In Episode 269 of the Fit Father Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with Reuvein Mittler, a 36-year-old father of five from Chicago who decided he wasn’t going to follow the same unhealthy path he saw in his own family. After a pre-diabetes warning and years of weight gain, Reuvein took control and began a journey that would completely transform his health.
Through the Fit Father Foundations program, Reuvein lost nearly 40 pounds, rebuilt his strength, and discovered how simple habits like hydration, protein-focused meals, and consistent training could change his energy, mindset, and daily life. What started with learning how to do his very first push-up became a full commitment to becoming the healthiest version of himself.
This episode is a powerful reminder that progress beats perfection, that starting is often the hardest part, and that when a father changes his health, it ripples through his entire family. If you’re a busy dad who wants more energy, strength, and years with the people you love, Episode 269 will inspire you to take that first step.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-diabetes as the wake-up call
- Nearly 40 pounds lost in one year
- From no push-ups to consistent strength training
- Hydration as a daily energy multiplier
- Protein + produce as the nutrition anchor
- Fewer crashes, no more coffee dependence
- Foundations habits changing everyday life
- Strength training spilling into mental toughness
- Leadership by example for wife and kids
- “Daddy’s doing this to be healthy for us”
- Progress over perfection mindset
- Half effort beats zero effort days
- Just start — momentum follows action
- Training as self-mastery, not punishment
- Clear next goal: Old School Muscle
From Pre-Diabetic to Powerful: Fit Father Member Reuvein’s 40-Pound Comeback (Ep. 269)
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The Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club!
Go to http://go.getfreshfitfather.com to enroll in the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club, pay just $1 to help cover shipping costs, and receive a complimentary full-size bottle ($39 value) of one of the greatest olive oils T.J. has ever discovered.
With T.J.’s Club, there’s never a commitment to buy anything, now or ever, and you can cancel your membership at any time.
Take an Adventure with FFP in 2026!
- Fit Father / Fit Mother LIVE 2026 — August 7–9, 2026 Click here and plan to join us!
- Fit Father Sedona Retreat — April 2026. Eight spots left!
- Belize Service Trip — June 6-12, 2026. For information: www.fitfatherproject.com/belize
Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!
Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy men over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest.
Click here to see everything you get when you join Foundations, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.
*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice – simply very well-researched information on health, fitness, and lifestyle strategies to help fathers take control of their bodies and lead their families with strength.
