2318: Fatherhood Does NOT Make You Fat by Ross Enamait of Ross Training on Being A Healthy Parent

[00:00:00] This is Optimal Relationships Daily. Fatherhood Does NOT Make You Fat by Ross Enamait of RossTraining.com

[00:00:08] Hello everybody, I am Greg Audino and welcome back to Optimal Relationships Daily

[00:00:14] And it looks like we've got something more for the boys this time. Boys can be stupid and confusing though

[00:00:19] So listen up girls if you want some insight as to how we work and how we think

[00:00:25] Greg, if you're a father and you think you're doomed to having no time for exercise for the rest of your life

[00:00:30] This episode is sure to show you otherwise. Thank you so far

[00:00:34] So let's hear it and let's start optimizing your life

[00:00:41] Fatherhood Does NOT Make You Fat by Ross Enamait of RossTraining.com

[00:00:48] It's been a few months since Clemson Student McKenzie Pearson wrote a brief essay explaining the dad bought

[00:00:54] And it's so called appeal. Soon after social media jumped all over the phrase as it quickly went viral

[00:01:00] At the time, I never paid too much attention to the dad-bod craze

[00:01:04] Everything changed last week however after seeing several media outlets report that it's been scientifically proven

[00:01:11] That Fatherhood led to fatness, apparently science skipped over this father of two children

[00:01:17] Trends vs. Destiny

[00:01:20] The first story that I read about Fatherhood Fatness was hosted by one of the largest news organizations in the world

[00:01:26] CNN released an article with a rather blunt headline that proclaimed the following

[00:01:32] Fatherhood makes you fat

[00:01:34] The article itself was based on research published in the American Journal of Men's Health

[00:01:39] The reference study concluded that adult males tend to gain weight and increase BMI between adolescents and fatherhood

[00:01:48] Unfortunately, most readers of CNN won't take the time to read the actual study

[00:01:52] Instead they will simply glance over a catchy title that is undoubtedly misleading

[00:01:57] Science has not proved that Fatherhood will make you fat

[00:02:01] The study simply highlighted a trend that is prevalent in society

[00:02:06] Father's don't suddenly become fat because of children

[00:02:09] Weight is gained due to excess food and drink consumption and or lack of physical activity

[00:02:15] You don't need to be a father to make this mistake just as being a father does not condemn you to such a destiny

[00:02:22] Don't blame Fatherhood

[00:02:24] As a hard-working father of two, it truly discuss me to see Fatherhood linked to obesity

[00:02:29] My vision of Fatherhood is more apt to include descriptive words such as strength, character and leadership

[00:02:36] My primary goal in life is to be a hero and role model to my children

[00:02:40] Unfortunately, articles such as that hosted on CNN painted entirely different picture

[00:02:46] For instance, one quote from the above referenced piece states the following

[00:02:51] Quote, I love to cook and eat healthy

[00:02:53] But when it comes to compromises on time, I will try to healthy meal for more time with my kids every time

[00:02:59] And quote, take a moment to digest what this quote actually suggests

[00:03:05] If a parent cannot prepare healthy meals for himself

[00:03:08] How can we expect him to continually provide healthy meals for his children?

[00:03:15] Since when did a busy schedule relieve apparent of his responsibility to raise a healthy and active child?

[00:03:21] Another troublesome quote from this article states the following, quote,

[00:03:25] When you have your first child there your priority

[00:03:28] You put everything else on hold which sometimes means working out and staying active

[00:03:33] And quote, as much as I am bothered by this quote

[00:03:36] I completely agree with the first sentence. Ever since the day my first child was born, my kids have been my priority

[00:03:43] My life revolves around my children. I will do anything and everything for them

[00:03:48] Apparently, I see things differently than many fathers, however, as I strongly disagree with the second sentence

[00:03:54] Leading by example is one of the most important things I can do

[00:03:59] I can't expect my children to be healthy and active if I can't do the same

[00:04:03] I will do whatever is necessary to provide an example that my children can imitate

[00:04:07] I will never be the type of father who tells my kids one thing it goes off and does another

[00:04:13] As I've said before, prioritizing your health is not selfish

[00:04:17] On the contrary, it is something that all parents should do to set a positive example for their children

[00:04:23] We're all busy

[00:04:25] There's no doubt that I am busier as a father than I ever was before kids

[00:04:29] I still work the same long hours, but I'm also extremely active in the lives of my children

[00:04:34] For instance, I spend several hours each week coaching youth sports

[00:04:38] That's hours upon hours of time that was previously free before I had kids

[00:04:43] You won't seem me complaining about it, however

[00:04:46] I consider it an honor to be able to coach my own kids

[00:04:49] The time that I spend with them is time that I will forever cherish

[00:04:52] As for what I do in my free time, I don't even remember what that is

[00:04:56] Free time and parenting are polar opposites, there's always something to do

[00:05:00] And that's just another reason why I'm such a big believer in exercising anywhere with anything

[00:05:06] For example, you might see a deck as a deck but I see it as a place to hop up and perform pull-ups

[00:05:11] One way or another, I will make time for exercise

[00:05:14] It does not matter where I am or what I have

[00:05:18] I will always prioritize my health and the health of my children

[00:05:22] Being strong and healthy improves my experiences of father

[00:05:25] I can do more with my children, whether we're walking the dog, throwing the ball or just running around in the yard

[00:05:32] I can always keep up without gasping for air

[00:05:35] Seeing my kids laugh and smile as we play outside

[00:05:38] Is all the incentive I need to remain physically fit

[00:05:41] No one said it was easy

[00:05:44] Contrary to what some believe life is not supposed to be easy

[00:05:48] Life can be extremely difficult and trying

[00:05:50] We have all endured tough times at one point or another

[00:05:53] Unfortunately, our children will also someday experience just how difficult life can be

[00:05:59] No one is immune to the realities of the world

[00:06:02] Therefore it's extremely important that we prepare our children for whatever life brings

[00:06:07] One of my favorite quotes on this subject comes from Robert Heinlein

[00:06:11] As he once said, quote, don't hand the cap of your children by making their lives easy

[00:06:16] And quote

[00:06:17] On a similar note, don't hand the cap of your children by demonstrating your own inability to deal with difficult times

[00:06:24] Just because it is difficult to make time for exercise doesn't mean it can't be done

[00:06:29] Do you want your children to grow up making excuses whenever they're forced to deal with adversity?

[00:06:34] Or would you rather see them work hard to find a solution?

[00:06:37] I sure is for the latter

[00:06:38] I won't just sit around and hope for it though

[00:06:41] I'll be leading by example every step of the way

[00:06:44] Fatherhood hasn't made me fat

[00:06:46] It's certainly made me a better and stronger person however

[00:06:49] It's made me more cognizant of every step I take

[00:06:52] I've never been more determined to pay the path that my children can someday follow with pride

[00:07:01] You just listen to the post titled, Fatherhood does not make you fat by Ross and a might of Ross training.com

[00:07:10] Ah, a lot of wise words here shared by Ross

[00:07:12] We talk a lot on here about setting examples for our children

[00:07:16] and having identities outside of our children

[00:07:18] Yes, but really does fitness specifically come up

[00:07:22] And though it's results on mood

[00:07:24] I might not always be as a parent as results on body

[00:07:28] It should go without saying that staying fit is a wonderful way for both parents and children alike

[00:07:33] To stay upbeat and more rejuvenated when it comes to dealing with the difficult times in the parent child relationship

[00:07:40] Of which there are many

[00:07:41] Yes, it's often one of the first things to be thrown to the bottom of the list of priorities as Ross mentioned

[00:07:46] But it doesn't have to be and all of us here at ORD think in for illustrating how and why to keep fitness alive and well

[00:07:53] But it is Friday

[00:07:54] I know you've got plans unlike me

[00:07:56] Let's wrap this thing up. I've taken up a lot of your time today

[00:07:59] Thank you so much for joining me here once again

[00:08:02] I will be back tomorrow

[00:08:03] Where you're optimal life

[00:08:04] Oh, it's