The "Dad Bod" Detour: My Journey to Reclaim My Inner Athlete

Alright, buckle up! This is going to be a wild ride. You see, I'm a dad of two amazing (and incredibly energetic) kids under the age of four. Picture this: me, the 'big guy,' chasing after these tiny humans like a lumbering grizzly bear. It's a glorious spectacle, let me tell you. Except, lately, I've been feeling more like a sloth on a hot day. Out of breath, heart pounding, and seriously considering investing in a hover-board just to keep up.

Finding My Health Again

I used to be more active, but somewhere along the line, life got in the way and my health took a backseat. I've been carrying around some extra weight – let's just say I'm not quite at my fighting weight anymore. I know what I should be doing – the healthy eating, the regular exercise – but discipline? That's a word I'm still trying to figure out how to spell.

My Why: Family

My family is my world. Everything that I do is for them but lately I feel like my energy level hasn’t allowed me to fully be there. I want to be there for my kids to chase them around the park, build epic forts (my oldest is just entering his fort phase), and teaching them all about the sports that my wife and I love.

The Starting Line: 265 Pounds and Counting

So, here we are. New Year's Eve, the scale reads a disheartening 265 pounds. To add insult to injury, I'm currently taking multiple blood pressure medications. My confidence is at an all time low and I am truly ready to make a change.

The Game Plan: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

This time, I'm ditching the "all-or-nothing" approach. No more drastic diets or grueling workout regimens that I inevitably quit after a week. This is about sustainable change. I'm setting monthly movement goals and breaking them down into achievable weekly targets. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint.

Nutrition: One Step at a Time

The nutrition plan? Let's just say I have a bit of a bread addiction. Bread, pasta, tortillas... I'm a sucker for it all. So, instead of a complete overhaul, I'm taking a "one step at a time" approach. This month, I'm officially declaring war on gluten. Wish me luck!

The Goal: 200 Pounds and Under

My ultimate goal for 2025? To see that scale dip below 200 pounds. That's it. That's the big one. But the real victory will be in the journey – the small wins, the daily struggles, and the gradual transformation into the best version of myself for my family.

Stay tuned for weekly updates on my triumphs (and inevitably, some epic fails). This is going to be one heck of a ride!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a certified health professional. This blog is simply a record of my personal journey and should not be considered medical advice.

P.S. If you're facing similar challenges, know that you're not alone. Let's do this together!