Like many parents, Joe Burris is dealing with the mid-life spread. Some say this is the real "baby weight":

The most visible change to my body over the years has been my midsection. During my mid-20s, I had a rock-hard stomach _ the result of doing intense sit ups the way Sylvester Stallone did in “Rocky.” At 46, I might as well put an RIP sign over my belly; for years, my abs have been resting in peace under layers of fat. Ditto my navel, swallowed up by excess baggage.

A while back, my three-year daughter Onalenna noticed. As I lay on the shirtless on the bed, she climbed on my chest and peered down at the hole in my stomach where my belly button should be.

“Helloooooooo down therrrrrrrrre!” she exclaimed.

I have no idea where she got that from. It left me embarrassed. But it was also as a wake-up call: I need to be more conscious about healthy eating and weight gain to be active with my growing little ones.

Therefore, I’ve cut out many foods from my diet, including red meat, fried foods, fast foods, sodas, candy and some snacks. Most I’ve cut out entirely. Chocolate has been the most difficult to let go, but I’ve cut down considerably.

Already I’m seeing dividends, in part because we have incorporated better eating habits as a family. But I’ve also discovered just how much often those foods I’ve given up are tied to time with kids.

Try going to a carnival, sporting event, amusement park or any other kids’ venue that doesn’t serve pizza, candy bars, cheeseburgers or ice cream. The healthy choices are virtually non-existent, and rarely anything that makes for a complete meal.

Nowadays we often pack our meals and snacks for outings. It’s healthier and much less expensive. That’s part of the reason why I’m seeing the pounds steadily disappear. My navel and abs haven’t resurrected yet, but I’m working on it.