2024 has been a wild ride. And it was no different for comedian and actor Adam Devine. Good gemstones The star began a completely healthy journey in 2024, including gaining 25 pounds of “empathy weight” during his wife's pregnancy and then becoming a father for the first time.
Life's experiences gave him the wake-up call he needed to refocus on his health. With his new role as a father, Devine's health journey has become less concerned with appearing in front of the camera and more concerned with appearing in front of his family. He lost 25 pounds using common-sense strategies, not any of the fad diets that have taken social media by storm.
During a conversation with MyFitnessPalDevine revealed his biggest health lessons from 2024, and how he'll take those lessons into 2025 to create the happiest, healthiest (and funniest) New Year yet.
Lesson 1: Grilled chicken is the MVP
Devine has a special relationship with the humble roast chicken. “My wife thinks I'm crazy because I'm going to buy three chickens at the beginning of the week,” he says. “I love the dirty bird!”
But he's definitely on to something with this convenient, high-protein staple. It helps him achieve his nutritional goals without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the reasons this works for him is that it changes the way he presents food so it doesn't become boring. “The first day I'll eat it with buffalo sauce or light ranch dressing, but the next day I'll shred it and put it in a burrito with a low-carb wrap. Sometimes my wife will put the broccoli and sweet potatoes in the oven as a side dish for the third day,” he explains.
Grilled chicken is proof that comfort and health can coexist. And it doesn't have to be roast chicken, a big batch of lentils or some baked tofu can also be the protein-rich base for many meals throughout the week. Plan ahead like Divine, and you'll always have a delicious, nutritious meal ready to go.
Lesson 2: Just because it's high in protein doesn't mean you should eat it
If social media trends can be trusted, 2024 was a big year to eat more (and… more) protein. Research shows that this macronutrient can be Support your weight loss journey In several ways, including promoting satiety. But Devine learned the hard way that not all “high-protein” snacks are created equal.
While filming Good gemstonesOne of the stars served him homemade high-protein balls.
“They were delicious and small, so I would eat three or four of them a day,” he says. “I had no idea how calorie-dense it was.” That is, until he researched the ingredients and discovered the nutritional information for each little protein ball. It turns out that each contains about 300 calories.
“Tracking my food helps me know what I'm actually eating, so I don't accidentally eat 1,000 calories from homemade protein balls.”
Lesson? Even healthy, protein-rich snacks can cause you to exceed your goals if you're not paying close attention.
Lesson 3: Drinking an Old Fashioned is like eating candy bars
It's not uncommon to have two or three drinks during a night out with friends. But most people don't eat three candy bars in a row.
Devine's favorite drink is a classic Old Fashioned. Only after learning how many calories are in bourbon and rye did he begin to understand how great the cocktail was.
“My vice is a nice cocktail that's like an Old Fashioned—although now I realize that's like drinking a piece of candy,” he admits.
Such indulgences are essential for achieving balance and building a sustainable eating pattern in the long term. But it is important to be aware of it and realize its impact.
“I've learned it's all about balance,” Devine said. Moral of the story? Enjoy a cocktail, but know what you're consuming and don't let it become a daily habit – or multiple times a day.
You may also like
Lesson 4: Nutrition is the key to emerging as a parent
When you become a parent, everything changes. As Devine discovered, that includes the way you look at food and fitness.
“Since becoming a father, the hardest trade-off for me is spending time with my son versus going to the gym,” Devine explains. “Which makes eating healthy even more important because I will always choose to hang out with Beau.”
Prioritizing nutrition allows him to conserve his energy and stay present for his family. For Devine, eating well is no longer just about looking good on screen, it's about feeling good and being the best version of himself for his son.
Lesson 5: Even a loose wedding ring can boost motivation
Devine understands the importance of non-record victories and uses them for motivation. Over the past year, he's noticed that his wedding ring has become looser and his face looks smaller on screen.
“I have a whole new wardrobe even though it's outdated because I haven't been that skinny in years,” he jokes. It's these daily victories that keep him motivated. “My biggest victories are not the numbers on the scale.”
Lesson 6: How you eat affects how you feel
Devine learns firsthand how diet affects physical and mental health. “With the extra weight, I felt and looked bloated, so it was uncomfortable,” he recalls. “I just didn't feel like myself.” Now, eating healthy has helped him feel more energetic and confident.
When you prioritize nutritious foods, you not only nourish your body, but you support your overall sense of well-being. Parenting takes a lot of energy, and Devine now has more than he has in years thanks to the way he eats. (More on that in a second…)
Lesson 7: Don't miss the opportunity to eat cookies or steak
For Devine, living healthy doesn't mean giving up the things he loves. It's all about balance. “Life is fun,” he points out. “You should have that birthday cake. Enjoy it and then get back to your goals.”
For example, at his annual family get-togethers, he indulges in all his favorites, including cake, steak, and beer. It's an occasion he looks forward to and wants to enjoy to the fullest.
“I usually let it fly for this particular event,” he says. “Last year, when I came home, I weighed myself and saw that I had gained 8 pounds in one weekend! But it's okay to have a day or weekend out of the routine.
That's his approach in 2025: reset and move forward. Feeling guilty doesn't serve you any favors, but restarting your routine will. “You have to live!” He says.
Lesson 8: Knowing your protein goal is important
When he's not celebrating special occasions, Devine's daily meals revolve around hitting his protein goals (without exceeding his calorie goals). Breakfast might include a “better-for-you” protein-packed bagel, lunch is often grilled or grilled chicken with a vinaigrette-dressed salad, and dinner is usually salmon with broccoli, he says.
“I'm always trying to find ways to get more protein.” Aside from his love for grilled chicken, he's not a chicken all the time. Devin shared some of his favorite recipes, too — including chili peppers and breakfast quesadillas — which are now available at My Fitness Pal application.
Lesson 9: Snacks are a must
Everyone needs snacks in those hungry moments. Having the right options on hand helps Devine avoid less nutritious options and stay on track with his health goals.
His current favorites include cherry tomatoes, apples, and protein bars that are about 200 calories or less. “Having convenient snacks ready to go makes it much easier to stay on track,” he says.
Devin's advice? Find snacks that you really enjoy and keep them on hand when you get hungry.
Lesson 10: Tracking makes health goals achievable
For Devine, food tracking has been a game-changer. “Tracking my food helps me know what I'm eating,” he says. “Just knowing where you stand allows missteps, setbacks, vacations, or celebrations to happen.”
By increasing awareness of what you eat, tracking helps you stay accountable and make progress over time. It's not about perfection, it's about balance and consistency.
Based on everything he learned last year, he set simple, sustainable health goals for 2025. This year, he plans to focus on eating healthier and drinking less alcohol without exhausting himself over a cocktail or cake. Because you don't have to be perfect to get results, you just have to know where you stand so you can make informed decisions from there.
So, take a page from Devine's playbook, and make 2025 your healthiest year ever.
this post Adam Devine reveals the biggest health lessons he learned in 2024 — and his goals for 2025 appeared first on My Fitness Pal Blog.
