|
|||||||||||
 |
Aging Well
Men and FoodHow to take control of your own diet Listen up, men! If you want to eat healthier and drop a few pounds, you don’t have to give up the food you like. But you do have to take control of your diet—now. “Most men don’t change their eating habits until they’re forced to, and then the changes may not be drastic enough or lifelong,” says internist Joshua Skibba, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.Check out these facts: You have more calorie-burning lean muscle than women do, so you tend to eat more and prefer meat and carbohydrates. You find comfort in steak and pizza, and you want your food quick and easy. Your biggest problem is overeating. By your 40s, those high-fat, high-calorie habits can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease. Face up to your overeating now, says Skibba’s colleague, therapist Tom Miller. “Look at your current weight and diet, recognize there’s a problem you need to address and do something about it,” he says. “That should give you the confidence to keep those changes going.” Your wife’s diet may work for her, but you have to create a plan that works for you, says registered dietitian Bill Whipple of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Women often need several strategies to lose weight, but one or two simple things usually work better for men,” he says. Here are some ideas: Pare down. Don’t get rid of your favorite food, just eat less of it. Start with smaller portions at one or two meals a day. Choose lean meats. If you want steak, choose lean cuts like filet mignon versus fattier prime rib. Grilled or broiled chicken and turkey (without the skin) also are healthier choices. Cut the fat. Ditch the mayo and creamy sauces. Choose low-fat dairy products and dressings. This one simple change can have a big impact. Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Find ones you like. The fiber will fill you up so there’s less room for fatty food. Don’t eat after dinner. Evening snacking is the downfall of many diets. Get active. It’s how you burn the calories you take in. Strength training builds lean muscle (which burns fat), but aerobic exercise (walking, running) also is a must.
Want to Know More? Watch for a story on men and weight gain in the May/June issue of Healthy You. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
ARTICLE TOOLS:
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
||||||
