Think of your stereotypical image of a dad. Maybe you see socks with sandals? Or, Crocs? Maybe it’s an awesome fanny pack? Or, rocking a dad bod? I have to admit – the teenagers informed me that all of these have come back “in style.” That’s beside the point.
When we found out we were having our first kid I knew my me-time would be shortened. As a bodybuilder, my me-time was often spent at the gym or meal prepping at home. I understood that the time and effort I put into my physique could become a challenge, but I just couldn’t see myself with a dad bod.
There is a stigma that once you become a parent you no longer have much time or means to live a healthy lifestyle, leaving your health in the dust. I am here to tell you that is not true. Just because you are a dad, does not mean you have to rock the dad bod.
Fortunately, I have a family that supports me, helping adapt our lifestyle to help me pursue my passion. However, not everyone wants to be a bodybuilder. But most people want to lead a healthy life. That is why I wanted to share some small changes I made that can also help you stay healthy.
4 Ways to be a Healthier Dad
- Pack your own snacks! Just because you are their dad doesn’t mean you have to eat what they eat. Besides, one of my favorite sayings is; “If you do it, they will too.” If you pack healthy options like fruits, chopped veggies, and smoothies, your kiddos will want them too.
- If your kids do not clear their plate, do not clear it for them! I am bad with this one, as I hate wasting food. Even if you gave them a healthy meal, you may be adding calories that will not burn off by the end of the day. So, package that left over food up and either you or the kids will have left overs for later.
- Build a home gym! This strategy can be one of the toughest, but may produce the best result. A home gym gives you WAY more options for getting that workout in. No need to worry if the gym has a shower, what time you can get to the gym, people interrupting your workout and you can even “watch” the kiddos while you work out. I say “watch,” because I use the TV as a distraction once in a while. Not sure how to go about building a home gym, well keep an eye out for another post from yours truly.
- My number one tip that I can offer is, drum roll please… JUST KEEP MOVING! This can be one of the easiest tips to follow, stay with me here. Think about it, those little humans that follow you around and gave you the title of DAD, are constantly moving! Move with them! And no, you are not too old. That is one of the WORST excuses! You are not too old to climb that tree, you are not too old to play a game of pick-up basketball, and you are NEVER EVER too old to play a game of tag. Plus, you are only going to be able to beat them in certain sports for so long, because someday, not matter if you believe or not, they will be better than you.
Let us recap. Make sure to make smart food and snack choices, (Listed below are some of my favorite brands of snacks and supplements), don’t keep eating even when everyone else is done, start gathering equipment for your home gym, and JUST KEEP MOVING!
For more about my personal fitness journey and what I do to re-define the “dad bod,” check out my Instagram page @spoonful_of_fitness. Be active, be happy, be you!
Healthier Snack Ideas
For Kids (and you):
- Annies brand. This brand is amazing and has a great variety of snacks
- Sprout Organic Rise Smoothie Pouches
- Fruit! never forget about fruit
- Nature’s Bakery, Fig Bars. They make an organic one as well.
For Dads:
- Quest bars! These bars are great. Low in sugar, good protein and lots of flavors.
- CLIF BAR. Careful with these as they are high in carbs and are meant for people who are extremely active throughout the day. The kids size is actually great too.
- Orgain Organic Protein: Pick the right flavor for you!
- Tuna! I know, I know… not everyone loves tuna, but it is a perfect high protein low fat snack on the go. Pack some crackers with it and enjoy.