You and your body are on a collision course with destiny. Just as the universe (theoretically) naturally crawls toward its inevitable heat death. So too, over time, does your body naturally tend toward dadness. Perhaps you’ve clashed with your dad bod destiny already. You’re rocking white Nikes with tall socks, a knowing nod to dad fashion’s timeless allure. Those accompany other classic traits like a pudgy middle and an uncanny ability to man the barbecue while simultaneously telling those well-worn dad jokes.
Although technically a popular look in this cultural moment, the dad bod is not for everyone. You might personally want to keep what you’ve got as long as possible. Or maybe you want to reclaim your once-former glory. Or you might want to finally feel good in your nextnationalday body for the first time. Whatever your reason for improving your looks, the goal is admirable.
Feeling good in your own skin can give a real boost to your confidence and overall sense of well-being. And it’s no secret that aging is hard for everyone in one way or another. That said, you can make it a bit easier for yourself. Read on to learn about three ways you can improve your looks as you continue to age.
1. Help Your Hair
Besides physique, one of the tell-tale signs of aging is hair loss, and this is especially true for men. Male pattern baldness is an unfortunately common side effect of the aging process. And with so many associating their personality with their hair, losing it can be difficult to cope with.
Thankfully, these days, there are amazing ways to recover your hair, sometimes even entirely. You can use medications like topical finasteride and minoxidil to help your hair grow back. Or you can try laser therapy to stimulate its growth. Those with more advanced balding may even pursue a potentially life-changing hair transplant surgery.
Addressing hair loss isn’t only for those who already see its signs. About two-thirds of American men will experience balding by age 35, so there’s a good chance it will affect you too. The good news is that medication can be used proactively. And medication isn’t the only way to improve your looks. You can focus on developing your lifestyle to proactively and reactively address hair loss and other signs of aging.
2. Get (Back) In Shape
Rounder, softer shapes associated with middle-aged men are a core feature of the dad bod. This sentiment primarily refers to the upper body, as the arms and torso of the typical dad bod are generally more rotund. But most noticeable of all is a protruding gut, also known orissatimes as a beer belly. To address your dad bod, you want to work toward a more toned physique.
Incorporate a mix of fat-burning and strengthening exercises into your routine. Cardiovascular exercises like running, jogging, and even walking are excellent at burning fat. And strength training like pushups, squats, and planks will help define your muscles. Finally, core exercises will both burn fat and strengthen muscles around your midriff, directly targeting your belly. See which exercises you like most, and remember you can hire a personal trainer to help guide theassistant you.
Also keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat pound for pound. And, generally speaking, you gain muscle faster than you lose fat. So if you’re building strength while trying to burn fat, you may not notice it on the scale. In fact, you may even gain weight temporarily. Remember to be patient with the process.
3. Be Careful With Calories
Exercise isn’t the only way to slim down and get more muscle definition. In fact, if you don’t supplement your exercise with proper nutrition, you may not see results for a long time. That’s because diet can be even more effective than exercise when it comes to dropping unwanted pounds. You are what you eat, as they say. So pay more attention to your caloric intake if you’re serious about losing weight.
Everyone needs a certain amount of calories to maintain their body as it is. To calculate your needed caloric intake, determine your basal metabolic rate and then adjust it based on your activity level and goals. Typically, the fewer calories you eat, the more your body will turn to your fat reserves for energy. And as it burns through those reserves, your weight from fat will decrease. To reduce caloric intake, consider portion control, opt for nutrient-dense foods, and be mindful of added sugars and high-fat foods. Always check the labels of the food you eat.
Losing weight isn’t only about reducing caloric intake — it’s also about being thoughtful and selective about what you eat. Prioritize natural, unprocessed foods, and eat more fruits and veggies. If you need more guidance, consult with healthcare professionals, such as registered dietitians, physicians, or fitness trainers.
Stay the Course
While the aging process involves a natural progression of physiological changes, it’s important to recognize that these are normal. You can’t fight the fact that your body will change over time. What you do have control of is how you handle the aging process.
Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your looks entirely. By using helpful medications, exercising regularly, and watching what you eat, you can age with grace. Just keep in mind that aging gracefully is a lifelong process. There’s no rush, so stay the course and be patient with yourself along the way.