Rich discovers health hobbies on the Mayo Clinic Diet

Running toward a healthier future

When Rich Wendt and his wife, Jill, decided to make a change, they were looking for a sustainable, practical solution to improve their health and lifestyle. Living in southern Wisconsin, the couple chose the Mayo Clinic Diet, and the results have been nothing short of transformative. For Rich, the journey has led to not only weight loss but also new hobbies, better health, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Why Rich chose the Mayo Clinic Diet

Having never followed a formal weight loss program before, Rich wanted a plan that would fit seamlessly into his life. "I chose the Mayo Clinic Diet because it focused on learning about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals," he said. "It felt like a sustainable approach that didn’t rely on drastic changes or pre-packaged foods. Instead, it taught us how to eat well and enjoy the process."

The reputation of Mayo Clinic played a big role in his decision. "I trusted Mayo Clinic," he said. "I knew they wouldn’t put their name on something that wasn’t substantial or credible. This program is not a quick fix; it’s a lifestyle change."

A non-scale victory that reshaped Rich’s mornings

For Rich, one of the most unexpected victories was developing a love for running. "When I started, my goal was simply to get 10,000 steps a day," he said. "That evolved into going for short runs, then longer ones. Now, I’m up at 5:15 every morning, out on the trail by 5:30, listening to audiobooks while I run."

Rich recently completed his first half marathon and is training for a full marathon. "At 50 years old, I never thought I’d take up running, but it’s become one of my favorite things to do," he said.

Significant health improvements

Rich’s health improvements since starting the Mayo Clinic Diet have been remarkable. "I’ve been on blood pressure medication since my late 20s, but I no longer need it," he shared. "I’ve also been using a CPAP machine for 15 years, and now I don’t need that either."

In addition, Rich’s bloodwork has shown significant improvements, particularly with his glucose levels. "At times, I was in the prediabetic range," he said. "Now, my last blood test shows everything is back to normal."

Rich lost 56 lbs and his wife, Jill, lost 63 lbs*

How the Mayo Clinic Diet changed Rich’s life

The Mayo Clinic Diet has become an integral part of Rich’s lifestyle. "We plan our meals ahead of time, and it’s brought my wife and me even closer together," he said. "We share in the meal prep and planning, which has made the process enjoyable and rewarding."

Seeing physical changes has also boosted Rich’s confidence. "I carried a lot of weight in my face, and as I lost weight, I started seeing definition again," he said. "It’s an incredible feeling to look in the mirror and feel proud of what you see."

Favorite features of the Mayo Clinic app and recipes

Rich found the Mayo Clinic Diet app to be an essential tool. "Every night before bed, I review my day—how many steps I took, my calorie intake, and where I stand with my food groups," he said. "It’s a great way to stay accountable and make adjustments when needed."

The couple followed the Simple meal plan for its quick, easy-to-prepare recipes. "One of our favorites is the pesto muffin pizzas," Rich said. "They’re quick to make, use just a few ingredients, and we always have them on hand for busy nights."

Support in their own way

While Rich and his wife appreciated the support resources offered by the Mayo Clinic Diet, they chose to lean on each other for motivation. "We were each other’s support system," he said. "It was a great way to go through the process together and stay on track."

Advice for others considering the Mayo Clinic Diet

Rich’s advice is to be patient and trust the process. "It’s a marathon, not a sprint," he said. "There will be plateaus, but the key is to stay focused on your long-term goal. Don’t let a bad day or week derail you. The Mayo Clinic Diet is forgiving and designed to help you succeed over time."

Gratitude for the Mayo Clinic team

Rich is deeply grateful to the Mayo Clinic team for creating a program that’s proven to be both practical and effective for him and his wife. "Thank you for giving us the tools to change our lives," he said. "This program has reset our approach to eating and made a lasting impact on our health and happiness."

Trusting Mayo Clinic and the process

Reflecting on his journey, Rich shared, "Trust the process and trust Mayo Clinic. Their name carries weight for a reason, and this program proves it. It’s about learning sustainable habits and creating a lifestyle that supports long-term health."

Always connected to Mayo Clinic

Rich appreciated the resources that kept him connected throughout his journey. While at Mayo Clinic in November 2024 he said, "It’s great to be here at Mayo Clinic today, but what’s even better is that the app and website are always there for you," he said. "You’re never alone in this process, and that makes all the difference."

Rich’s story is a testament to the power of sustainable habits, perseverance, and the right support system. With a healthier outlook and a love for running, Rich is ready to take on new challenges and continue thriving.

Inspired by Rich? Join Mayo Clinic Diet to start your own health journey today.