How To Ditch the Dad Bod... Once And for All!

It's not just about looking good, but also about being healthy. You might not have the free time you did before having kids, but think about it this way: if you don't start putting yourself as a priority too, you might not get to spend as much time as you want with your kids.

As you may know, body fat is linked to many diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or even cancer. So, let's learn together how to ditch that dad bod, and make your wellness and that of your kids a priority. Because, as you might already know, kids do what parents do, so let's set a good example for them starting now!

What's A "Dad Bod"?

We’ve all heard the term “dad bod”, and whilst it has become a fun trend to laugh about losing our toned body, adding a few pounds and dropping fitness as we age, particularly after having children the Dad bod isn’t exactly the best choice for a healthy life. The lifestyle that creates it might be comfortable for a short period of time, but in the long term, body fat will start creating problems for your muscles and internal organs, increase your risk of chronic diseases and importantly affect the quality of your family life.

According to expert opinions, the waist size of a man must be less than half of his height. There's no need to have a six-pack in order to be healthy, but you might need to start incorporating some changes in your lifestyle in order to ditch that dad bod.

How To Get Rid of Your Dad Bod?

Some tips might be harder to incorporate into your daily routine, but if you're motivated enough, you can achieve incredible results and change your lifestyle forever. Let's learn some ways in which you could balance your responsibilities as a parent and stay fit at the same time.

1.???Drink Water

One of the most beneficial things we can do for our bodies is to drink enough water. It can help us burn calories faster and stay healthy. On the other hand, sugary drinks or carbonated sodas can increase our weight and make it difficult for us to burn fat.

If our water intake isn't enough, our blood sugar can spike uncontrollably, leading to a lack of motivation and fatigue. So make sure you're not dehydrated because water also helps us replenish the cells of our bodies and keep us fuller for a longer time.

2.???Avoid a Bad Diet

Putting the wrong things into our bodies can lead to a lack of energy and sometimes even fatigue, so make sure to pay attention to the foods you're consuming. Before getting disappointed and giving up already, try and see the good part here. With just a simple dietary change, you could lose weight in just a few weeks. Plus, you can get your family involved and get creative with family meals.

You could simply start by focusing more on high-quality protein, eating more vegetables, skipping the greasy dishes, and choosing carbohydrates that are also rich in fiber, like beans, fresh fruits, whole grains, and of course, vegetables. Easy, right? With the appropriate support and motivation, things are simpler than you can imagine.

3.???Get Enough Sleep

Did you know that around 56% of new fathers fall into bad health behaviors in the first 12 months after their child was born? This is mostly due to a lack of sleep. It might be difficult to get back to a healthy sleeping routine, especially at first, but keep in mind that if your goal is weight loss, this step is really important.

Not only because your body has the ability to burn up to 50 calories while sleeping, but also because lack of sleep means weight gain and less muscle mass. So, instead of spending time on your phone before falling asleep, try to reduce screen time by at least one to two hours before bedtime. Blackout curtains and white noise could also calm your mind and help you get a good rest.

4.???Manage Your Stress Level

Stress plays a huge role in the weight loss process. When our cortisol levels aren't balanced, and we tend to get stressed real quick, we also start eating more than we should.

It's important to take a break from time to time, which you could use to stretch or play a catch game with your kids. Your child depends on you, so take the time to manage your stress levels in order to avoid accelerated aging, diabetes, cardiac problems, and lose that body fat.

5.???Move As Much as Possible

And now, last but not least, it's time to get into a fitness routine, which should be as realistic as possible. Remember, less is more, so if you already know you won't stick to it, take simpler steps. For example, instead of driving, walk when possible. Another great idea is going on a bike ride, your kids will love it!

Your workout routine doesn't necessarily need to include gym sessions, but your weight loss process could be faster. A personal trainer is always a great idea, and if you don't want to go to the gym, you can reach your fitness goals at home.

Redefining the ‘Dad Bod’

So maybe we should redefine the Dad Bod. Rather than it being an inevitable downturn in the health of the body as we enter fatherhood, perhaps now a Dad Bod can be seen as a healthy, trim and toned body that our family are proud of.

Start Your Wellness Journey with Stacked Fitness

Whether you prefer the gym or the comfort of your own home, we can help you ditch the dad bod once and for all. Begin your journey today with a FREE taster session!