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Black Men: Make Your Health A Top Priority

January 25, 2010 Health & Sports 1 Comment

 stethoscope

When's the last time you've been to the doctor?  For most men, that's a question that is not easily answered.  It's no secret that we can be very hardheaded when it comes to visiting our physician.  I'm no different when it comes to this topic. 
 
As I make my way though my 30s, it is very apparent that my health is now more important that it was when I was in my 20s.  And that's no surprise because there is a sense of invincibility when you're younger and taking life by its tail. Maybe you still feel invincible.
 
But as I sit today, 31 years old, a parent of an eight year old son and a six month old daughter, I really must now think of my well-being as a matter of obligation.  This responsibility is to myself, my wife, family and friends. 
 
As black men, our attention to our health leaves much to be desired. Black men's health is the worse among any racial and gender group. For example, check out a few black men health statistics: … Continue Reading

5 Amazingly Simple Ways You Can Eat Healthier

June 16, 2009 Health & Sports 2 Comments

Image Credit: calcoastwebdesign 

 
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In today’s world, we should all strive to eat and live better. What we eat affects our bodies in different ways. It’s important to understand that living a healthy lifestyle consists of not only exercise but also eating better.
 
Guys, we have so many excuses on why we can’t eat as healthy as we want or exercise as much as we need. But the bottom line is if something is important enough, you will do what it takes to get it done. A prime example of this is when I decided to overhaul my diet. I haven’t eaten pork or beef for nearly 12 years. 
 
I decided to eliminate those meats from my diet because I thought I could take advantage of other sources of proteins such as chicken, fish and nuts. But not all men will want to make that commitment, but if you do, believe me, IT CAN BE DONE!
 
Remember, reaching a goal of having healthy eating habits can be a tough, long process and can’t be done overnight.  But to get you going, I’m going to list 5 amazingly simple ways to get you eating healthier. These few steps can get the Average Joe jump-started and feeling much better.
 
 
1. Slow Down on Fast Food
Try to cut down on the fast food. You may try to designate certain days such as 2 or 3 times a week instead of 4.
 
For the fellas who go out for lunch (you know who you are), try bringing lunch or ordering healthier choices on the menu (i.e., instead of the fried chicken sandwich, go grilled).
 
In addition, some of us think our lifestyle is too busy for preparing meals at home, but such is not the case. Try planning meals for the week and it may take the hassle out of eating at home.
 
2. Doggie Bag It
Just because they serve it to you does not mean you have to eat it all. Typically, a normal adult portion of meat should be the size of a fist.
 
Society has told us that if we pay a lot for our meals, we should get larger portions. So what has the trend been?  Come on, you’ve seen the restaurant commercials with the huge heaping plates of food.  Generally in a restaurant, we are served way too much food.  Since that’s the case, just get a doggie bag to take food home with you instead of eating it all in one sitting. You will feel a lot better after dinner with the family. Think of it this way: Food is energy so you shouldn’t feel like you want to lie down after eating.
 
3. Water it Down
You can always drink a glass of water before eating which can limit that hungry feeling. Also try to eliminate soda and swap some of your sugary juice drinks for water. A good way also can be to add flavor packets to your bottled water because they don’t contain as much sugar as soft drinks or juices.
 
4. Lite is Alright
This is for people who may have a few alcoholic drinks every now and then. If you are a beer drinker, the lite beers are always a great option when trying to cut calories. Drinking wine is also a great alternative and you won’t feel as bad in the morning. When it comes to alcoholic drinks, try to stay away from the fruity drinks such as piña coladas and margaritas. They have an enormous amount of calories in the syrup mixers. Your best choice would probably be straight drinks or diet sodas mixed with them.
 
5.Try Not to Fry
Whatever food it may be that you love to eat fried, try an alternative. Turn that fried chicken into a baked option or even fire up the grill. There are several recipes out there for oven-fried chicken which can be just as tasty. If the kids love french fries, you can oven bake them and get the same results but healthier and the kids still love them.
 
There you go. Those are 5 quick suggestions all of us guys can take and make a difference with our eating habits. That’s not that hard, is it?
 
Do you have any comments about the tips given? Or maybe you have some additional tips that can help all men out. Get the conversation started by leaving a comment below.

 

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Recent Comments:

  • Torrey: Thanks Nathan...
  • Nathan Wilson: Now this is a great topic! Keep going Men's Playbook!...
  • Derrick: This is a great article and I will definetly pick this book up. When me and the wife had our daughter 9 years it changed my life..That relationsh...
  • Lori Lowe: I found your blog through blogussion. You're so right about finances being an important part of marriage. My hubby and I keep some bills and check...
  • Torance: Im just not a Hoosiers fan at all....