By: Susan Bowerman M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND

When it comes to men’s health and nutrition, many factors come into play. Because men tend to burn through calories a lot faster than women do, it can be tempting to assume that as long as a man isn’t overweight, all is well and good. 

Body weight, however, is only a part of the picture and shouldn’t be used as the sole metric of health. How much body fat you have, where that fat settles on your frame, along with the overall quality of your diet – all contribute to your wellbeing. 
Guys are more likely to carry that excess weight around the middle, which is much more damaging to health than the fat that women tend to accumulate on their hips and thighs.

Pay attention to nutrient density

So, while keeping your weight down is key, you need to do it the right way. Nutrient density is all about packing the most nutrition you can into each bite. You can do this by keeping your focus on healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Here are four nutrients men should eat more of daily:

Fiber

High fiber foods help you feel full, which can help keep weight in check. Soluble fiber also helps lower cholesterol levels – good for protecting your heart. Place an emphasis on these high-fiber heart-healthy foods such as beans, fruits (berries, pears, guava), vegetables (broccoli and carrots), and whole grains (brown rice and oats).

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that’s important for literally hundreds of functions in the body. By supplementing or consuming more magnesium-rich foods, you may be able to improve bone health and heart health. Good sources include leafy green vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

Potassium

Many men also do not get enough potassium, which is important for nerve, heart, and muscle function. This mineral supports healthy blood pressure and is abundant in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Some recommended potassium-rich foods are tomatoes, bananas, beans, leafy greens, and melons.

Vitamin D

Finally, try to get more vitamin D, which helps to keep your bones and immune system strong. Vitamin D is found in fortified dairy products, fatty fish, egg yolks, and seafood. Brief sun exposure a few times a week is another way to get your vitamin D. Look for seafood that’s low in fat and calories yet rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These should be on your menu at least a few times a week.

Prioritize your wellbeing

Get your health checked regularly

With our hectic lives, it can be easy to put off health needs, but prevention is key, and health screenings become more important as you get older. Schedule routine checkups with your doctor, and don’t forget dental and vision exams as well. 

Exercise weekly

The CDC recommends about 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week, which is roughly 30 minutes of activity, five times per week.  

Eat your breakfast

Set a goal of having a healthy meal a few mornings a week. If you don’t have time to sit down for breakfast, grab a carton of yogurt and a piece of fruit, or whip up a protein shake with some milk and fruit and take it with you. 

Find heathier options

If you tend to grab meals on the run during the day, think about packing your lunch a couple of days a week or preparing a home-cooked meal once or twice a week. If you tend to grab chips or other unhealthy foods the moment you’re hungry or stressed, learn to practice mindful eating instead and think about putting more nutrient-dense foods into your body.

Take note of eating patterns

Lastly, try writing down what you eat for a couple of days. It’s the best way to come face-to-face with your eating habits – for better or for worse. There’s nothing quite like a good hard look at the skipped meals, the salty snacks, or a severe shortage of fruits and vegetables to spark a diet makeover. 

Also, don’t forget to take note of small wins and milestones as you get closer to your wellness goals.