, I ate to soothe myself. When I got angry, I would look for food to calm down. I wasn’t hungry, I was just eating how I felt… Now I’m focusing on eating a lot of protein, such as eggs and tuna. I mostly stick to single-ingredient, whole foods. Since making this change, I’ve realized that I have a lot more energy to do the things I want to do. Emotionally, I feel better in every aspect of my life.”
Robert is a mechanic whose weight loss journey has helped him transform his relationship with food, his overall health, and especially his mood. After struggling with low energy and emotional eating, Robert found the tools and mindset that could make a real difference.
By embracing intermittent fasting, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining a positive mental attitude, he regained his energy and changed his outlook on life.*
Read on to learn how Robert changed his habits for a healthier future.
What was your relationship with food like before you started your nutritional journey?
Food was my way of dealing with my emotions. When I have a stressful day at work, I snack and eat while playing video games.
After I had a decent dinner, I turned around and ate an entire box of snack cakes and drank nothing but soda and chocolate milk. It didn’t matter if I was angry, upset, happy, or whatever. We eat to celebrate and we eat to feel good. Looking back, it felt like I was trying to fill an emotional void.
Basically, whenever I got angry or upset, I ate it to soothe myself. When I got angry, I would look for food to calm down. I wasn’t hungry, I was just eating my emotions.
What motivates you to live a healthier life?
When my mom passed away last September, I was scared because I had the same health issues as her. I was scared to go to the gym.
I also started intermittent fasting at that time and was active enough that the fat really started to melt. It really motivated me so I just let it happen and now it’s just become a habit. I don’t eat after 7pm or before noon. I walk 8,000 to 12,000 steps every 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?
In the past, I often felt bad physically and emotionally because I ate a lot of sweets, soda, and other high-calorie foods. Right now, I’m focusing on consuming a lot of protein, such as eggs and tuna. I mostly stick to single-ingredient, whole foods. Since making this change, I’ve realized that I have a lot more energy to do the things I want to do. Emotionally, I feel better about everything in my life.
First of all, I now have the energy to spend more time being active with my kids, which makes me a lot happier.
I used to come home from work and zone out and play video games. After I started eating healthier, I would come back from my workouts, start cooking dinner, and hang out with my kids. We listen to music and talk about how our day was. It really made me and the kids feel better. We are having more fun.
One day my wife hugged me and said, “Oh, I guess I can cover you more easily!” It still makes me feel good just remembering that.
Want to eat to improve your mood?
Try our feel-good fall tool and find nutritional recommendations based on your mood! >
How has your overall health and energy changed?
I feel much healthier overall. As a mechanic, I’m constantly crawling under cars, and while I’m working out and losing weight, it’s not as physically taxing as it used to be. I have more energy, which helps me stay motivated and positive throughout the day. Knowing that I am doing my best for my health makes a big difference.
How has using MyFitnessPal affected your mindset?
It keeps me focused and in a good mindset. When I am in a positive state of mind, I am simply satisfied. 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 that having the right mindset is important. If you maintain a positive attitude, you will achieve good results.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Hang in there! I always tell people to use it. MyFitnessPal And a fitness program together. You can check your progress no matter how long it takes. Be patient and trust the process.
Any final thoughts on using MyFitnessPal?
I’m so glad I found it MyFitnessPal—A big change has occurred. Now you don’t have to wonder what I ate or how many calories I consumed. It’s no longer a guessing game. I gained confidence that I could take charge of my physical and emotional health.
Robert made positive changes with the help of MyFitnessPal. You can do the same. Download the free MyFitnessPal app now Start your journey to better health.
*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 a new diet regimen, including intermittent fasting.
The post Robert’s Path to Better Health, Better Moods, and More Family Time appeared first on the MyFitnessPal blog.
