Steve reclaims his health, stamina, and confidence with the Mayo Clinic Diet

Steve’s turning point came with a simple plan and a challenge. After years of putting work and life first, he signed up for the 75-Hard challenge with a friend and needed a meal plan he could actually follow. “I chose the Mayo Clinic Diet because it seemed easiest to implement,” he says. The weekly meal plan and the ability to convert this into a quick shopping list made it easy to start right away. What began as a short-term commitment turned into a sustained transformation.

Turning a short-term plan into a lasting lifestyle

He started at 274 pounds and has lost about 65 pounds so far. At one point he reached a 75-pound loss and has worked to keep the weight off. That progress came from pairing the Mayo Clinic Diet’s clear meal guidance with a strong streak of accountability. Knowing he couldn’t let his friend (or himself) down helped him stay consistent on days when motivation wavered.

Smart tools driving progress

Steve before losing weight with the Mayo Clinic Diet

Steve quickly learned that practical tools make all the difference. He found the shopping-list feature indispensable for saving time and planning meals for his family. And while he developed a love/hate relationship with the tracker, he appreciated how it shifted his focus from calorie counting to understanding fats and sugars. As his workouts intensified, he learned to fine-tune his nutrition and adapt his fueling strategy, a skill that kept him progressing.

Victories beyond the scale

Steve’s off-scale victories have been substantial. He moved from a 42 waist to a 36 waist and recently allowed himself to buy a whole new wardrobe. More importantly, he has more energy and stamina. Combining the Mayo Clinic Diet with the exercise commitment from 75-Hard pushed him from walking to rowing, to running, and ultimately to training for a race. On September 6, 2025, he completed an Olympic distance triathlon. That finish was a clear sign that his daily choices had rebuilt his fitness and confidence.

Steve completed a Olympic distance marathon in September 2025

Finding balance through structure and routine

Steve learned how to blend structure and spontaneity. He followed the Simple Meal Plan and leaned into breakfasts he could stick with, like banana and peanut butter toast. The routine of planning meals, shopping once, and tracking consistently made healthier eating feel automatic rather than burdensome. 

Steve’s advice for lasting success

His advice is short and direct: “Stick with it. Find some accountability and do it.” Steve’s story shows how a practical meal plan, simple tools, and steady accountability can turn a short-term push into lasting change.

Inspired by Steve? Learn how the Mayo Clinic Diet’s meal plans, tracking tools, and practical supports can help you build momentum, improve fitness, and enjoy lasting results.