At the Fit Father Project, we're all about committing to a healthy lifestyle — for you and your family.
And Fit Father Dustin is one example of the many men that have done just that!
Dustin’s journey began a few years ago, and he’s still going strong today, having improved his lifestyle for the long term.
Like so many of our member stories, you’ll relate to Dustin’s story as you see how he found us, got started, made improvements to his routine, and got great results.
Dustin was in a stressful job, working 50-60 hour weeks, running a side business, and managing his household and fatherly duties for his wife and three children.
Dustin made a commitment to himself and his family on Thanksgiving Day 2018 that he would improve his lifestyle, gain back his energy and his mojo, and lose the fat that he had become so tired of seeing and feeling.
Knowing how the stress and poor eating habits were affecting his weight, Dustin joined the FFP, and the rest is history!
Listen to Dustin's Story on the Fit Father Project Podcast:
Generally Healthy, Yet Always Tired And Stressed
In 2018, it was the best of times and the worst of times for Dustin.
“2018 was a wonderful year; one of the best years of my life in hindsight, but it was probably the most stressful year of my life, too. I was grinding through that year, and it was the way it was just continuing to add on. I was not eating well at all. I think it was mostly the stress. I hit a pit in my stomach thinking about those months. So, I realized I was not in great shape and heading into the fall.”
During the stressful period highlighted by Dustin, one fine day, he decided to visit a doctor for a wellness check.
Dustin had never undergone a health check before.
He had some tests run on him and expected the reports to explain the cause of his lethargy.
However, to his surprise, his reports were normal.
That’s when it dawned on him that he needed to lose weight to feel better.
“I realized that it was my fault, and I was sick of the way I felt. It was a low point in my life.”
Then, Dustin came across the Fit Father Project while listening to a podcast where Dr. Anthony was being interviewed.
Dr. A seemed genuine to Dustin, and everything about the program just made sense.
Dustin was the heaviest he had ever been in his life at that point, so he wanted to take charge of his health and turn things around for the better.
He joined FF30X and was committed to a healthy lifestyle, but that didn't mean his schedule and life were any less hectic.
“If anything, the business activity and potential stress associated with it increased. I traveled more than before.”
However, he ensured his meal plans and workout schedules were not getting impacted.
“What was different was the boundaries I set for myself and the things that became non-negotiables. The big one would be getting up at a consistent time, in my case, 5:30 in the morning, and completing my workout. I always had great intentions.”
For Dustin, finishing his workouts first thing in the morning became a routine.
Moreover, he liked the simplicity of the workouts offered by FF30X.
He’s also a fan of the protein shakes, a critical component of the FF30X nutrition plans.
Stay strong for yourself and your family during your fitness journey by learning from Dustin!
Committing To A Healthy Lifestyle
According to Dustin, fitness has become more consistent for him since joining FF30X, unlike before.
He also changed his eating habits for the better.
For example, he incorporated more whole foods into his lunch.
He also started actively participating in meal planning and prepping, along with his wife.
“So Sundays became a time when my wife and I look at the dinners for the rest of the week. I make sure I’ve got proteins and things in place. I can have an easy lunch.”
Moreover, he did not go overboard with the changes in his nutrition.
Nevertheless, he learned how to balance his healthy lifestyle.
“We try to eat dinner together every night as a family. I’m not picky about dinner. So if we’re having steak, that’s great. If we have some pasta, that’s OK too. We’ll have pizza, but maybe instead of five pieces of double pepperoni pizza, I’ll have two and a salad. So all those were immediate changes.”
“The nutrition is just kind of there. I don’t have to think about it much. The workout has become a habit. I work out six days a week all the time. And it’s just part of what I do now.”
He weighed 237 pounds before and currently weighs 200 pounds, and is actively running marathons.
Dustin initially believed that he did not need accountability and was a self-driven individual.
However, he found great support and camaraderie in the Fit Father Project’s Brotherhood Facebook group.
He derived immense encouragement and inspiration from the Brotherhood.
“The group gives you a sense of comfort that you’re not alone. There are people two steps ahead of you who have done this, and it was just like an actual community of people.”
So what would Dustin say to someone looking to join the Fit Father Project?
“With very few exceptions, there are no permanent decisions in life. So, what is the worst that can happen? Commit to doing this program for a week or month. If you don’t like it, you can always not do it. Don’t put so much of your identity and life into this decision. In the health journey, people want perfectionism and immediate results. The reality is it takes work, and it’s not easy. You’re going to become a flywheel of momentum, and you’re not going to want to deviate because you’re getting so much benefit from it. Don’t sweat it so much. Try it. I can almost guarantee that if you do more than what you’re doing now, you will feel much better than you do today.”
3 Key Takeaways From Dustin's Journey
To summarize, here are three key lessons you can learn from Dustin’s successful health and fitness journey:
Lesson 1: Set Your Boundaries and Follow Them
Try to learn that some things are non-negotiable.
First, decide for yourself what works for you and what does not.
You must establish boundaries for yourself and respect them enough to adhere to them.
If you don’t respect your boundaries, no one else will.
Lesson 2: Set Clear Goals and Prioritize Them
You will always have reasons to “not” do something.
Therefore, you must define clear goals and prioritize them when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.
Make time for your routine and avoid procrastinating.
Once you know what matters to you, discipline around it will come to you naturally.
Lesson 3: Be Open to Adjustments in Your Health and Fitness Routine
At times, it’s not possible to stick to your healthy lifestyle.
During such periods, be open to adjusting to whatever resources you have.
Remember that something is always better than nothing.
For example, working out with weights is not always possible when you’re away from home.
In such a situation, you can go out for a run or do some bodyweight exercises.
Similarly, if you’re out for a family dinner and cannot find healthy options, get a salad instead.
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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After watching his own Dad lose his health and pass away at the young age of 42, Dr. Balduzzi founded The Fit Father Project and Fit Mother Project to help busy dads and moms get and stay healthy for their families. Dr. Anthony Balduzzi holds dual degrees in Psychology & Nutrition from the University of Pennsylvania, a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, and is also a former national champion bodybuilder. He’s is most proud of the fact that he’s helped over 40,000 families in over 100 countries lose weight and get healthy for life.Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, NMD
Men's Health Doctor & Founder
Fit Father Project & Fit Mother ProjectFounder, Fit Father Project & Fit Mother Project
*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 creating a healthy lifestyle.