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Aging Well
The Real Man's Diet
Compete to Beat FatAllentown civil engineer and architect Scott Pidcock and Orefield businessman David Jaindl bet who could lose the most weight over a 45-day period, with the winnings going to a favorite charity.Pidcock talked to his family doctor, Joseph Candio, M.D., and got some tips on smart eating: avoid sweets and lighten up on the carbohydrates. He combined strength training with aerobic exercise at his local gym. Jaindl exercised at home, lifting weights and hitting the treadmill every night after work, no matter how late. He didn’t change his diet, just greatly reduced the portion sizes. In the end, Pidcock and Jaindl each lost over 25 pounds, and the results were so close they called it a draw. More importantly, both are continuing healthy habits and keeping their weight close to their new levels. Want to Know More about the psychology behind weight loss for men? For an earlier Healthy You story on the subject, call 610-402-CARE. Please don’t mention the word “diet” to Ron Yeakel of Bethlehem. And don’t ask him to count calories. He tried that after being diagnosed with diabetes a year ago, but couldn’t relate to cottage cheese, skim milk and calorie restrictions. Then he attended a series of classes at the Helwig Center for Diabetes and Nutrition. “They taught me how to eat smarter and healthier with smaller portions,” Yeakel says. “Going on a diet is about starting and stopping. This is a lifestyle change, and the weight is coming off, slowly but steadily.” The strategies in the classes apply to everyone, not just diabetics, says Janet Zusi, a registered dietitian at Helwig. “Most men are not as informed as women about how to eat healthy,” she says. “but once they get the information, they really respond.” A key ingredient for Yeakel was tracking carbohydrates and fat instead of calories. “Too often, people who count calories starve themselves all day and binge at night,” Zusi says. “If you keep carbs under control and eat a low-fat diet, you’re more likely to eat smaller meals spaced throughout the day, and the calories will take care of themselves.” What you CAN doDon’t worry about what you can’t do, Zusi says. Look at what Yeakel and other men get away with and still lose weight:
The fitness linkExercise is essential, Zusi says, if you want to take weight off and look and feel better. But don’t limit it to building big muscles. “Most men spend too much time strength training and not enough on aerobic exercise,” she says.Yeakel bought a new bicycle that he uses locally and on vacation. He’s also an avid walker, going out every evening and using a pedometer to count his steps all day long. “Men don’t like to admit they have a weight problem, or to talk about or change their eating habits,” Yeakel says. “But I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to diet to take off weight. If you’re smart, you can keep eating the foods you enjoy.”
Want to Know More? For a guide to the nutritional content of some popular fast foods,
call 610-402-CARE. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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