2024 has been a wild ride. And it’s no different for comedian and actor Adam Devine. Righteous Gemstones star embarked on a health journey in 2024, including putting on 25 pounds of “sympathy weight” during his wife’s pregnancy and then becoming a first-time Dad.
Life experiences gave her the wake-up call she needed to refocus on her health. In her newfound role as a parent, Devine’s health journey has become less about being camera-ready and more about showing up for her family. She lost those 25 pounds using common-sense techniques—and not any of the fad diets that went down on social media.
While talking to MyFitnessPalDevine reveals his biggest health lessons from 2024, and how he’ll take those learnings into 2025 to create the happiest and healthiest (and funniest) New Year ever.
Lesson 1: Rotisserie Chicken is the MVP
Devine has a special relationship with the humble rotisserie chicken. “My husband thinks I’m crazy because I’m going to buy three chickens at the beginning of the week,” he said. “I like the dirty bird!”
But he definitely wanted something with this convenient, high-protein staple. It helps her reach her nutritional goals without spending time in the kitchen.
One reason it works for him is that he switches up the way he serves so it doesn’t get boring. “The first day I’ll eat it with buffalo sauce or a light ranch, but the next day I’ll peel it and put it in a burrito with a low carb wrap. Sometimes my wife will put broccoli and sweet potatoes in the oven as a side for the third day,” she explains.
Rotisserie chicken is proof that convenience and health can go hand in hand. And it doesn’t have to be rotisserie chicken—a big batch of lentils or some baked tofu can also be a protein-packed base for many meals throughout the week. Plan ahead like Devine, and you’ll always have delicious, healthy meals ready to eat.
Lesson 2: Just Because It’s High in Protein Doesn’t Mean You Should Eat It
If social media trends are to be believed, 2024 is shaping up to be a big year for eating more (and more) protein. Research shows that it can be a macronutrient support a weight loss journey in many ways, including promoting satiety. But Devine learned the hard way that not all “high protein” snacks are created equal.
While filming The Righteous Gemstonesa co-star introduced her to homemade high-protein balls.
“They’re tasty and small, so I eat three or four a day,” he says. “I have no idea how calorie dense they are.” That is, until he looked at the ingredients and figured out the nutritional information for each little ball of protein. Turns out they have about 300 calories each.
“Tracking my food helps me really know what I’m eating so I don’t accidentally eat 1,000 calories of homemade protein balls.”
The lesson? Even healthy-sounding high-protein snacks can cause you to overshoot your goals if you’re not paying attention.
Lesson 3: Drinking an Old Fashioned is Like Eating a Candy Bar
It’s common to have two or three drinks on a night out with friends. But most people don’t eat three candy bars in a row.
Devine’s drink of choice is an old classic. It was only after becoming familiar with the calorie count of bourbon and rye that he began to understand what a cocktail splurge could be.
“My vice is a good cocktail like an old fashioned—although now I realize that’s like drinking a candy bar,” he admits.
Indulgences like these are essential to achieving balance and building a diet pattern that is truly sustainable long-term. But it is important to be aware of them and recognize their impact.
“I’ve learned it’s all about balance,” Devine said. Moral of the story? Enjoy a cocktail, but be aware of what you’re eating and don’t let it become a daily—or several times a day—habit.
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Lesson 4: Nutrition is Key to Showing Up as a Dad
When you become a parent, everything changes. As Devine found out, that includes how you look at food and fitness.
“Since becoming a father, the hardest trade-off for me has been spending time with my son versus going to the gym,” Devine explains. “That’s why healthy eating is even more important because I always choose hanging out with Beau.”
Prioritizing nutrition allows her to maintain her energy and stay present for her family. For Devine, eating well isn’t just about looking good on screen—it’s about feeling good and being the best version of herself for her son.
Lesson 5: Even a Loose Wedding Ring Can Boost Motivation
Devine understands the importance of immeasurable successes and taps into them for motivation. Over the past year, she’s noticed her wedding ring has loosened and her face looks thinner on screen.
“I have a whole new wardrobe even though it’s outdated because I haven’t been this skinny in years,” she joked. It’s these daily wins that keep him motivated. “My biggest win is not the numbers on the scale.”
Lesson 6: How You Eat Effects How You Feel
Devine learned firsthand how diet affects physical and mental well-being. “With so much weight, I felt and looked bloated, so it was uncomfortable,” she recalls. “I just didn’t feel like myself.” Now, eating healthier has helped her feel more energetic and confident.
When you prioritize healthy foods, you’re not just fueling your body—you’re supporting your overall sense of well-being. Parenting takes a lot of energy, and now Devine has more than her years thanks to the way she eats. (More on that in a second…)
Lesson 7: Don’t Skip the Cookies—Or the Steak
For Devine, living healthy doesn’t mean giving up on the things she loves. It’s about balance. “Life is fun,” he said. “You should have a birthday cake. Enjoy it and then get back to your goals.”
For example, at her annual family reunion, she indulges in all her favorites, including cookies, steak, and beer. It was an occasion he looked forward to and wanted to enjoy it to the fullest.
“I usually ‘let it fly’ for this particular event,” he said. “Last year, when I got home, I weighed myself and saw that I had gained 8 lbs in one weekend! But it’s OK to have an off day or weekend.”
Here’s the strategy he’s taking in 2025: Reset and move on. Guilt doesn’t serve you, but rebooting your routine does. “You have to live!” he said.
Lesson 8: Knowing Your Protein Goals Matter
When she’s not celebrating some special occasion, Devine’s daily meals are centered around reaching her protein goals (without exceeding her calorie goals). Breakfast might include a protein-packed “better-for-you” bagel, lunch is usually grilled or rotisserie chicken in a vinaigrette-dressed salad, and dinner is usually salmon with broccoli, she says.
“I’m always trying to find ways to get more protein.” And his love of rotisserie chicken aside, it’s not all chicken all the time. Devine also shares some of her favorite go-to recipes—including turkey chili and a breakfast quesadilla—now available at MyFitnessPal app.
Lesson 9: Go-to Snacks Are Necessary
Everyone needs a snack around for those hangry moments. Having the right ones for her on hand helps Devine avoid less nutritious options and stay on track with her health goals.
Her current favorites include cherry tomatoes, apples, and protein bars that clock in at around 200 calories or less. “Having convenient snacks ready to go makes it easier to stay on track,” she says.
Devine’s tip? Find snacks that you really enjoy and keep them within reach when hunger strikes.
Lesson 10: Tracking Makes Health Goals Achievable
For Devine, food tracking has been a game changer. “Tracking my food helps me really know what I’m eating,” she says. “Just knowing where you stand allows for slip-ups, setbacks, vacations, or celebrations.”
By making you aware of what you’re eating, tracking helps you stay accountable and make progress over time. It’s not about perfection—it’s about balance and consistency.
Based on everything she’s learned this past year, she’s set simple and sustainable health goals for 2025. This year, she plans to focus on eating healthy food and drinking less alcohol without beating herself up over a cocktail or cookie. Because you don’t need to be perfect to get results—you just need to know where you stand so you can make smart decisions from there.
So, take a page from Devine’s playbook, and make 2025 your healthiest year yet.
The post Adam Devine Reveals the Biggest Health Lessons He Learned in 2024 — and His Goals for 2025 first appeared in MyFitnessPal Blog.
