A week of fiber-rich meals as a runner
In this series, we show how real people empower their lives with real nutrition. Each weekly journal features a different MyFitnessPal member’s eating goals, habits, and favorite meals to inspire you on your own journey – because progress, not perfection, is what really matters.
Today, a senior engineer at MyFitnesspal in Texas is training for a half marathon and is focused on increasing his fiber intake.
Location: Austin, Texas
Profession: Chief Engineer at MyFitnessPal
Old:38
Weekly Food and Grocery Budget: I don’t really keep track!
Diet plan: I recently switched to low FODMAP
Dietary restrictions: No onions or garlic; limited wheat, barley and rye
Weekly Goals:
Weekly calorie goal: 14,000
Daily macro ratios: The only nutrient I focus on is fiber– doctor’s order!
Typical weekly training plan: I run every day, about 40-50 miles a week.
When did you start learning about the importance of nutrition?
I always “knew” it was important, but I don’t think I really did anything about it until I realized that food could positively improve many aspects of my health.
When and why did you start food logging?
I started logging my food in 2015 (before I even worked at MyFitnessPal!) when I accidentally realized that I was much heavier than I internally thought. Since then, I will regularly log more or less depending on my life goals.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned on your nutrition journey?
The foods you eat are about much more than just the calories they contain. For me, certain foods that most people would consider “healthy” have a negative impact on my body. Your health is not one-dimensional.
What health or fitness-related goals are you working toward?
I’m training for a half marathon in January and am working my way back to my healthy running weight. I lost about 24 pounds from my 30 pound weight loss goal
How do you plan for life events that may impact your normal eating routine? (e.g. vacation, birthday or wedding celebrations, etc.)
I usually focus more on the big picture than on individual days or events. For example, I like to think of my calorie budget as weekly instead of daily. If I know I have a complicated weekend or event coming up, I usually plan for it earlier in the week.
How often do you eat out each week instead of preparing your meals at home?
I probably eat half of my meals at home. I eat a lot Sandwiches.
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7 days of nutrition for real life
Day 1
Breakfast: I started the day with a warm bowl of instant brown sugar and maple oats – comfort food in 90 seconds. I garnished it with a sliced
Lunch: Around lunchtime I grabbed a chicken bowl from Waba Grill. Lean protein, check. Rice, check. Vegetables, check. Honestly, it’s my first choice when I want something filling but don’t to difficult. Total: 640 calories
Dinner: Okay, balance. I ended the day with a medium cheeseburger and a side of crispy, straight-cut fries. Sometimes easy need the burger. No regrets. Total: 681 calories
Daily Total: 1,754 calories
Day 2
Breakfast: My favorite: instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal, topped with banana and blueberries. Simple, reliable and gets the job done.
Lunch: I grabbed a bagel from the deli and spread some cream cheese on it. Simple, carb-filled bliss.
Dinner: I ended the day with a medium sized poke bowl from the neighborhood poke food truck. Ahi, tuna and salmon, rice, 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 journal food. Sometimes you just have to enjoy your meals without having to do the math!
Day 5
Breakfast: Back to routine – instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal with banana and blueberries. Why mess with perfection?
Lunch: I grabbed an Italian panini at the local bodega and chose the most verified option in the app. It was just right and didn’t require much effort.
Dinner: Jimmy John is for dinner! I chose number 7 – with the bread, not an unwitch. Sometimes you just need the full sandwich experience.
Daily Total: 1,533 calories
Dec 6th
Breakfast: You guessed it: instant maple syrup with brown sugar, blueberries and bananas. It’s reliable and I love it.
Lunch: I leaned into my Jimmy John’s style and ordered the Spicy East Coast Italian again – this time as Unwitch. The lettuce wrap makes it feel lighter, but still filling.
Dinner: Two slices of pepperoni pizza to end the day. Sometimes pizza just calls your name. Total: 496 calories.
Daily Total: 1,379 calories
Dec 7th
Breakfast: Instant brown sugar and maple oatmeal again, with banana slices and blueberries for additional whole fruit nutrition. A classic is unbeatable.
Lunch: I stopped by Thundercloud Subs and picked up an Italian New York sandwich. I paired it with a side of Sun Chips because let’s face it, sandwiches taste better with fries.
Dinner: Dinner with friends at a local brewery! I kept it simple with an order of Lemon Pepper Wings. Tasty, shareable and not too heavy.
Daily Total: 1,505 calories
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