At 32 years old, Ethan Noblesala received a diagnosis of prediabetes. A stern warning from his doctor in November 2023 pushed him to take his health seriously.
“My doctor said, ‘If you don’t change your lifestyle, you’re facing more surgeries, more medications,'” Noblesala shared.
He recalled being in peak health during his college years, but as he ventured into entrepreneurship, he unwittingly sidelined his well-being to focus on business growth. “I started gaining weight as I got caught up in the corporate scene,” he noted.
To foster connections and business, he spent considerable time at happy hours, often squeezing in only four hours of sleep a night. Uber Eats had become a staple of his diet, and he hardly engaged in any exercise. Unfortunately, the pandemic exacerbated his unhealthy habits, leading his weight to peak at 235 pounds—a heavy burden for his 5-foot-6-inch frame.
“Despite running a successful business, I decided to take a break to concentrate on my health,” he said. This focus paid off significantly; he lost 85 pounds and feels rejuvenated, claiming to feel a decade younger.
He adopted a high-protein, high-fiber, low-calorie diet
With a finance background, numbers motivate Noblesala. He started tracking his protein, fiber, and calorie intake. He realized that consuming mostly protein and fiber-rich meals helped him feel full, even while eating only 1,500 calories daily. “I felt nourished, not deprived,” he remarked.
He set small, manageable goals:
- Drinking a glass of water daily: “I was 85 pounds heavier. I wasn’t going to run five miles immediately; it had to start somewhere.”
- Opting for groceries and checking nutrition labels instead of dining out frequently.
- Having a favorite, low-calorie, high-fiber meal: Shirataki noodles with chicken breast in low-fat buffalo sauce.
- Discovering healthier alternatives to his favorite foods, like Costco chicken nuggets over McDonald’s: “I loved these new finds. It was fun!”
He centers his social life around fitness
Noblesala found his passion for sports growing up. Whether it was basketball, tennis, or another sport, he enjoyed being active and connecting with friends. “Playing tennis led me to pickleball, which really sparked my commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I’ve become quite the pickleball enthusiast,” he laughed.
In December 2023, he joined Life Time, appreciating the community aspect. “Playing my favorite sport there makes me look forward to going to the gym, which, in the past, felt like a chore.”
“There’s just something about the highs of exercising and bonding with others,” he added. “It used to be a lonely grind for me, but now it’s an integral part of my life.”
His friends also encourage him, saying things like, “Ethan, see you tomorrow.” Naturally, he shows up after work because he doesn’t want to disappoint them.
Additionally, he joined running clubs like Pitch & Run, aiming for a challenging goal—running the New York City marathon this November. He qualified through his alma mater, Chaminade High School. Admittedly, he’s nervous. “It’s a significant mental hurdle,” he confessed, explaining he’s focusing on interval and strength training.
He prioritizes sleep, rest, and recovery
Noblesala now understands the impact of sleep deprivation on his health: “Your body truly needs recovery. I aim for six and a half to seven and a half hours each night, and I definitely notice the difference when I don’t hit seven hours.”
Balancing workouts with adequate rest has become essential. He values the fitness data he collects, using an Apple Watch, a Whoop tracker, and an Oura ring. After a day with a seven-mile run and two hours of pickleball, his Whoop suggested he take it easy the next day.
“Technology helps to make informed choices. It’s a lot easier now than it was a decade ago,” he noted.
His new lifestyle inspires a career venture
Now, having shed 85 pounds, Noblesala is fully committed to his healthy lifestyle and is determined never to revert to his past behaviors. In fact, this journey inspired him to develop a new company called WeFit Labs, a gamified social fitness app intended to motivate people to engage in physical activities together.
