Adam Devine reveals the biggest health lessons he learned in 2024 – and his goals for 2025
2024 has been a wild ride. And it was no different for comedian and actor Adam Devine. Fair Gems star embarked on a health journey in 2024, including gaining 25 pounds of “love” during his wife’s pregnancy and then becoming a first-time dad.
Life experiences gave him the wake-up call he needed to refocus on his health. With his newfound role as a parent, Devin’s journey to health has become less about being camera-ready and more about showing up for his family. He lost those 25 pounds using common sense strategies — and not any of the fad diets that have taken social media by storm.
During the interview with MyFitnessPalDevine reveals his biggest health lessons from 2024 and how he’ll carry those learnings into 2025 to create the happiest, healthiest (and funnest) New Year yet.
Lesson 1: Rotisserie Chicken is the MVP
Devine has a special affinity for the humble barbecue chicken. “My wife thinks I’m crazy because I’m going to buy three chickens at the beginning of the week,” he says. “I love that dirty bird!”
But with this convenient, high-protein staple, it’s definitely up to something. It helps him achieve his nutritional goals without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the reasons it works for him is because he switches up the way he serves it so it doesn’t get boring. “The first day I eat it with buffalo sauce or light ranch, but the next day I tear it up and put it in a burrito with a low-carb wrap. “Sometimes my wife puts broccoli and sweet potatoes in the oven as a side dish for the third day,” he explains.
Rotisserie chicken is proof that comfort and health can coexist. And it doesn’t have to be grilled chicken—a big batch of lentils or baked tofu can also be a protein-packed staple for many meals throughout the week. Plan ahead like Devine and you’ll always have a delicious and nutritious meal ready.
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 was a big year for more consumption (a more) proteins. Research shows that this macronutrient can support the 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 Fair Gemsa colleague introduced him to homemade high protein balls.
“They were tasty and small, so I ate three or four a day,” he says. “I had no idea how caloric they were. That is, until he looked up the ingredients and found out the nutritional information for each little protein ball. Turns out they’re about 300 calories each.
“Food tracking helps me really know what I’m eating so I don’t accidentally eat 1,000 calories of homemade protein balls.”
Lesson? Even healthy-sounding high-protein snacks can cause you to miss your goals if you’re not careful.
Lesson 3: Drinking an Old Fashioned is like eating a candy bar
It’s not uncommon to have two or three drinks a night with friends. But most people wouldn’t eat three candy bars in a row.
Devin’s favorite drink is the classic Old Fashioned. It wasn’t until he learned the calorie count of bourbon and rye that he began to understand what a waste the cocktail could be.
“My vice is a nice cocktail like an Old Fashioned – although now I realize it’s like drinking a candy bar,” she admits.
Indulgences like this are essential to achieving balance and creating a dietary pattern that is truly sustainable over the long term. But it is important to be aware of them and recognize their impact.
“I find it’s all about balance,” Devine said. The moral of the story? Enjoy a cocktail, but be aware of what you’re consuming and don’t let it become a daily – or a few 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 discovered, that includes how you view food and fitness.
“Since becoming a father, spending time with my son and going to the gym has been the hardest trade-off for me,” explains Devine. “That makes eating healthier all the more important because I always choose to meet Beau.
Prioritizing nutrition allows him to maintain his energy and stay in the presence of his family. For Devine, good eating is no longer just about looking good on screen — it’s about feeling good and being the best version of yourself for your son.
Lesson 5: Even a free wedding ring can increase motivation
Devine understands the importance of winning without a yardstick and uses it as motivation. Over the past year, he noticed that his wedding ring had loosened and his face looked thinner on screen.
“I have a whole new wardrobe, even though it’s outdated because I haven’t been this slim in years,” she jokes. It is these daily wins that keep him motivated. “My biggest wins aren’t the numbers on the scale.
Lesson 6: How you eat affects how you feel
Devine learned firsthand how diet affects both physical and mental well-being. “With the extra pounds, 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 energetic and confident.
When you prioritize nutritious foods, you not only fuel your body, but promote your overall sense of well-being. Parenting takes a lot of energy, and Devine now has more than he’s had in years thanks to the way he eats. (More on that in a second…)
Lesson 7: Don’t miss the biscuits—or the steak
For Devine, living healthy doesn’t mean giving up the things she loves. It’s all about balance. “Life is fun,” he notes. “You should have that birthday cake. Enjoy it and then get back to your goals.”
For example, at his annual family gatherings, he indulges in all his favorites, including cookies, steak, and beer. It’s an opportunity he’s looking forward to and wants to enjoy 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 that I had gained 8 kilos in one weekend! But it’s okay to have a day or a weekend out of the routine.’
Here’s the approach he’s taking to 2025: Reset and move on. Guilt doesn’t serve you, but restarting your routine does. “You must live!” he says.
Lesson 8: Knowing your protein goal is important
When Devine isn’t celebrating a special occasion, his daily meals focus on hitting his protein goals (without going over his calorie goals). Breakfast might include a bagel packed with “better-for-you” protein, lunch is often grilled or grilled chicken on a vinaigrette salad, and dinner is typically salmon with broccoli, she says.
“I’m always trying to find ways to get more protein.” And his love of grilled chicken aside, it’s still not just chicken. Devine also shared some of his favorite recipes—including turkey chili and breakfast quesadillas—which are now available at the MyFitnessPal app.
Lesson 9: Snacks are a must
Everyone needs a snack for those craving moments. Having the right ones on hand helps Devine avoid less nutritious options and maintain his health goals.
His current favorites include cherry tomatoes, apples and protein bars that are around 200 calories or less. “Having convenient snacks ready makes it a lot easier to stay on track,” she says.
Devin’s tip? Find snacks that you really enjoy and keep them close at hand when hunger strikes.
Lesson 10: Tracking Makes Health Goals Achievable
Food tracking has been a game changer for Devine. “Food tracking helps me really know what I’m eating,” she says. “Just knowing where you stand allows for fumbles, setbacks, holidays or celebrations.”
By making you more aware of 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 over the past year, he’s set simple, 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 need to know where you stand so you can make informed decisions from there.
So take a page from Devin’s playbook and make 2025 your healthiest year yet.
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