Men and weight loss is a subject which has hardly been discussed, but it should be; at least among men. When it comes to dieting, men have a different point of view. Place a dinner consisting of steak and potatoes in front of them, and they are most happy. Perhaps it will not be evident when they are young, but as they grow older, all of the fatty foods they've eaten may eventually catch up with them.
While weight loss is a topic most women can discuss, chapter and verse, men seen to fall into the "yeah, whatever" category. There is a wonderful commercial which nails the problem on the head. A man is sitting in a chic restaurant with his woman friend. He is given a gourmet lunch (which you can hardly see on the plate). He stands up, throws down his napkin and says, "Enough of this chick food!" Runs out of the restaurant and goes across the street to a fast food restaurant. A song begins, and a stream of men start filing out of the restaurant with a cheese burger in their hands rejoicing about the virtues of being able to eat what they want; and what they want is a cheese burger. Although it was a wonderful commercial, it really brought home the fact that men want hearty meals; meaty meals; and are not engaged in eating "chick" food.
Take your vitamins for a boost of energy every day!
One-A-Day Mens Health Formula Multivitamin - 250 Tablets
Amazon Price: $20.99 (as of 10/13/2008)
TwinLab Men's Ultra Daily Advanced Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Supplement, Easy to Swallow Capsules 120 capsules
Amazon Price: $13.50 (as of 10/13/2008)
Garden of Life Living Multi Optimal Men's Formula, 180 Caplets
Amazon Price: $48.23 (as of 10/13/2008)
Instead of high fat content meals, reduce the fact by consuming lean meats instead. Reduce sugar intake by substituting water instead of sodas and alcohol, especially beer. If you need to snack, try low-fat cheese or non-fat yogurt. Stay away from Trans fats and foods which are fried.
You can certainly have sandwiches, but try to choose roast beef or ham; (you may want to try the Subway Restaurants which have low calorie, but delicious subs). Stay away from the fast food restaurants as much as possible. Bring lunch to the workplace or job site. You can just as easily make a healthy meal at home, and save money as well. Eat vegetables and grains that are high in fiber and low in fat. Limit your sodium intake as well.
Try to do some form of exercise daily. You don't have to kill yourself but a steady 20 to 30 minutes at least 4 or 5 times a week will make a huge different to your weight and life overall. The good news is that studies have shown that men do tend to lose weight faster than women once they embark on a plan of healthy eating and exercise.
Men and weight loss usually bond together at an older age, when a doctor advises your cholesterol is too high; you've developed a paunch; or you have high blood pressure. While you may be healthy now, undoubtedly you wish to remain so as you age. The only way this will happen is if you begin to understand the diet process; and why it is so important to your health.
Men's Health Magazines & News
Men's Health (1-year)
Amazon Price: $24.94 (as of 10/13/2008)
Men's Journal (1-year)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 10/13/2008)
Men's Health (2-year)
Amazon Price: $39.94 (as of 10/13/2008)
Men's Fitness
Amazon Price: $11.97 (as of 10/13/2008)
Outside
Amazon Price: $16.00 (as of 10/13/2008)
Diet Plans Just for Men
First, it is important to explain what this plan encompasses. It consists of 7 hearty breakfasts; 7 lunches; 7 dinners; and 7 desserts that will satisfy you even more.
In addition, it includes burgers, pizza, hot dogs, lasagna, pot roast, tacos and scrambled eggs. Using the Glycemic Index which contains good carbs; these meals are perfectly portioned to give you the right balance of fats, carbs, calories, and proteins. Here are some of the foods available to you on this diet plan.
For breakfast, some of the selections are: scrambled eggs with cheese; scrambled eggs with veggie sausage crumble; cranberry orange pastry; pancake mix; blueberry flavored pancake mix; chocolate chip pancake mix, and more. For lunch, you can choose from: chest tortellini; chicken and pasta in cacciatore sauce; pasta with beef; pasta parmesan with broccoli; cheesy home style potatoes with broccoli; turkey hot dogs; whipped sweet potatoes with cheese, and more. For dinner, Basil chicken breast with tomato sauce; cheese ravioli with basil tomato sauce; hearty beef stew; mash potatoes with meatloaf and tomato sauce; pot roast and gravy over beef, potatoes and vegetables; southwestern chicken with sauce, and I think you get the idea! The dessert menu is a surprise; but you can be sure you will have more choices than you may think.
There is even a diet for older men. You may have seen Don Schula promote this one on TV. In fact, NutriSystem also incorporates a Diabetic Type II program which has more than 90 prepared meals for those of you who need to watch your sugar intake and other dietary concerns.
You may want to check out this diet plan, as men's NutriSystem Plan has incorporated 70 new meals just for men. Certainly, if you need to diet and do not know where to begin, why not try this particular plan for a week and see how it goes. You may find it will help you choose the proper nutrition and diet right for you. You have nothing to lose, except weight. In fact, if your spouse is on the same plan; you can both diet together. At least you won't be eating a salad while your wife is enjoying a delicious meal on this plan. Dieting together will make it so much easier for you; and healthier too.
Moving your way to weight loss
Don't forget to exercise!
While we all know that one to two pounds per week is sufficient weight loss for most people, it is the morbidly obese who may be required to lose weight more rapidly. Having said that, weight has become a major issue as obesity is on the rise. Whether you are genetically predisposed to gain weight, which is open to debate; you are big-boned; or just generally gain weight more than your siblings or other members of your family, it is important to note that gaining weight consists of many factors. How much do you eat? What types of foods do you consume? Are you sedentary or active?
In order to take a common sense approach to losing weight, men should engage in a regular exercise routine accompanied by a proper nutritional diet, which does not include fast foods; fats; sodium; alcohol and sugars. Men need protein and fiber in their diet. Of course, there are direct links to weight and prostate cancer; high blood pressure; diabetes and other conditions which may occur.
To determine how much weight to lose is dependent upon any health factors, which only your doctor can check. It is estimate that losing just five to ten percent of your weight can benefit your health. While dieting for men is not an easy task; it may be a necessary one. As men age, problems associated with overweight begin to reveal themselves which then puts you in a position of having to lose the pounds; no ifs, ands, or buts. If you are overweight, look into a proper diet and exercise regimen that fits your lifestyle. Cut down on unnecessary snacks; beer; and all of the fried foods and steaks you have been consuming. Choose lean meats, and non-fact products that provide fiber and nutrients which may be lacking in your diet.
To diet and exercise now will afford you a longer and healthier life. While these weight loss issues for men may be waved away with a flick of the finger, think about your life and all of the things you want to do. Perhaps you are near retirement. Do you want to spend it taking daily medication or trips to the doctor or hospital? No, of course you don't; who would? Talk to a nutritionist to find out what foods you can eat. With the way foods are prepared today, you can enjoy a delicious meal without sacrificing taste. Take care of your health.
