Each month, we feature a MyFitnessPal success story to inspire others on their health journey.
Name: Roberto A.
Age: 37
Location: Missouri
Occupation: Mechanic
Key takeaway: “I ate to comfort myself whenever I was angry or upset. When I lost my temper, I turned to food to calm myself down. It wasn’t about hunger, I was just eating my feelings… Now, I focus on eating lots of protein, like eggs and tuna. I stick mostly to single-ingredient whole foods. Since making these changes, I have noticed that I have a lot more energy to do the things I want to do. Emotionally, I feel better about everything in my life.”
Robert is a mechanic whose weight loss journey helped him transform both 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 make real changes.
By adopting intermittent fasting, eating nutrient-dense foods, and maintaining a positive mental attitude, she increased her energy and transformed her 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 emotions. I was having a stressful day at work and was going to get snacks and eat while I played my video games.
I would eat a full dinner, then turn around and eat an entire box of cupcakes, while drinking nothing but soda and chocolate milk. It didn’t matter if she was angry, upset, happy or just whatever. I would eat to celebrate and I would eat to feel better. In retrospect, it was like he was trying to fill an emotional void.
Basically, I ate to comfort myself whenever I was angry or upset. When I lost my temper, I turned to food to calm myself down. It wasn’t about hunger; I was just eating my feelings.
What motivated you to live healthier?
When my mom passed away last September, I was scared because she had health problems like hers. It scared me to the point of going to the gym.
I also started intermittent fasting at that time and stayed active enough that the fat really started melting away. It was really motivating so I kept doing it and now it’s just a habit. I don’t eat after 7 pm or before noon. I take between 8,000 and 12,000 steps every day and do my workouts 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?
I used to eat a lot of sweets, soda, and other high-calorie foods and I felt bad, physically and emotionally, much of the time. Now I focus on eating lots of protein, like eggs and tuna. I stick mostly to single-ingredient whole foods. Since making these changes, I have noticed that I have a lot 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 much more active time with my children, which makes me much happier.
I used to come home from work and distract myself by playing video games. After I started eating healthier, I would get out of working out, start making dinner, and go out with the kids. We play music and talk about what our days were like. This really puts me and the kids in a very good mood. We’re having more fun.
One day my wife hugged me and said, “Oh wow, I can hug you easier!” Just remembering it still makes me feel great.
Do you want to eat to improve your mood?
Try our Feel Good Fall tool and explore nutrient 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 vehicles, and between my workouts and the weight I’ve lost, it’s not as physically exhausting as it used to be. I have more energy, which helps me stay motivated and positive throughout the day. Knowing that I am doing the best I can for my health makes a big difference.
How has using MyFitnessPal impacted your thinking?
It keeps me focused and in a good mindset. When I’m in that positive state of mind, I’m just happy. I’m thinking about my next workout. Planning my meals and tracking my workouts has become a habit and gives me something positive to focus on. I think having the right mindset is key – if you stay positive, you will do very well.
What advice would you give to someone who is starting out?
Stay with it! I always tell people to use MyFitnessPal and an exercise program together. You will see progress, even if it takes time. Be patient and trust the process.
Any final thoughts on using MyFitnessPal?
I’m so glad I found MyFitnessPal; It has made a big difference. Now I no longer have to wonder what I ate or how many calories I consumed. It will never be a guessing game again. It has given me confidence that I can take charge 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 better health.
*As always, everyone’s weight loss story is different. Weight loss is hard work and involves a healthy diet and exercise. Check with your doctor before starting any new dietary regimen, including intermittent fasting.
The post Robert’s Path to Better Health, Better Mood, and More Family Time appeared first on the MyFitnessPal blog.
