How to Improve Male Health Through Diet #malediet #betterhealth #nutrition

With the holidays in full swing, it's a great time for a reminder to eat healthy foods to influence our health. Today, The Weekend Gourmet correspondent is sharing health tips specifically geared to the men in our lives! This feature may contain affiliate links.

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There are a number of different health conditions that men sometimes struggle with. By the time a guy hits his 3os or 40s, his metabolism may not be as good as it was. The stresses and strains in life may mean he is not getting the exercise he needs, and he may well overeat or choose unhealthy items out of convenience. A poor diet can lead to numerous physical health problems -- which will become an obvious immediate concern. However, the food he eats can also bring about mental health problems. Poor diet is often linked to depression, stress, and anxiety. With mental health issues in males peaking around early middle age, it is important to get this in check as quickly as possible.
Heart Disease

Heart disease -- one of the leading health problems in men -- can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Often, warning signs are missed -- and it can take a heart attack for men to pay attention to this serious health concern.
Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is something that affects many men. Often referred to as "Man Boobs" or simply "Moobs", is excessive breast tissue. This condition can be a source of embarrassment to many men; for many, gynecomastia surgery may be an option. 
Diabetes 
Related to the blood sugar and the body’s ability to create insulin -- which regulates blood sugar -- diabetes can have some serious effects on health. Often linked to obesity, it can be caused by a poor diet that is largely full of sugars. 

Depression 

Depression can have a range of causes. Some are biological and are centered around the production of hormones that maintain various brain activities. Other circumstantial factors can play a big role in depression, though -- such as work or home life, or traumatic incidents. Depression can be managed in a number of ways, from talking therapy to prescription drugs. Diet and exercise can play a large part in improving your quality of life if you are suffering from depression.

Both diet and exercise can be of huge benefit in all of these male-centered health concerns. Eating a low-calorie diet can help remove excess fat from all over the body -- along with exercise to burn off more energy than you take in -- will help you drop weight from your entire body. If you want to reduce the calorie content in your daily diet, then consider making a few changes in the following areas. 

1. Cut down on processed foods and avoid empty calories. Processed foods are everywhere, from fast food to convenience food at home. These foods are packed full of sugar, fats, and salt to give it plenty of taste so you will love it and want to eat more. Then comes the chemical additives, which are designed to allow the meal to last longer on the shelf and in your fridge. Often -- for all of the unhealthy elements and high-calorie count -- there's very little in the way of nutritional value.
2. Eat more fruit and vegetables. Fruit and veggies are great at providing a significant amount of the nutrition that your body needs. With many green vegetables -- such as beans, kale, cabbage, and broccoli -- being high in protein, you'll get the essential food group for repairing your body and keeping you strong. With carbohydrates present in a lot of vegetables, you will benefit from plenty of slow-release energy that will keep you going through the day and make you feel full. By eating a balanced variety of vegetables and fruits, you will be getting lots of vitamins and minerals -- which will help you ward off infections. Fruits have naturally occurring sugars, as opposed to the highly processed sugar that we find it lots of junk food. 
3. Avoid Fats. A little fat does you good. However, if you are someone who loves cheeses and fatty meats...or indulges in fried or transfat-heavy meals...then you're clogging your arteries and setting yourself up for some major health problems -- particularly related to your heart. Trade red meats and cheeses for leaner alternatives...and avoid most takeout meals.
4. Drink water and stick to designated meal times. If overeating or snacking between meals is a problem that you face, then start drinking water as often as possible. By sipping on water throughout your day, you'll find that you will naturally feel fuller and may be less inclined to need to snack. By making sure your mealtimes are at approximately the same time every day, your body will adjust...and your metabolism will benefit too.