Mens Health Fitness and Nutrition With Hollywood Body Club Trainer Max “The Body” Philisaire

September 23, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

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Nutrition Facts and Basics

January 23, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

Nutrition labels have revolutionized the way we buy food — especially for people on special diets. Nutrition can affect more than just your weight. People who practice good nutrition, hygiene and exercise patterns develop a lifetime of habits that will keep them healthy for many years. Peanuts and peanut butter are whole foods that pack a lot of nutrition into just one serving. Peanuts and peanut butter are whole foods that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, ample protein and beneficial unsaturated fats. Since they are a plant food, they naturally contain no cholesterol. Peanuts and peanut butter contain high quality plant protein. Protein is estimated based upon the amount of bound nitrogen in the sample. Total fat is estimated from the weight of all individual fatty acids plus the imputed weight of one unit of glycerol for each three fatty acids. When comparing peanuts to similar foods, peanuts have more protein than any other legume or nut. This is especially important for children, vegetarians and people eating more meatless meals. Carbohydrates in food help our bodies produce serotonin — a sleep-inducing hormone. This meal plan incorporates plenty of healthy carbohydrate-rich foods like fruit, pasta, potatoes, oatmeal and brown rice. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. This diet includes skim milk with meals and as a before-bed snack.

Carbohydrates are easy to digest and quickly absorbed. They can be found in sugar and sweets, honey, fruits and fruit juices. Daily values footnote is a reference tool, giving you basic guidelines on how much of each nutritional item you should eat daily. Grains based foods (pasta, bread, cereals) are very versatile and highly regarded by nutrition professionals because they are rich in nutrients. Whole grains are high in fibre and may help to lower blood cholesterol and maintain bowel regularity. They contain vitamin E and important trace materials like copper and zinc. For years, these foods were considered the ugly ducklings of nutrition. Thought to be fattening with little nutritional value, they were avoided in misguided attempts to control weight. Now scientific agreement among qualified nutrition experts points to increasing our consumption of grains based foods and reaping significant health benefits. Calories may be calculated using any one of several methods. The old-fashioned bomb calorimeter, one of the acceptable methods, is a poor model for the human body. Ideally, calories represent physiological energy — the energy value remaining after digestive and metabolic losses are deducted from the gross energy. This type of calculation is called the At water system for determining energy values.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant. It is commonly found in fresh vegetables and fruit (peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruits). Severe lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy. It helps to heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy gums and teeth, and strengthen the immune system. It also helps the body absorb iron. Women and men should consume at least 60 milligrams of vitamin C each day. Vitamin C deficiency causes a disease called scurvy, which is uncommon in the United States. Taking more than 2,000 milligrams a day may cause a flushed face, headache, increased urination, mild diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. People who smoke need to consume more vitamin C because smoking interferes with the body’s ability to use vitamins. Women who smoke should consume 110 milligrams per day of vitamin C, and men who smoke should consume 125 milligrams per day of vitamin C. Phytochemicals are natural substances in plants which may provide a wide range of health benefits such as reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Peanuts contain resveratrol which is one of the many phytochemicals found in plant foods.

Good nutrition is more important than ever. Regulations requiring nutrition panels on food labels were implemented as part of a campaign to get people to eat less fat. Dietary fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and mitigate the blood sugar fluctuations of diabetes. Nutrients are divided into two groups. “Good” nutrients consisted of: “vitamin, mineral, protein, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, other carbohydrate, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, or potassium” and must be present in at least 80% of the label value in every unit tested. Conversely, “bad” nutrients: calories, sugars, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium must be present in no more than 120% of the label value but may be less than the label value by a “reasonable” amount. Nutrition label legislation is to help consumers cut fat out of their diets, carbs are considered a valuable nutrient. Labels have serving sizes as required by law and indicate the number of servings contained in the package. However, selling underweight packages violates the oldest consumer protection laws. Many manufacturers deliberately overfill their packages to avoid the risk that their filling equipment may not be precise or that the product might dry out or otherwise not measure up. As a result, packages often contain more food than the nutrition label indicates.

Six Sensible Tips for Better Nutritional Health

January 23, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

Most individuals do know that they should have a healthy balanced diet to for 1) have a healthy body and 2) to set a good example for their children. Individuals that have a very healthy and well balanced diet as a whole are not overweight and can keep their weight under control very easily.

For women a healthy diet actually brings better reproduction and better fetal/infant health. It’s not only you that depends upon your dieting, when you have children, your nutrition can make the difference between easy reproduction and healthy babies and fewer complications with the baby.

Here are six sensible tips for better nutritional health.

1. Begin With A Healthy Dieting Base

One of the most important parts of a healthy diet is a healthy base. Your food selections should be based on the nutritional pyramid. Select the suggested amount of different servings from the pyramid. Within your daily diet, include a variety of grains, fruits and vegetables. When deciding from these categories and fulfilling your hunger, the healthy way you will feel the effects in no time.

2. Cut Down Saturated Fat

In addition to building a healthy base, it is also important to pick out a diet that is moderate in fat. Only 30% of the calories in your daily diet should come from fats. When picking out food, also be sure to choose a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Cholesterol is the number one killer in women and men related to heart problems. Cholesterol is not only a problem for men as a lot of women believe; it affects women in the same way as it does men.

3. Cut Out The Sugar

Make your nutrition healthier by cutting out the sugar. Select foods that are low or moderate in sugar intake. Sugar is responsible for producing insulin and if you start off high sugar in the morning, your body will wants to keep that insulin level up and will call for sugar all day long. This will trap you into a cycle of consuming too much sugar. So first of all you are taking in too many calories and the production of sugar will tell your cells to stash away the sugar in the form of fat. As long as the insulin level is high, cells will not be programmed to loose fat and therefore loosing weight can better be managed by cutting back the sugar intake.

4. Reduce Sodium Intake

Improve your nourishment by reducing the sodium intake. Sodium in too big amount is not healthy for your body and many fast foods or boxed food contains way too much salt than you need for one or even two dinners. Salt and sodium are necessary for the body but in moderation. Salt is essential for a constant blood pressure, but too much or too little can screw up your blood pressure.

5. Take Alcohol In Moderation

Alcohol is another big problem in dieting. Alcohol in moderation, particularly red wine can be beneficial, but hard liquor and large amounts of alcohol are damaging to the human body.

6. Don’t Forget To Exercise

Even with all these nutritional tips and suggestions, do not forget to exercise . Physical exercise belongs to a healthy lifestyle just as much as a balanced diet. And only a fit healthy body and exercise can help you loose weight, if you really want to loose weight that is.

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Diet for Sports Men

January 23, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

Diet is one of the important and basic biological needs of man. Diet is the foundation for good health. It is essential for life, growth and repair of human body, regulation of body mechanism and production of energy for work. The above functions of diet can be achieved only through adequate nutrition which should consist of essential nutrients in the required proportion. These nutrients include

i) Proteins ii) Carbohydrates iii) Fats iv) Minerals v) Vitamins.

During sports training, the energy requirement of the players will be high as such the diet should be accordingly planned otherwise the players will not have the stamina to withstand the training and the player will show the signs of fatigue which may result in internal and external injuries to the players.

IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION AND DIETICS FOR SPORTS MAN

Nutrition is important aspect for all, especially for sports men. They need balanced food to maintain their stamina. Good food habit provides them energy to perform their activities in a better way.

Sports man should organize his diet. He should take palatable, acceptable, good quality food to maintain his health.

RIGHT SPORTS DIET FOR RIGHT SPORTS MEN

The energy requirement of an athlete depends on the following factors. The right sports diet should have adequate provision for the following.

1. Quantity : Calories according to sports.

2. Quality : Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals

and fluids

3. Variety : Different types of food

4. Palatability : Proper cooking

5. Acceptability : To suit different customs, habits and tastes.

Approximate percentage of calories which may be derived from different components of nutrients.

Carbohydrates Protein Fat

1) Light sports 60% 15% 25%

2)Moderate sports 60% 14% 26%

3)Heavy sports 60% 13% 27%

4) Endurance sports 60% 12% 28%

IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR PLANNING A DIET SCHEDULE

The energy requirement of the players is dependent on body size and

composition, age, physical activity, climate and environment.

1.Age :- The energy requirement of adolescent and adults are greater

than that of children and old people. Most of the active

sportsmen belong to growing age group of adolescents and

adults.

2.Sex :- All other factors remaining constant. The energy

requirement of women is relatively less than that of men.

3. Body weight :- Energy requirement is directly proportional to the

body weight . It increases or decreases according to the type of

activity and muscles involved during exercise period.

4. Climate and Environment :- In hot and humid environment, energy

requirement is less. Higher the altitude , colder the climate and

greater will be the energy requirement. Athletes, who undertake

regular motivated physical exercises, develop the capacity to lose

heat efficiently.

5. Physical activities :- The energy requirement of an athlete depends

on the intensity, duration and types of his activities. Based on these, it

could be grouped under four categories.

Group I :- Light sports, Sedentary sports or skill

Games

EX :- Chess and carom

Energy requirement :- The energy requirement of athletes doing

these sports would be 50 calories/kg body

weight/ day.

Group II :- Moderate sports. These sports involve

skill, moderate strength and moderate

endurance.

EX :- Badminton, Cricket, Table Tennis

Energy requirement :- 60 calories /kg body weight/day

Group III :- Heavy sports. They involve skill,

maximum strength and high endurance.

EX :- Boxing, Football, Hockey, Squash.

Energy requirement :- 70 calories /kg body weight/day

Group IV :- Endurance sports. They involve skill,

moderate strength and extreme

endurance.

Ex :- Marathon, cross country running, channel

Swimming and rowing.

Energy requirement :- 90 calories /kg body weight/day

It is recommended by the Nutrition Advisory Committee of I.C.M.R that the calorie in-take of an Indian should be as given in the following table.

Activity Men 55 Kg Women 45 Kg

Sedentary work 2400 calories 1900 calories

Moderate work 2800 calories 2200 calories

Heavy work / Players 3900 calories 3000 calories

The following foodstuff consumed per day provides 5000 kilo calories to

an athlete

CEREALS - 600 gm

BUTTER - 15 gm

JAM - 15 gm

EGGS - 02 Nos.

PULSES - 60 gm

SUGAR/GLUCOSE - 150 gm

MILK - 500 gm

OIL - 200 gm

MUTTON - 200 gm

CHICKEN/FISH - 150 – 300 gm

GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES - 125 gm

FRESH VEGETABLES - 100 gm

ROOTS AND TUBERS - 150 gm

FRUITS - 150 gm

TEA/ COFFEE - 80/20 gm

SALT - 40 gm

CONDIMENTS - 15 gm

It is better to table a diet chart during the training period as well as the time of Match/ competitions for various sport activities in consultation with a proper dietician.

Proper diet not only helps to improve the performance of the players but also considerably reduces the internal and external injuries.

“HEALTH IS WEALTH ” This saying will suit even more to the sportsmen. The wealth of the sportsmen is their performance. So health plays major role for their stamina and for better performance. Sportsman needs good quality food, fitness and courage.

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Important of Nutrition

January 22, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

Important of Nutrition

Nutrition is essential to men’s health. Good nutrition can put a stop to many health problems, including becoming overweight, developing weak bones, and developing diabetes. All the foods that have all the important nutrients will help your body grow.

Men’s body prospers on certain nutrients that work together to promote growth and development. There is no specific nutrient or group of nutrients that is more important to a men’s health well-being.

Nutrition is a science that examines the relationship between diet and health. Dieticians are health professionals who specialize in this area of study, and are trained to provide safe, evidence-based dietary advice and interventions. Nutrition science investigates metabolic and physiological responses of the body to diet. Many common diseases and their symptoms can often be prevented or alleviated with better nutrition.

The science of nutrition attempts to understand how and why specific dietary aspects influence health. Nutrition is all about the study of food and how our bodies use food as fuel for growth and daily activities.

The Five Most Important Nutrients

Calcium: the richest mineral in the body, that helps in the development of bone growth. Protein: is another important nutrient in health diet. Fiber: is needed for body for good nutrition and healthy growth Antioxidant nutrients: are vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and the mineral selenium Antioxidant nutrients are known to help immune system. Iron: is also very important to a child’s diet. Your body depends on iron to get bigger and stronger. Iron also helps in brain development and function

 

 

There is no specific nutrient or group of nutrients that is more important to health, than these five nutrients I am about to mention to you right:

Prostate Nutrition Therapy For A Healthy Life

January 22, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

Because prostate nutrition and health are linked closely it only makes sense that if you are not eating a healthy diet your general health level will also decline along with your prostate health. If you have poor nutritional habits your chances of developing some form of prostate problem are increased. The thing to remember is that the key to good prostate health is eating a healthy diet.

Most men do not experience prostate problems, such as benign prostate hyperplasia or prostate cancer, until they reach the age of 50. Does this mean that you should wait until you are older before concerning yourself with the health of your prostate? The answer to that question is a resounding no! The earlier in life you take control of your health with diet and exercise the better your chances of fending off not only prostate problems but a whole range of other health problems as well.

When it comes to prostate health, prevention is the key and that begins early in life. The reason for the need to start early is the fact that many times diseases of the prostate develop slowly over time. In fact it is common for the prostate to enlarge slowly over the years until it becomes a problem later in life. The same is true of prostate cancer. It may grow slowly over many years with no signs or symptoms. It will remain undetected until that first prostate exam that most men do not have until they are well into their forties.

Researchers are currently devoting a lot of time analyzing the Eastern (Asian) diet and trying to find out what it contains that allows Asian men to have a much lower incidence of prostate related conditions then men of other ethnic origins. This is possibly because Asian men eat a much healthier diet than most Americans. It would only seem logical that the prostate diet needs to contain all of the ingredients that are commonly found in an Eastern diet while cutting out the unhealthy saturated fats and simple carbohydrates that are found in so many Westernized foods.

It is also true that genetics may play a role in prostate disease. This means that if you have a close male family member who has suffered from prostate disease your chances of having prostate problems are greatly increased. With the use of prostate nutrition therapy you may be more able to avoid these conditions even if you are more genetically predisposed to it.

While changing your diet and lifestyle once diagnosed with a prostate problem may well help slow down or even reverse the condition, doesn’t it make sense to avoid any illness through prevention? This is where prostate nutrition is so vital. In fact nearly all nutritionists and many doctors support the idea of a proactive and preventative approach when it comes to prostate health. It is never too early to begin considering and implementing prostate nutrition.

As Men Grow Older, Men Should Be Feeling Better

January 22, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

A short time ago, when a man turned sixty-five, he became officially old, retiring from work, and then having four or five years to spend as he wishes before illness set in. However, this is not the case anymore. It is becoming more and more evident that the older a man gets, the healthier he has been. By eating healthy, exercising, and quitting harmful habits, such as smoking, a man can add years to his life. Although it is better to start good clean living from early on, it is never too late for men to make changes and take better care of them selves. One of the main ways men can improve their health is by adding high quality nutritional supplements to their diet.

Although many men would like to begin taking nutritional supplements, most men feel that they are very confusing. Because there are hundreds and hundreds of nutritional supplements on health food store shelves, determining which supplements provide health benefits for a 50+ man can be extremely overwhelming. The best supplement to begin with is a good multivitamin that contains large amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The only mineral a man should avoid is iron, which he should get enough of through the food he eats. Too much iron can cause health problems. When searching for a multivitamin, one that contains lycopene is very important. Lycopene decreases a man’s risk for heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, and prostate cancer. Other important components are antioxidant blends, ginseng for energy and stamina, and digestive enzymes to aid absorption.

Along with taking a quality multivitamin for general health, there are six other vital nutrients that can help prevent prostate cancer from developing and also help fight against disease. The first of these is calcium d-glucarate, which is found in fruits and vegetables. This nutrient helps men’s detoxification systems get rid of harmful excess hormones that increase the risk for prostate cancer. Selenium has very powerful effects on the prostate gland. A recent study by researchers concluded that selenium can cut the risk of prostate cancer by 63 percent. The third of these nutrients is green tea, which is the second most widely consumed liquid in the world, following water. Men in China and Japan who have been drinking it for centuries have very low rates of prostate cancer. Research has concluded that a plant substance in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can stop the growth of prostate cancer right in its tracks. Maitake Mushrooms are linked to good health in those who eat them because they contain an important compound called D-fraction, which destroys 95% of human prostate cancer cells in lab experiments. The last of the vital nutrients is lycopene, whose preliminary reports demonstrate that it can actually kill prostate cancer cells.

Similar to women, who experience significant hormonal changes as they age, men experience something called andropause. Andropause in men occurs when testosterone production, the main sex hormone in men, begins to slowly decline. Although estrogen levels in women decline faster than testosterone levels in men, testosterone decline can cause a great deal of unpleasant symptoms including abdominal weight gain, hair loss, reduced energy and sex drive, heart disease, and prostate enlargement. Whether the man believes that these are changes due to andropause, or just consequences of aging, most men will experience some or all of them as they continue to age.

Unfortunately, there is no supplement that can give a man the hormone level of a twenty year old. However, there is a nutrient that can help the testosterone in an older man “behave” more like a younger man’s testosterone. A study by the Fred Hutchinson Center in Seattle concluded that men who ate three servings of cruciferous vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts, each day have a 48 percent lower risk of prostate cancer. A chemical found in cruciferous plants, DIM, is responsible for this prostate cancer prevention because of its ability to metabolize estrogen. A precise ratio of testosterone to estrogen is needed for men to be able to maintain a healthy sexual response, effective sexual function, strong bones and muscles, viable sperm, and a well-functioning prostate gland. After many years of work, scientists have finally discovered a stable, all natural and absorbable form of DIM. When men take DIM, their estrogen metabolism improves, and testosterone metabolism accelerates, which results in higher testosterone levels similar to those seen in young men. This results in weight loss, reduction in prostate gland enlargement, and helping men 50+ feel stronger and leaner.

Saw palmetto, a small palm tree which is found in Florida and South Carolina, produces berries which contain many beneficial compounds. Supplements that contain saw palmetto are extremely effective in treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), one of the most common health conditions in older men, with half of all men aged 40-60 and more than 90 percent of men over 80 having BPH. BPH is caused by the conversion of estrogen to a very potent form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Once prostate cells are exposed to DHT, they multiply in number and get much larger. Rarely improving, BPH gradually gets worse over the years, causing the man to continually need to urinate, interrupted sleep, dribbling, and loss of urine, which significantly interferes with a man’s quality of life. Prescription medications that have been developed to treat BPH are only partially effective. However, saw palmetto berry extract relives the symptoms of BPH by furthering the production of DHT.

Because sexual intimacy is an important, complex, and lifelong need, there are honest nutritional supplements for men’s sexual health. Sexual intimacy makes us feel better physically and mentally and adds to our sense of security, belonging, and self-esteem. Since many things can affect men’s ability to engage in sexual activity, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), the development of the prescription medication Viagra has revolutionized ED treatment. Like all medicines, Viagra can cause some side effects which include headache, flushing of the face and upset stomach. However, not every man can take Viagra. Those who use nitrate drugs, which controls chest pain and those with serious liver problems should not take Viagra. However, there is a nutritional supplement formulated with vitamins, herbs, and glandular products that targets male sexual organs. It contains vitamin E, liver fractions, wheat germ, beta-sitosterol, and herbal extracts of muira puama, Mexican damiana, saw palmetto, cola nut, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba. If the use of nutritional supplements for two months does not improve your erections, you do need to see a healthcare practitioner, as sexual problems can be a sign of serious health problems. Almost all practitioners understand how difficult this problem is for men to discuss and are experienced in getting the information as quickly and painlessly as possible. Great supplements like Beta Sitosterol and Saw Palmetto along with other supplements mentioned can be found at your local or internet health food store.

The Benefits of Green Tea to Men’s Health

January 22, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

Green Tea is an ingredient that increasingly pops up when discussing men’s health concerns. Although it’s been utilized for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes, it seems like new benefits are being revealed all the time. According to numerous scientific studies, the effects of green tea are currently being considered for treatment of a number of health conditions, from several forms of cancer to mental alertness to weight loss to cholesterol maintenance.

To help you understand the importance of this ingredient’s role in both skincare and nutritional capacities, we’ve broken down the many benefits of this ingredient:

Powerful Antioxidant: Green Tea contains high levels of phenolic acids and catechin—antioxidants which play a major role in protecting the body against free radical damage. Free radicals can cause cellular oxidation and damage, which contribute to health problems associated with aging.

Goodbye Jitters: Because Green Tea contains tannin, it produces an energized feeling and increased alertness for extended periods of time. However, unlike caffeine levels in coffee, tannin provides a gentle increase in energy, without the jitteriness or rapid decline in energy associated with this type of caffeinated reaction.

Fat-Burner: Recent studies are being conducted on the increased health benefits of Green Tea for men looking to lose weight. Consuming Green Tea increases the metabolic rate, causing greater fat oxidation and better weight management. In fact, several studies reveal that the potential weight-loss properties of Green Tea go well beyond its ability to simply accelerate metabolism.

Clean & Complete: Green Tea has been utilized throughout the world as a cleansing agent. For more than 5,000 years, Asian cultures have used Green Tea for its healing and cleansing benefits, and Green Tea continues to be a major ingredient in many treatments.

The Full Treatment: Green Tea is also being studied for its potential role in the fight against cancers, heart, joint and liver diseases.

How Men Can Motivate Themselves to Lose Weight, Look Better and Feel Great

January 22, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

Any trainer, nutritionist or medical professional can tell you that losing weight is 90 percent psychological. How you approach your nutrition and exercise mentally can make or break any kind of weight program you’d like to follow. Here are some motivational tips to get you on the right path and keep you there:

• Figure out your weight loss goals: are you just looking to lose a few pounds? Cutting back on certain foods in your diet and starting an exercise program could be the answer. Are you trying to build muscle? Consuming more protein while upping your exercise might be your goal. Are you extremely overweight? Consult a doctor to see what the best plan of action will be for you.

• Set realistic goals. Sure, it’s easy to say you’re going to drop 25 pounds in three months, but faced with a daunting goal, most men are more inclined to throw in the towel. Instead, break it up into smaller, more manageable goals and reward yourself when you reach them.

• Understand that weight loss takes time to happen and everyone’s progress is different. You may not see results immediately, but that’s no reason to stop.

• Exercise with a friend. If you have a hard time sticking with a regular schedule, working out with someone else can help you stay with it. Plus, you’ll also have a partner to encourage you, spot for you and share your pain.

• Don’t be afraid to get help. Yes, men are notorious for being DIY champions, but if you find it difficult to keep to your weight management and fitness goals, your next step might be to consult a trainer at a gym or ask your doctor for ways to drop the weight.

• Keep a food journal to track your eating habits. It’s surprising how much goes under the radar when you’re not watching what you eating. Simply writing down the foods you consume along with portion sizes can give you a good idea as to how you can eat healthier.

• Discover if you’re eating for the wrong reason. Men often use food to cope with stress, depression, anger or just plain boredom. Do you really need that bag of chips from the vending machine at 2:00 pm? Or do you just need an excuse to leave your office desk? Before snacking, ask yourself if you honestly feel hungry. There’s better ways to work out mental issues or blow off steam (like through exercise).

• Once men hit their target weight, there’s a tendency to back slide. Why? Because maintaining good health is just as difficult as achieving it. That’s why it’s important to stick to your guidelines even when you achieve your initial fitness goal.

• Learn from setbacks. Face it: Man is imperfect. A small slip-up now and then is not going to kill you. It’s no reason to give up and just binge, or stop exercising all together. Instead of focusing on these setbacks, keep your eye on the short-term goal. If you find that you are dealing with the same problems again and again, evaluate your weight management process and see if you can discover where you are getting sidetracked. You might have to try a different approach all together to get over the hurdles.

Men’s Weight Loss Quiz

January 22, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Mens Nutrition

1. Beverages can cause you to gain weight.

• True

• False

TRUE: Many men don’t realize that beverages are often loaded with empty calories. Even fortified waters can contain as many calories as a can of soda. In fact, a recent study found that most men don’t accommodate for these extra calories with their meals. A better bet is to stick to drinking plenty of water, as it keeps your system well-hydrated, helps food break down easier and doesn’t pack on the pounds.

2. Fasting is a good way to drop a few pounds.

• True

• False

FALSE: By skipping meals and then playing catch-up, you could end up promoting more fat storage and lowering your metabolism due to fluctuating insulin and blood sugar levels. You also lose more than fat when you don’t eat…you lose muscle and tissue mass. A better bet is to follow a moderate diet and continue to exercise regularly.

3. Eating more produce reduces the pounds.

• True

• False

TRUE: This seems like it should go without saying, but most men don’t get their allotted five servings a day. In addition to containing vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and protein, fruits and vegetables are a low-calorie option that can help you lose weight and improve health tremendously. A few ideas for consuming more are eating a vegetarian meal at least once a week, keeping fresh produce on hand for snacks (even canned vegetables and fruits are valuable as long as they don’t contain heavy syrup or preservatives), and adding more to salads, sandwiches and as side dishes..

4. Drinking a lot of water causes you to lose weight.

• True

• False

FALSE: Water is key to fending of dehydration and it helps the body processes. It even helps provide a “full” feeling. But drinking water does not burn off calories, and drinking an excessive amount of water can also add to temporary water weight and make you feel bloated.

5. You need to exercise as well as diet to lose weight.

• True

• False

TRUE: Many men think if they eat right they can skip exercising altogether. Or vice versa. Wrong. If you are actively looking to lose weight, you are going to have to regularly exercise as well as follow a nutritious diet. Exercising 3-4 times a week not only improves cardiovascular and overall health, it also helps you burn calories as you build muscle.

6. You can keep your weight down by skipping meals.

• True

• False

FALSE: Although experts are divided on how many meals you should eat (3 moderate meals, or several small ones throughout the day), mealtimes need to be kept at the same time every day so your body knows when to feel hungry. Skipping meals can cause you to overeat at the next meal as your body tries to make up for the meal that was missed.

7. Diets that focus on adding or removing only one type of food are the most effective.

• True

• False

FALSE: Many fad diets rely on eating a large quantity of or removing one substance or food from your diet (for example: low-carb diet, the cabbage diet, etc.). But the fact is that eating too much of one thing can cause you to miss out on valuable nutrients in other foods (how many fruits contain protein?). And your body needs many components to function well (carbs provide energy, etc.). Instead of drastically cutting or adding an ingredient, try reducing “bad” foods and eating moderate servings of more varied foods.

8. You can still snack and eat your favorite foods as you diet.

• True

• False

TRUE: The reason many men fail at weight management is because they try to deprive themselves of their favorite foods…which may not be the healthiest. Unfortunately, when deprived like this, many guys tend to overeat or binge at the slightest waver of willpower. There’s no need to give up desserts or less-than-healthy options…just eat them in small servings and restrict them to only once or twice a week. Even restaurant meals and fast food options can be conquered if you keep the portions small (take half home as leftovers) and you’re aware of what exactly you are consuming, nutrition-wise.

9. How you eat is just as important as what you eat.

• True

• False

TRUE: Ever wolf down a huge plate of food and then realize that you weren’t even that hungry to begin with? This happens more frequently than most men think. Men who overeat tend to eat very quickly. This does not allow your stomach time to process food and does not allow your brain time to realize you’ve had enough. A better option is to take your time as you eat: you’ll be able to recognize when you fill full (and then stop) and it will also help with digestion. Not to mention that you’ll be able to savor the flavors much better this way!

10. Nutritional supplements don’t help you lose weight.

• True

• False

FALSE: While you cannot rely on a nutritional supplement for all of your dietary needs, they can help you attain significant weigh loss results when coupled with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Just make sure they contain high concentrations of natural ingredients from a trusted source.

11. You always gain weight when you quit smoking.

• True

• False

FALSE: Although some men gain weight when they quit, the benefits of quitting smoking far outweigh the risk of putting on a few pounds. And you can avoid that altogether by avoiding snacking on fattening foods. Instead, keep healthier options available (such as veggies, fruit or even sugar-less gum) for when a craving occurs. Exercise can also work out anxiety.

ANSWER KEY:

9 – 11 correct: Fitness guru

6 – 8 correct: A healthy mind set

3 – 5 correct: Need some coaching

0 – 2 correct: Get off the couch!

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