Fathers Day Gifts: For The Dad Who Needs To Eat Better

Fathers Day Gifts: For The Dad Who Needs To Eat Better
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Unfortunately, men are leading the country's weight epidemic, with nearly three out of every four being either overweight or obese. And losing weight, at its most basic level, is often a matter of caloric balance -- burning more calories than you're taking in each day. To tackle the latter half of that equation, men will need to focus on adjusting their eating habits. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, males consume, on average, close to 2,500 calories per day. So if a man can shave off about 500 calories a day, then he'll be on track to lose one pound a week.

The stakes are higher than just Dad's health, too -- a recent study published in the Journal Nutrition Education and Behavior found that fathers have a major impact on how often kids eat fast food and other restaurant food.

"For years, we've heard that moms have the biggest impact on their kids' food choices, but with mothers becoming more involved in the workplace and fathers' roles becoming more involved in caregiving at home, it's natural that kids will start to follow their father's lead, too," American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Karen Ansel told ABC News when the study was released.

So instead of buying your dad a fried dinner at his favorite burger joint this Sunday, why not treat him to something that can help him to get his diet back on track. As part of our series on healthy Father's Day gifts, we've collected these fun ideas to get you started:

A Grill (Or Grilling Gadgets)(01 of06)
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When it comes to health, the way you cook food can be just as important as the food itself -- fried fish and vegetables aren't going to be good for the bottom (waist) line. Each tablespoon of oil added while frying adds 100 calories, according to the Mayo Clinic.Grilling can allow fat to drip off the food, so spring for an outdoor grill this summer for dad (the whole family can chip in) or pick up a smaller, indoor electric grill, such as a George Foreman grill or this countertop grill from Cuisinart. Some studies have linked the chemicals produced from charring meat to an increased cancer risk, though, so check out these healthy grilling tips first. Marinating meat can help, so add the ingredients for a new marinade to try (or opt for store bought -- just check the nutrition facts first, as some are loaded with calories).If your dad already has a grill he loves, update his tool collection -- a meat thermometer is one fun way to go. And if all else fails, the standby "Kiss The Cook" apron works, too.
A Juicer(02 of06)
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Does your dad love a glass of juice in the morning? While it does, of course, provide valuable fruit servings, some store-bought fruit juice can actually be loaded with sugar and added calories. Instead, help him make his own fresh-squeezed drinks with a juicer. Basic models start around $20 or $30 and range all the way up to several hundred dollars for the fanciest models -- read product reviews to find the best one for you.
Cooking Classes(03 of06)
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Eating dinner away from home increases daily calorie intake by 144 calories, according to a government report -- and this effect is amplified among people who are overweight.So, rather than simply treating Dad to a home-cooked meal on Father's Day, sign him up for local cooking lessons. As the saying goes, if you teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime. If you live in a city with a culinary school, ask them about their night class offerings -- or call around to local restaurants, some of which may offer lessons and demonstrations.
New Healthy Cookbooks(04 of06)
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If Dad's go-to recipe repertoire (mac and cheese, steak and frozen french fries, to name a few) is limited to unhealthy picks, give him a little inspiration to think outside the (pizza) box.Try Men's Health editor David Zinczenko's "Cook This, Not That," celeb chef Rocco DiSpirito's "Now Eat This!: 150 of America's Favorite Comfort Foods, All Under 350 Calories, or "The Biggest Loser Cookbook: More Than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes Adapted From NBC's Hit Show."Then commit to a weekly family dinner where Dad is the chef -- studies have linked family dinners to numerous benefits, including healthier kids and improved grades among teens. (credit:Amazon)
Healthier Snacks(05 of06)
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Help your father to stay on track when a 3 p.m. slump or a late-night craving has him reaching for something unhealthy.Fill a basket with healthier versions of his favorite treats -- 100 calorie packs, for instance, can help him satisfy a sweet tooth while keeping portion size under control. Or, give him a small bowl of nuts to take to work and leave on his desk (heart-healthy nuts are better than reaching into a coworker's candy bowl).You can also help him to get his daily fruit requirement with a fruit basket -- for the gift that keeps on giving, try a fruit of the month club.
A Windowsill Garden(06 of06)
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A fresh tomato has a way of tasting sweeter (and pesticide-free) when you grow it yourself. Help your dad to start his own mini window garden with a starter kit for fresh herbs or small vegetables that he can transfer outside later in the summer.

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