Written by James R.C. Smith of SocialDad.ca
For too long, the word ‘Dad-Bod’ has been synonymous with having a beer belly and a shirt with buttons that are really trying hard to keep everything covered.
Of course, we put on a little sympathy weight during our partner’s pregnancy. Then once our new bundle of joy has arrived, we don’t have time to even think about our diet and just shove in whatever to add fuel to the fire.
Now we’re a little older, and just too busy to go to the gym and our pants are still fine, right? I mean, sure they’re tight and we can’t tuck our shirts in anymore, but we’re dads, why should we look good?
What a fun list of excuses that was. Now here’s what we know; We’re overweight, don’t really want to spend additional time on our feet when we’re either busy from looking after our family or have been at work all day. Also, the food we’ve been eating isn’t doing us any favours. I know this sounds a little harsh, but it’s true.
So what can we do? Luckily, the answer is simple. It’s not easy, but it’s simple. Eat better, move more.
When I say ‘eat better’, I mean less. We’re going to lose weight by burning more calories than we consume. That’s the simple part.
If it seems like I’m being a jerk and it’s none of my business, it’s because I am, and it isn’t. My only request is that we take back the term ‘Dad-Bod’ and transform it from meaning the body of a man who’s stopped giving himself permission to look good, and to redefine it to mean an active parent who clearly cares about his health and wants to be a role model for his kids and the people around him.
We’re already a few weeks into the #SocialDad90Day challenge, but you’re still more than welcome. Make just one change, whether it’s big or small, and do it every day for three months. It launched on Jan 6th, but you can start it today.
Tag your progress photos on Twitter and Instagram using the tag, join the Facebook group and find out about the giveaways that will be shared throughout the campaign.
So, what’s it going to be? P.S. That’s a rhetorical question. Get up.
About James:
Hi, I’m James, I’m a Dad Blogger, Huffington Post Contributor, Social Media Specialist & Community Manager based in Vancouver, BC. I’m thoroughly British, a lover of coffee, the outdoors, cameras and cats. These are my views, thoughts, lessons, and mistakes.
