It's Father's Day: Help Him to Eat Better
I joke with him, cajole him, and sometimes I really lose it and nag my husband about his eating habits, which, in my opinion, could be better.
His nutrition could also be much worse, but I digress.
This Father’s Day, I may take a rest from my constant vigilance, but I can’t guarantee that I am even capable of that, even if I do find it exhausting!
I think the problem is that I know too much about how a man’s diet affects the way he handles stress and his risk for developing chronic conditions, like high blood pressure and heart disease. I am sure that my hubby knows that love is what drives my concern. I want him around, and healthy, for as long as possible.
Dads don’t always take the best care of themselves, especially when work is stressful, and they put their family’s needs before their own. Moms, I hate to put another thing to do on your “To Do” List, but let’s be real: It’s largely up to the person who shops for, and prepares the food to keep Dad on the right track. I’m guessing that’s you. If so, join the club!
You can’t control another person’s eating habits, but you can contribute to helping your husband, partner, or any Dad in your life to choose healthier foods. Here’s how.
Make good nutrition a family affair. There’s no need to single out Dad because he should drop a few pounds, he has high blood cholesterol, or he’s affected by any other health problem. The entire family should eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources and low-fat dairy foods.
Try new recipes together. Break out the cookbooks and scour the internet for low-fat entrees that Dad might like, and discuss dinner choices with him. Consider having fish twice a week to promote heart health.
Stock the kitchen with healthier choices. Have healthier choices of Dad’s favorites on hand including 1% low fat milk, delicious whole grain cereals like Mom’s Best Naturals Sweetened Wheatfuls; 100-calorie frozen treats; and nuts. Keep low-fat sandwich fillings like roasted turkey and lean roast beef, whole wheat bread, and reduced-fat mayonnaise around so that he can take his lunch to work, saving money and calories.
Be stealth with produce. A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers, better blood pressure, and easier weight control.
But your guy may not be enthusiastic about any vegetables other than corn and potatoes, so sneak them into his meals. Puree cooked broccoli or cauliflower and add to prepared pasta sauce; make a veggie pizza at home with a pre-baked low-fat crust and reduced-fat cheddar cheese; and double the beans in your favorite chili recipe while using half as much meat. Increase his fruit intake by offering to make smoothies with fruit, milk or yogurt, and ice.
Rethink his drink. Suggest drinking 1% low-fat or fat-free milk with meals. It’s an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, which help prevent osteoporosis, a bone disease that can result in fractures. About 20% of Americans with osteoporosis are men, and millions more are considered at risk because of low bone mass. As part of a healthy diet, fat-free and low-fat milk also helps to keep blood pressure in check.
Happy Father’s Day!!
Liz Ward