You’ve probably heard of this new term in weight gain for men called the “dad bod.” This term became a viral sensation and somewhat of a tribute to heavier guys to embrace their size. So is the term “dad bod” the male equivalent of women embracing positive self-images of themselves, no matter their size? Well, you can certainly think of it that way for sure.

what exactly determines whether or not you have that “dad bod?”

Well, this is going to be extremely superficial, so brace yourself. To be deemed as having a “dad bod,” you probably have flabby arms and a soft and rounded-out stomach. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re overweight but your physique and build give the implication that you’re less-than-fit. It stems from men who are married and have “let themselves go.”

One of the funniest parts about “dad bods” is that it doesn’t just apply to dads. You can be a single man with or without kids but have a less-than-fit physique and build… Whether you’re a dad or not, you can still physically look like one with the body to back it up!

Now, some women may like that look, and there’s nothing wrong with it but from a health standpoint, this isn’t a healthy way to live your life, especially if you have kids. You want to be able to run around with them for as long as you can.

The type of fat you’re carrying with your “dad bod” is increasing your risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend your days in the gym every day but simple changes in your everyday routine can make all the difference in the world.

If you’re indeed tired of your fluffy “dad bod,” here are some of the tops ways to get rid of that less-than-fit physique.

Solutions to Getting Rid of Your Flabby “Dad Bod” Physique

Cut Back on Your Carbs

You may be a “meat and potatoes” kind of guy, and your body shape certainly reflects it. But something funny about carbs is that they’re not equal. You may enjoy eating your junk foods like chips, burgers, and pizza but did you know that those foods may not even be where you’re getting most of your caloric intake from?

The culprit of where you’re probably getting most of your carbs is from alcohol. There is 7 calories per gram in alcohol, and that’s just plain alcohol, not including mixed drinks and beers. You may enjoy getting off of work and coming home to enjoy your usual couple glasses of whiskey or 6-pack watching football, but just know that you’re packing on way more pounds than you probably think.

If you drink beer, you’re not only contributing to your “dad bod,” but you’re also adding a “beer belly” to it as well. To cut back, start small and just lay off the potatoes, pasta, and rice, and stick to protein and veggies for your meals. If you want to lose weight fast, start a green juice cleanse.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Whether you’re a dad or not, getting enough sleep is hard for most people… even the fittest of people, simply because of busy schedules or other reasons. But if you’re trying to lose your “dad bod,” you especially need to recognize the importance of a good night’s sleep.

Getting ample sleep helps control your appetite, reduces stress levels, and boosts your energy levels. So, even if you don’t want to work out, you’ll have the energy to do so because your body is well-rested. Once you get on a good exercise and diet regimen, sleeping won’t be hard for you because your body will just naturally fall asleep.

Get Active

Getting Active doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym and hiring a personal trainer… it simply means to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Whether you start taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, walk your neighborhood after dinner, or do push-ups with your toddler on your back, incorporating physical activity in your routine is going to be key in losing weight.

Again, it doesn’t have to be extreme, but something is better than nothing at all. As your body adjusts to your workouts, start incorporating more challenging exercises for better results to see even more significant changes in your physique.

Ultimately, “dad bods” are common for dads but this physique doesn’t have to define who you are, especially when it can have serious effects on your overall health. Ditch the “dad bod” and take control over your appearance and health. You can go from “dad bod” to “hot bod.”