Vanelli began by teaching himself how to cook, starting with his Italian family’s recipes like caveciune, a holiday pastry. He entered his family’s recipes into an AI platform and asked it to make it healthier.
Importantly, he didn’t deprive himself. Vanelli says food is a cornerstone of his family life, so he practiced portion control without limiting the classics he enjoyed so much.
“In order for you to be sustainable, it has to be enjoyable,” Vanelli says. “Why should I not take my brother’s cooking and his incredible Italian desserts?”
One difference: He cut down the portion sizes. For instance, he still enjoyed his favorite caveciune pastries during the holidays, but ate only half.
“The psychological component is one of the strongest predictors of successful weight loss and weight maintenance, because healthy habits are more likely to be maintained if the lifestyle changes are enjoyable,” says Marsha Novick, MD, a board-certified obesity medicine specialist and a spokesperson for the Obesity Society in private practice in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
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Dr. Novick notes that AI-assisted recipe modification can be a practical way to reduce calories, increase protein and fiber, and continue enjoying the foods that you like. On the other hand, she says any AI-created recipes should be reviewed by a registered dietitian or your doctor for safety and accuracy, and to evaluate whether they’re suitable for any underlying conditions you have.
“A potential disadvantage is that AI may provide inaccurate nutrition information or overlook important considerations such as adequate protein during weight loss, essential micronutrients like calcium, appropriate portion sizes, or medical dietary needs,” Novick adds. “I recommend that patients seek nutrition guidance from a registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional.”
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But other studies cast doubts, including one Turkish study that found AI fell short of dietary guidelines, delivering too few calories and nutrients.[3]
Vanelli began drinking 112 ounces of water per day, started getting enough sleep every night, and made small changes to his exercise routine, working within his pre-surgery limitations. That meant simple movement like walking in a pool and doing leg raises while in bed.
For instance, he would start by stretching in the pool, using movements he remembered from his martial arts days. Then, he would walk back and forth across the pool 10 times. After that, he did side steps, crossing his legs as he moved for five sets.
Just as importantly, Vanelli’s family was supportive of his lifestyle changes.
“I’ve always learned that when you have a major goal, the more people you get involved, the easier it is,” Vanelli says.
These changes didn’t just transform his body, but also his overall mindset.
“At the time of his first surgery, he had lost a significant amount of weight in order to qualify for the initial operation,” Sands says. “By the time he came back for his second surgery, he was a completely different person. Not only did he change physically, but he appeared to have a different take on life.”