Categories
Weight Loss

Is Having a Dad Bod Healthy or Just Trendy?

The new pop trend for middle-aged fathers is embracing a softer body type known as the Dad bod. You may have seen men, including celebrities, sporting Dad bod selfies on social media. There’s also a bit of blowback from fit Dads showing off their version of a Dad bod.

The Dad bod has certainly become somewhat controversial—accepted by some and frowned on by others. The term has caused a bit of confusion about what is considered a healthy body for men, especially in a society obsessed with being lean and having sculpted abs.

Could a softer look for men be the new way to balance workouts and workloads? It appears to be growing in popularity because it promotes a more relaxed lifestyle and body. However, it may be encouraging an unhealthy lifestyle and increased risk for disease and illness.

There are a few questions about the Dad bod trend that have surfaced. They include:

  • Is a Dad bod healthy?
  • Does it promote positivity?
  • Is it body shaming?
  • Should a father no longer worry about maintaining his body?
  • What’s the difference between a Dad bod and a fit bod?

What Is a Dad Bod?

“Dad bod” is a popular slang term referring to the less fit body type of middle-aged fathers.

The Urban Dictionary defines the Dad bod as softly round and built for comfort. The theory is based upon the belief that once a man becomes a husband and father, he doesn’t have to worry about taking care of his body as much.

The Dad bod is said to be a cross between being muscular and overweight—men are hitting the gym occasionally during the week and enjoying a few beers on the weekend.

Categories
Fitness

Nutrition for Muscle Growth

Building muscle mass and definition is hard work and requires a proper diet to make it happen. Optimize your nutrition for muscle growth and avoid common mistakes, such as restricting calories.

When building muscle, it is necessary to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods with the right blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Dietary protein sources provide the body with essential amino acids for building new muscle tissue after vigorous exercise.

Dietary carbohydrate sources provide the body with energy for tough workouts and replenish energy stores in muscles in the form of glycogen.

Dietary fat sources supply 70 percent of the body’s energy at rest, aid in metabolism of vitamins A, D, E, and K, and help maintain testosterone levels for increased muscle mass.

Each of these types of nutrients plays an important role in building muscle and none can be left out of a healthy diet.

Categories
Healthy Life

17 High-Fiber Fruits to Add to Your Diet

Fiber, specifically dietary fiber, is a complex carbohydrate found mostly in plant-based foods. When it comes to fiber, there are two types—insoluble and soluble—and each one functions differently in our body.

Soluble fiber is mostly found in beans, legumes, nuts, oats, barley, and some fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fiber is typically found in whole grains, wheat bran, and vegetables. Soluble fiber pulls water into your gut, turning it into a gel. This slows digestion and helps you to feel fuller longer. Insoluble fiber supports your gut health and helps keep things “moving along.” In other words, it eases constipation.