Hello comrade, I'd be happy to help as someone who has been working out for the past couple months and is finally closing in on benching 225.

Before I begin any diatribe, I'm going to link a couple stickies and resources that might help you out better than I can:

- Mao Tse-Tung's essay on the importance of physical exercise - This is Rohit Nair's program picker if you're having a hard time deciding on an exercise routine - Liam Rosen is the 4chan /fit/ board's sticky - The Reddit fitness wiki - This is my favorite blog as a beginner, and this is a link to an article that I think will help a lot with the dad bod.

Now, I will try to explain some things to the best of my ability. For your exercise routine, just pick one that works for you. I would personally start with a 3-day routine or anything that any of my sources suggest. You're just beginning to get yourself into the gym so start off with something manageable. Personally, I do the PHUL workout routine and only then that's after taking the time to get used to going to the gym. Exercise is simple but it is not easy.

As for your diet, what do you normally eat? There's a few 'no duh' things like making sure to limit fast food and soda. Especially the latter because even if you treat soda like a dessert in drink form, it's just not that good. I would focus primarily on traditionally cooked food. Generally if it is made by hand or naturally occuring, it's good. If not, then no. Usually I make sure that 80% of the time I'm eating this good stuff and the other 20% is 'do what you will' wiggle room. You're going to hear the term 'macros' or 'macronutrients': those are the things that make up calories. Fats, carbs, and protein. Other than limiting saturated fat and sugar, or ideally eliminating trans fat entirely, there are no "evil" macronutrients. Protein is the one most hyped up, but if it's possible 1 gram for 1 lb of bodyweight is touted but I find myself growing just fine at eating whatever my weight is times .8 in grams.

Next time you get a chance to go grocery shopping and plan meals, look at some recipes you might want to try. Even for some of the 20% foods, how can you make them better? Cooking more if you have the time is also just better for your wallet. If you're interested in some staples, beans and rice are my go-to. It's a shame that a lot of healthier foods are much more expensive as the stereotype goes. Probably in no small part because the bourgeoisie want us unhealthy and dependent on their garbage while healthy eating is barred as a luxury. A healthy lifestyle is a great way to go against the whims of the rich.