In this series, we're unveiling how real people fuel their lives with real-life nutrition. Each weekly diary will feature a different MyFitnessPal member's eating goals, habits, and favorite meals to inspire your own journey — because progress, not perfection, is what really matters.
Today, a lead engineer at MyFitnesspal in Texas is training for a half marathon and focusing on increasing his fiber intake.
location: Austin, Texas
works: Lead Engineer at MyFitnessPal
age:38
Weekly grocery and food budget: I don't really follow!
Diet plan: I recently went low FODMAP
Dietary restrictions: No onion or garlic; Limited wheat, barley and rye
Weekly goals:
Weekly calorie goal: 14000
Total daily ratios: The only nutrient I focus on is Fiber– Doctor's orders!
Typical weekly workout schedule: I run every day, about 40-50 miles each week.
When did you start learning about the importance of nutrition?
I've always “knew” this was important, but I don't think I really did anything about it until I started to realize that food could 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 I was. From then on I will check in more or less regularly depending on my life goals.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned in your nutritional journey?
The foods you eat are much more than just the calories they contain. For me, some foods that most people consider “healthy” take a toll on my body. Your health is not one-dimensional.
What health or fitness goals are you working towards?
I'm training for a half marathon in January, and as part of that, I've been working on getting back to a healthy running weight. I lost about 24 pounds from my weight loss goal of 30 pounds
How do you plan for life events that may affect your normal feeding routine? (For example, holidays, birthdays or wedding-related parties, 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 early in the week.
How many times do you eat out each week, versus preparing your meals at home?
I probably eat half of my meals at home. I eat a lot Sandwiches.
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7-Day Nutrition for Real Life
First day
breakfast: I started the day with a warm bowl of instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal, 90-second comfort food. I garnished it with banana slices and a handful of blueberries for a “look, I'm eating fruit!” energy. Total: 433 calories
lunch: By midday, I had a chicken dish from Waba Grill. Lean protein, check. Rice, check. Vegetables, check. Honestly, this is my go-to when I want something that fills me up but doesn't also heavy. Total: 640 calories
dinner: Well, balance. I ended my day with a medium cheeseburger and a side of straight cut, crispy fries. Sometimes you just do needs Burger. No regrets. Total: 681 calories
Daily total: 1,754 calories
The second day
breakfast: My favorite food: instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal, topped with bananas and berries. Easy, reliable and gets the job done.
lunch: I grabbed a bagel from the deli and spread some cream cheese on it. Simple, carby happiness.
dinner: I ended the day with a medium bowl from the neighborhood Poke food truck. Tuna, salmon, rice and all the toppings… honestly, poke always seems to be the right choice, even if the calories pile up a bit.
Daily total: 1,547 calories
Weekend update
I took a short break to record the food. Sometimes you just need to enjoy your meals without doing the math!
Day five
breakfast: Back to the Routine – Instant Pot Brown Sugar and Oatmeal with Banana and Berries. Why mess with perfection?
lunch: I bought an Italian panini from my local Bodega, and went with the top option verified in the app. It got there and didn't require much effort.
dinner: Jimmy John's for dinner! I looked for number 7, and I had bread, not the magician. Sometimes you just need the full sandwich experience.
Daily total: 1,533 calories
December 6
breakfast: You guessed it: instant brown sugar oatmeal with blueberries and bananas. It's reliable, and I love it.
lunch: I leaned into my Jimmy John's line and ordered the Spicy East Coast Italian Restaurant again – this time as a wizard. The lettuce wrap makes it appear lighter but still plump.
dinner: Two slices of pepperoni pizza to end your day. Sometimes, pizza just calls your name. Total: 496 calories.
Daily total: 1,379 calories
December 7
breakfast: Instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal again, with banana slices and berries for some added nutrition from the whole fruit. Can't beat the classics.
lunch: I swung by the Thundercloud Subs and picked up 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 brewery! I kept it simple with my order of lemon pepper wings. Delicious, shareable and not too heavy.
Daily total: 1,505 calories
this post A week of high-fiber meals as a runner appeared first on My Fitness Pal Blog.
