Calling All Men, It's Time! - Part 1

Calling all men, it time - to start eating healthier.

Because Father's Day is approaching and because we love the men in our lives and want them around for a long time, let's give them the gift of better health!



I realize it's not always easy to change to a healthier lifestyle, believe me, I was very unhealthy for many years, but trust me when I tell you that getting healthy is worth the effort! You will have more energy, feel better, and look better as well.



Eating a properly portioned, nutritious diet can improve a man's health and help maintain a healthy weight. By maintaining a healthy weight you can potentially prevent serious health problems in the future, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, and many others as well.



Tips for building a health diet for men:

• Get 5 or more servings of fruits & vegetables daily. They are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, plus they are low in calories. Be sure to eat a variety of vegetables (like a rainbow) all different colors - green, yellow, orange, red, and purple. Avoid cooking vegetables in fat, instead try them - raw, steamed, baked, or boiled. This is a great time of the year to start eating better with all the fresh produce available, check out your local farmers' market and enjoy the harvest.


• Get at least six servings of whole grain breads or cereals. They contain added fiber to lower your cholesterol and fiber will make you fill full. Choose unrefined whole-grain breads and cereals over those made with refined white flour. Be sure to read the label.


• Get 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy products. Pick low-fat cheese and yogurt, and skim or 1% milk.


• Get at least 3 servings of lean meat, fish, or poultry. You should pick cuts of meat with little or no visible fat. Remove the skin from chicken or other poultry. Bake, broil, or grill your fish. Avoid fried or breaded dishes.


• Cut back on sweets. Cutting back on foods filled with refined sugars such as pies, cakes, and sweetened cereals will help not only reduce calories, but will trim you down faster. Foods with refined sugars have little or no nutritional benefit.


• Limit your sodium (salt) intake. Use herbs to season your food instead of salt. Also limit the amount of sodium you get from packaged foods.


• Skip the saturated fats. Things like butter, cheese, and lard can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease. You can have unsaturated fats such as olive oil, walnuts, and avocados in moderation could actually help raise your "good" cholesterol (HDL), which helps protect against heart disease.

Part 2 figuring out what a portion size is for men coming up next visit. If you are needing a little extra help getting started on a healthier road, let me help you get jump-started! Check out what others have to say about how a healthier lifestyle has impacted their lives.

Blessings for a Glorious Day!