In this series, we pull back the curtain on how real people fuel their lives with real food. Each weekly journal will feature a different MyFitnessPal member’s food goals, habits, and favorite meals to inspire your own journey, because progress, not perfection, is what really matters.
Today, a senior engineer at MyFitnesspal in Texas who is training for a half marathon and focused on increasing his fiber intake.
Location:Austin, TX
Occupation: Principal Engineer at MyFitnessPal
Age:38
Weekly grocery and food budget: I don’t really follow up!
Diet: I recently became low FODMAP
Dietary Limits: No onions or garlic; limited wheat, barley and rye
Weekly goals:
Weekly calorie goal: 14,000
Daily macro ratios: The only nutrient I focus on is fiber— doctor’s orders!
Typical weekly training schedule: I run every day, about 40 to 50 miles each week.
When did you start to understand the importance of nutrition?
I always “knew” it was important, but I don’t think I really did anything about it until I started to realize that food can positively improve many aspects of my health.
When and why did you start recording food?
I first started logging my food in 2015 (before I even worked at MyFitnessPal!) when I accidentally found myself much heavier than I internally thought. Since then, I log in periodically more or less depending on my life goals.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned on your nutrition journey?
The foods you eat are more than just the calories they contain. For me, some foods that most people would consider “healthy” have a negative impact on my body. Your health is not one-dimensional.
What health or fitness goals are you aiming for?
I’m training for a half marathon in January, so as part of that, I’m working on getting back to a healthy weight through running. I lost about 24 pounds from my 30 pound weight loss goal.
How do you plan for life events that may impact your normal nutrition routine? (For example, holidays, birthdays or wedding-related celebrations, etc.)
I usually focus more on the big picture rather than individual days or events. For example, I like to think of my calorie budget as weekly rather than daily. If I know I’m going to have a complicated weekend or event, I usually budget for it earlier in the week.
How often do you eat out each week versus preparing your meals at home?
I probably eat half my meals at home. I eat a lot of sandwiches.
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7 days of nutrition for real life
Day 1
Breakfast: I started the day with a warm bowl of instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal, comfort food in 90 seconds. I topped it with a slice of banana and a handful of blueberries for that extra “look, I’m eating fruit!” energy. Total: 433 calories
Lunch: At lunchtime, I had a chicken bowl at Waba Grill. Lean protein, check. Rice, check. Vegetables, check. Honestly, it’s my go-to when I want something filling but not Also heavy. Total: 640 calories
Dinner: Okay, balance. I ended the day with a medium cheeseburger and a side of crispy, straight cut fries. Sometimes you just come need the hamburger. No regrets. Total: 681 calories
Daily total: 1,754 calories
Day 2
Breakfast: My favorite: instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal, topped with banana and blueberries. Easy, reliable and gets the job done.
Lunch: I grabbed a bagel from the deli and covered it with cream cheese. Simple, carby happiness.
Dinner: I ended the day with a mean poke bowl from the neighborhood Poke food truck. Ahi Tuna and salmon, rice, all the toppings… Honestly, poke always seems like the right choice, even if the calories add up a bit.
Daily total: 1,547 calories
Weekend Update
I took a little break to eat. Sometimes you just need to enjoy your meals without doing the math!
Day 5
Breakfast: Back to the routine: instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal with banana and blueberries. Why mess with perfection?
Lunch: I bought an Italian panini at the local bodega and opted for the most verified option on the app. It hit the mark and didn’t take much effort.
Dinner: Jimmy John is for dinner! I opted for number 7 – with the bread, not a bad one. Sometimes you just need the full sandwich experience.
Daily total: 1,533 calories
December 6
Breakfast: You guessed it: brown sugar and maple instant oatmeal with blueberries and bananas. It’s reliable and I love it.
Lunch: I looked back on my Jimmy John’s streak and ordered the Spicy East Coast Italian again, this time as a non-wizard. The lettuce wrap makes it lighter but still filling.
Dinner: Two slices of pepperoni pizza to end the day. Sometimes pizza calls your name. Total: 496 calories.
Daily total: 1,379 calories
December 7
Breakfast: Instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal again, with slices of banana and blueberries for added whole-fruit nutrition. Can’t beat a classic.
Lunch: I stopped by Thundercloud Subs and bought a New York Italian sandwich. I paired it with a side of Sun Chips because, let’s be real, sandwiches are better with chips.
Dinner: Dinner with friends at a local brasserie! I kept it simple with an order of lemon pepper wings. Tasty, shareable and not too heavy.
Daily total: 1,505 calories
The position A Week of High-Fiber Meals as a Runner appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.