The journey to staying healthy seems to be more challenging when you add genetics to the equation. However, with the right mindset and program, you can go beyond your limitations and set yourself up for greater success.
This was the case for the 49-year-old Fit Father Joel. His dad was 56 when he succumbed to cancer, and his mom was in her early 70s when she died from heart disease.
Joel was then well aware of the bad genes in him, but he knew he could fight this — not by being dependent on medicine but by doing things naturally.
As a father, husband, physical education teacher, and even a grandfather, Joel wears many hats. Despite being a busy man who continues to serve his family, his students, and his community, Joel knows that he shouldn’t forget to serve himself too.
While scrolling through his Facebook feed, Joel kept seeing the Fit Father Project, and finally, he clicked on it. Little did he know, he was about to experience a transformation that makes beating genetics a fulfilling and even enjoyable journey.
Listen to Joel's Story on the Fit Father Project Podcast:
Bad Eating Habits Plus Bad Genetics
Joel may be teaching about health and fitness, but he used to have poor eating habits.
“Before fasting got popular, I was already doing it without knowing it. I was doing it every day. Then, I’d go home and binge eat.”
He would also often stop at fast food restaurants while coaching baseball and football to kids.
“I was way out of shape, probably sitting at around 250 pounds. I had three kids under three, and I’d use those types of excuses and not really take time for myself.”
Joel, however, enjoys lifting weights. He was even able to deadlift 500 pounds or bench press over 275. The problem was despite hitting those goals, his body didn’t undergo any changes, and he would still end up eating and eating.
Joel was bothered by the fact that he teaches young kids about faith, family, future, and fun. He was talking the talk, but he wasn’t walking the walk.
Apart from his history of bad eating habits, he had another horrible history to overcome. His father died of prostate cancer at age 57. Joel’s mother also had a heart attack and died in her early 70s.
Meanwhile, Joel wanted to manage his diabetes. He didn’t want to do insulin and depend on medicine. Instead, he wanted to do things the right way.
Learn more about Joel’s journey of beating genetics and setting a good example of being truly fit and healthy!
Beating Genetics and Setting a Good Example
While searching for fitness programs, Joel found the Fit Father Project.
“There was a good deal at that time for the first 30 days. The price was very reasonable. I said if I can’t do this for the first 30 days, then that’s my own fault.”
Through FFP, he was able to start correcting his previously poor eating habits. As he travels a lot while coaching baseball, there are several temptations for instant food. Fortunately, the Fit Father Project had a lot of information and resources that helped him choose healthier options.
“Even before starting the exercise part of the project, I probably already lost close to 10 pounds. This was because I was consciously eating properly and thinking through what I was eating, and that really inspired me.”
Joel proudly shared that he now has steel-cut oats for breakfast. For lunch, he usually has his power shake. He found something that works for him and his schedule, and he’s able to establish a routine.
At the same time, he’s showing his students how to slow down, think of the food they’re eating, and how this can positively affect their bodies as it did to him.
However, Joel admitted going through challenges while joining the program, like performing the Apex 10.
“It took me about an hour or an hour and 15 to 20 minutes. By the time I was done with four weeks, I had it down to about 36 minutes. I was floored at the progress I’ve made that quickly.”
Joel is elated that he’s now at 220 pounds. He has even surpassed his goal of getting back to his married weight, which was 222 pounds!
As someone who knows he’s carrying bad genes with a father who died at 56, he aimed to live to be 57 years old. Now, Joel is confident he’ll make it way longer.
“I want to be there for my grandkids, my family, and my wife. I want to retire with somebody. I’m looking forward to that day when my wife and I will just enjoy our walks on the beach.”
The Fit Father Project has also helped Joel mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. He’s reading the Bible more, and he feels more productive, fearless, and inspired to achieve more things inside and outside school.
“I just have to keep moving forward. I believe working on myself to become healthy and teaching my kids go a long way because it’s easier caught than taught.”
So what would Joel say to someone looking to join the Fit Father Project?
3 Key Takeaways From Joel's Journey
Here are three key lessons that you can gain from Joel’s experience of facing the future while beating genetics.
Lesson 1: There Will Always Be Challenges, But It’s About How You Overcome Them
As a 49-year-old man, Joel already went through so many challenges. His parents’ lives could mean his genetics could also set him back.
However, he chose to pursue a path toward health and vitality with the help of the program.
From contracting COVID for two weeks to struggling to maintain a healthy eating regimen and surviving the Great Destroyer, challenges are indeed always there. However, the key is to keep going forward no matter what happens.
Don’t hesitate to seek support. Go back to your purpose, like how Joel keeps himself motivated to spend more time with his kids, wife, and grandkids and continue to be a great example to his students.
Lesson 2: It’s OK To Fail Sometimes
You don’t need to be perfect — no one is. Sometimes, you’ll falter and fail. There will always be temptations too. No matter how hard you try to discipline yourself, there are just times that you’ll fall. However, you can always get back up.
For Joel, it’s his routine that helps him out. He doesn’t let all the holidays bother him. He knows he could gain a few pounds during those days, but he’s also confident that he can go back to his routine and lose even more pounds.
Trust in your routine or the system that works for you. Things are not going to be perfect, but the more that you’ll work and keep trying, the easier things get and the more momentum you will have.
Lesson 3: Practice What You Preach
Most of us might be guilty of not practicing what we preach. It’s also easy to make all those excuses. However, the moment you embrace change, you’re also opening yourself up for more opportunities.
When Joel committed himself to the program and to becoming a better example for his students, he saw greater results. He’s not simply educating; he’s showing them what it truly means to be healthy. He has better credibility, too, because he’s applying his lessons in his own life. With this mindset, Joel can contribute more to himself, his family, and his community.
What is FF30X?
FF30X is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program that is designed especially for busy men over 40.
With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team that is there for you at every step, FF30X can help you lose 30, 40, or even 50+ lbs — even if you’ve never picked up a weight in your life.
Click here to see what you get when you join the FF30X program today!
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*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary from individual to individual; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice – simply very well-researched info on beating genetics.
