Bernard O'Shea: The Dad Bod Diaries — I went to Venice to find myself. I found pastries

I arrived in Italy determined to stay disciplined in my health regime. Three pistachio pastries later, I realised my relationship with food has far more to do with comfort than hunger

'I sat down in a small café in Venice last week, convinced I was about to experience the Italy of films. Tiny coffees. Elegant old men. Women in sunglasses somehow making smoking look sophisticated.'

Before I went on holiday, I had a plan. A proper plan. I was going to be disciplined abroad for once.

No ‘sure, holidays don’t count’ mentality. No treating every meal like I’d just escaped prison. I’d have light breakfasts, sensible dinners, maybe walk everywhere, and accidentally return home spiritually renewed and two pounds lighter. I even packed work-out gear with the optimism of a man who has never once used a hotel gym.