Devine understands the importance of non-scale victories and taps into them for motivation. Over the past year, he's noticed his wedding ring becoming loose and his face looking leaner on screen. 

"I have a whole new wardrobe, although it's outdated since I haven't been this lean in years," he jokes. It's these everyday wins that keep him motivated. "My biggest wins aren't the numbers on the scale."

Lesson 6: How You Eat Impacts How You Feel

Devine learned firsthand how diet affects both physical and mental well-being. "With the extra weight, I felt and looked bloated, so it was uncomfortable," he recalls. "I just didn't feel like myself." Now, eating healthier has helped him feel more energized and confident.

When you prioritize nutritious foods, you're not just fueling your body—you're supporting your overall sense of well-being. Parenting requires tons of energy, and now Devine has more than he's had in years thanks to the way he's eating. (More on that in a second…)

Lesson 7: Don't Miss Out on Cookies—Or Steak

For Devine, living healthily doesn't mean giving up the things he loves. It's all about balance. "Life is fun," he notes. "You should have that birthday cake. Enjoy it and then get back on your goals."

For example, at his annual family reunions, he indulges in all his favorites, including cookies, steaks, and beer. It's an occasion he looks forward to and wants to enjoy it to the fullest.

"I usually 'let it fly' for this particular event," he says. "Last year, when I got home, I weighed myself and saw I had gained 8 lbs in one weekend! But it's OK to have a day or weekend off the routine."

Here's the approach he's taking into 2025: Reset and move on. Guilt doesn't serve you, but rebooting your routine does. "You've got to live!" he says.

Lesson 8: Knowing Your Protein Goal Matters

When he's not celebrating some special occasion, Devine's everyday meals are centered around hitting his protein goals (without blowing past his calorie goals). Breakfast might include a "better-for-you" protein-packed bagel, lunch is often grilled or rotisserie chicken on a vinaigrette-dressed salad, and dinner is typically salmon with broccoli, he says. "I'm always trying to find ways to get more protein." His favorite go-to recipes include turkey chili and a breakfast quesadilla. 

Lesson 9: Go-to Snacks Are a Must

Everyone needs snacks around for those hangry moments. Having the right ones for him on hand helps Devine avoid less nutritious options and stay on track with his health goals. 

His current favorites include cherry tomatoes, apples, and protein bars that clock in around 200 calories or less. "Having convenient snacks ready to go makes it so much easier to stay on track," he says.

Devine's tip? Find snacks you genuinely enjoy and keep them within reach for when hunger strikes.

Lesson 10: Tracking Makes Health Goals Achievable

For Devine, food tracking has been a game changer. "Tracking my food helps me actually know what I'm eating," he says. "Just knowing where you stand allows for slip-ups, setbacks, vacations, or celebrations."

By bringing awareness to what you eat, tracking helps you stay accountable and make progress over time. It's not about perfection—it's about balance and consistency.

Based on everything he's learned this past year, he set simple and sustainable health goals for 2025. This year, he plans to focus on eating healthy and drinking less alcohol without beating himself up over a cocktail or cookie. Because you don't have to be perfect to get results—you just have to know where you stand so you can make informed decisions from there. 

So, take a page from Devine's playbook, and make 2025 your healthiest year yet.