In Long Island, New York, 32-year-old Ethan Noblesala faced a turning point in late 2023 when a medical diagnosis urged him to make significant health changes. Diagnosed with prediabetes, his doctor issued a stark warning: failure to alter his lifestyle could lead to further health complications, including surgeries and increased medication. This message resonated deeply with Noblesala, who had gradually prioritized his blossoming entrepreneurial career over his physical well-being.
Reflecting on his previous college days when he was at his peak health, Noblesala acknowledged that the demands of building a business took precedence, leading to unhealthy habits. He recalls long hours spent networking at happy hours and nightly commitments that left him averaging only four hours of sleep. Fast food became his go-to, resulting in a weight gain that peaked at 235 pounds on his 5-foot-6 frame.
Determined to reclaim his health, Noblesala took a leave from his ventures to focus on personal wellness. The results were life-changing; he lost 85 pounds and gained a renewed sense of vitality. Central to his success was an evidence-based approach to dieting. With a background in finance, Noblesala meticulously tracked his dietary intake, prioritizing high-protein and high-fiber foods while limiting his calorie consumption to around 1,500 per day. By doing so, he found that he could stay satisfied without feeling deprived.
Noblesala’s dietary changes included simple yet impactful adjustments like staying hydrated, grocery shopping with a focus on nutrition labels, and discovering healthier alternatives to his favorite foods. For instance, he replaced fast-food chicken nuggets with a leaner option from Costco and made Shirataki noodles with chicken breast his go-to meal. Such adaptations made healthful eating not only sustainable but also enjoyable.
To further enhance his fitness journey, Noblesala reintegrated physical activity into his life, focusing on enjoyable sports that could also build a sense of community. Rediscovering his passion for sports, he turned to pickleball, which not only kept him active but also connected him to others with similar health goals. Joining a local gym provided him access to fitness classes and community events that he eagerly participated in, transforming what once felt like a chore into a socially enriching experience.
Beyond the gym, accountability from friends became a critical factor in maintaining his routine. Knowing that peers were expecting him to join activities motivated him to remain committed. Alongside his newfound passion for pickleball, Noblesala has also joined running clubs and is now training for the New York City Marathon, an ambitious goal he earned through his alma mater, Chaminade High School.
Incorporating rest as a vital component of his health regimen, Noblesala recognizes the negative impact of inadequate sleep on his overall recovery. He now prioritizes six to seven hours each night, adjusting his exercise routines based on biometric feedback from wearable technology. This has allowed him to make informed decisions about his workouts, optimizing recovery and performance.
As he continues on this trajectory of health and wellness, Noblesala is channeling his experiences into a new venture. Inspired by the positive changes in his life, he is developing WeFit Labs, a gamified social fitness app aimed at fostering a motivating environment for individuals to connect and encourage each other in their fitness journeys.
With his transformation as both a personal success and a springboard for professional aspirations, Noblesala stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the willingness to embrace change. His story inspires others to reassess their lifestyles and take actionable steps toward better health.