Men might worry less about their health, but we want to help them stay healthy so they can be around to spend time with us (and grow old with us). With Father's Day on Sunday, why not help him have the energy he needs to chase the kids around or go for a leisurely (or competitive) bike ride. Healthy eating provides us with the nutrients and fibre we need to get through our daily activities, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce our risk of chronic disease (heart disease, prostate cancer, gout, and osteoporosis are four that often occur in men over 50).
The older I get, the more fathers I seem to have in my life (my own, my father-in-law, my brother who is now a new dad, and many expectant dad's as well). I know you likely have many important men in your life too. However, if you have a man in your life that thinks like Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, then you may have to get creative to fit in vegetables and fruit.
Instead of feeding him all the bacon and eggs you have, try whole grain toast, fruit salad, and greek yogurt to start the day. Or how about a bowl of oatmeal with milk, blueberries, and sliced almonds.
If he still wants eggs: Saute vegetables to add some colour and a nutritional punch, such as with the recipe below.
Egg White Veggie Omelet/Omelette
Source: the Gracious Pantry
Ingredients:
4 egg whites (or 2 whole eggs)
1 cup raw spinach
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup grated zucchini
1 roma tomato, chopped
1/2 cup sliced crimini mushrooms
2 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
1. Put the olive oil in a large frying pan and warm pan over low to medium heat.
2. Add the spinach, onion, garlic, zucchini and mushrooms. Stir continuously. If you keep the heat low, you shouldn’t need any more oil.
4. When the mushrooms have wilted, stir in the eggs and scramble them with the veggies.
5. When the eggs are cooked, quickly add the parmesan, scramble briefly to distribute and then form into an omelette.
Place omelette on plate and top with tomatoes.
Happy Father's Day!
Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com
