Every month, we feature MyFitnessPal success stories to serve as weight loss inspiration as you embark on your own journey.
Name: Dillion P.
Age: 25
Location: Soperton, Georgia
Meet Dillion, a husband and dad of two who was inspired to use MyFitnessPal to become the healthiest version of himself.
In the beginning, Dillion wanted to lose weight. But his goals extended beyond that to non-scale victories, too. He wanted to improve his consistency and self-discipline; and unlock a new level of mental well-being through nutrition.
After just 100 days, he accomplished those goals and more. Read Dillion’s MyFitnessPal success story below to learn how starting with food supported his journey to weight loss and whole-person health.
1. Growing up, what was your relationship with food like?
Growing up in South Georgia, I was raised on fried chicken, corn bread, and so many more delicious but not so healthy options. Amazing sweets and sugary sweet tea are staples of southern cuisine. I would always clean my plate and go back for seconds, as I wasn’t aware of the impact portion sizes could have on my body and health.
2. What was your relationship with your weight?
I have always been active. I played sports in high school and would do other activities in my free time that kept me moving. I fell off my routine when I went to college and started gaining weight.
I was eating what was convenient instead of what was good for me. I was less physically active so that contributed to an increase in body fat and it made me feel terrible. I did not realize how terrible I felt until I decided to make a change.
3. What motivated you to start making healthy changes?
I wanted to become healthier for myself! I deserve to give myself the very best. We can either get through the day, or get something from the day. I am going to make the choice to get something from it.
I wanted to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. I also have a beautiful wife Shanell, and two wonderful boys, Ayden and Daylen who I want to inspire to do the same! Get up and get after it!
4. What goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of your journey?
I slowly built on my goals and progress month-over-month:
- Month 1: Track my nutrition and walk a lot more
- Month 2: Track nutrition, cardio in the form of jogging, and moderate weight training
- Month 3: Keep tracking nutrition, lift weights more intensely, and focus on building stamina.
5. When and how did you discover the MyFitnessPal app?
I discovered MyFitnessPal by watching a lot of my favorite YouTube channels that recommended ways to track calorie intake. MyFitnessPal checked all the boxes I was looking for when it came to what I wanted to keep data on.
6. What’s your favorite MyFitnessPal feature and why?
My favorite features are the Weekly Review and the quick adds of meals from day to day! It makes tracking calories and macros a breeze.
7. Can you describe a specific moment or experience that served as a turning point in your health journey—one that made you realize you were on the right path?
On day one, I struggled to run a quarter mile without breathing hard. On day 70, I pushed myself and ran 10 miles and felt great afterwards. Sometimes, I feel it is important to go beyond the limits we set on ourselves. On the other side of pain is growth.
This made me realize that what I thought was impossible was just my current perception of what I was able to do. With hard work, anyone can change that!
8. How has tracking your food impacted your eating habits and food choices?
Tracking my food has been the greatest thing! By far, nutrition has been the biggest factor in my journey. It makes you self-aware of how the foods you eat impact more than just your weight.
I could tell a difference in mood, gut health, and confidence. It made it easier to know I was meeting my protein goals and getting enough fiber in my diet. I could also compare and contrast, experiment, and analyze what foods at what times contributed to my energy levels.
9. What kind of changes did you see in your gut health?
Initially, my diet was high in processed foods, which often left me feeling sluggish and bloated. However, as I shifted towards whole, nutrient-dense foods, I noticed significant improvements. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and probiotics not only aided in my weight loss but, I believe, also led to a more balanced gut microbiome. I noticed better digestion, less bloating, and an overall increase in energy. It was as if my body was thanking me for the switch to a cleaner, more mindful way of eating.
Also Read >> How MyFitnessPal Helped Change Shameika’s Relationship With Food
10. You mentioned you experimented — especially with foods that impacted your energy levels. How did you experiment, and what did you find?
Since I started incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into my diet, I’ve noticed a remarkable boost in my energy levels. The vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber in these foods have not only supported my overall health. I feel like they’ve also optimized my body’s energy production. This change has led to more sustained energy throughout the day. I don’t feel as much fatigue and sluggishness as I used to!
I’ve learned more about nutrition, in general. I now understand the importance of carbohydrates in fueling my workouts — carbs break down into glucose, which my muscles use as a primary energy source, especially during intense or prolonged physical activities. This has allowed me to perform better and push myself further in my fitness journey. It’s clear to me now how essential a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is for maintaining high energy levels and supporting my workout regimen.
11. Thinking back to the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of your journey, what goals have you achieved? (In other words, where are you now in your health journey?)
I started my journey at 194 lbs! Now, I am 154 lbs!*
12. What goals do you want to achieve next?
I am starting a new phase until April. I want to put on as much muscle as I can in that time period. MyFitnessPal is going to help me stay in a calorie surplus that will help me build muscle while keeping the body fat percentage from increasing along with it. It’s simple math that makes a big difference!
13. What have you learned about yourself during your health journey so far?
I have spent a lot of time with myself. I wake up early and get to the gym around 4 a.m. to minimize the amount of time I miss with my wife and kids. I have learned what discipline really is and how important consistency is. You have to push yourself, but listen to your body and value recovery. You want to be able to go hard every time you step foot in the gym.
14. How has this journey impacted your overall health and well-being, both physically and mentally?
I can’t tell you enough how much better I feel physically and mentally. I am more confident, have better stamina, more mobile, and have a better mood and mindset throughout the day! The physical progress is great but the mental health improvement, energy levels, and stress reduction is priceless.
15. And finally, what advice would you give to others who are considering using MyFitnessPal?
Set realistic goals, be consistent, and plan your meals a day before if you can. It makes things so much easier! I look forward to planning what I feed my body each day!
Dillion did it. You can do it, too. Take control of your health today with the (free!) MyFitnessPal app.
*As always, everyone’s weight loss story is different. Weight loss is hard work, and involves a healthy diet and exercise. Most people can expect to lose 1-2 lbs per week.