New year, new transformation stories to inspire us all!
Thirteen years ago, Michael Bettis probably did not expect to ever become an inspirational story. In 2003, his life was beginning a steep decline.
That was the year he became homeless, living in his car on the streets of Detroit, MI, after his parents kicked him out of the house.
A friend offered him a spot on their couch. Soon, Mike was consuming 10,000 calories a day. He gorged on fast food as he fell into a deep depression.
His days began with a greasy breakfast from McDonald's, and then he'd manage to scarf down as much fast food as he could. At one point, he was spending 18 hours a day playing video games.
When one of his friends realized he was in a depressive state, they suggested he move to California to get his life together. He made the trip and got on his own two feet out there.
Unfortunately, having a steady paycheck made it easy for him to access more food, which fed into his poor lifestyle choices.
Now, however, Mike no longer looks like the man who consumed 10,000 calories a day. He's fit and loving life once more!
One friend helped Mike turn his life around by asking a simple question. One Friday night, when Mike was dining on Taco Bell, his friend said, "What are you doing?"
That, paired with losing his job, prompted Mike to overhaul his unhealthy choices and turn his life around. It was not a quick fix, as his weight peaked at 322 pounds. He'd spent many years eating junk and being sedentary on the couch.
He found a system that worked for him, changing to a 2,200 calorie daily diet, which he meal preps with lean meats, vegetables, and rice.
His change in diet and fit lifestyle change are what Mike credits as the cure for his depression.
The change made him feel like a much stronger person, which gave him the courage to go to college.
Mike believes that people look at him differently now than when he was heavier.
Mike shares his fitness journey, and relationship with his girlfriend Andrea, on his Instagram page.
He shows progress photos, meal prep options, and work out videos that would inspire anyone!
"Whenever anyone is down and out and sad I tell them 'everyone deserves to be happy, everybody is capable of doing what you want and being happy,'" Mike said to Daily Mail.
Please SHARE this story with all of your friends and family to inspire them this new year!
