Nothing says I love you like, “Please lose weight.”
You probably know that Father’s Day is Sunday. You may not know that June 13th -19th is National Men’s Health Week. Taking care of our fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons is extremely important.
Men think they are invincible. According to multiple studies, men don’t seek care, and in 2006, 24,850,000 men died from heart disease, the leading cause of death among them. Another 2,740,000 men died from diabetes in 2006, which is preventable in many cases and can always be treated.
The bottom line, of course, is that a healthier lifestyle can pay dividends both in terms quality of life and by improving our chances for a long and disease free-life.
I recently came across an article from the Hoffman Center that really hit home. They report that excess body fat and weight is directly related to increased risks of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, gall bladder disease, gout, and liver malfunction. The chances that dear, old Dad will have to contend with one or more of these diseases can be dramatically reduced by weight reduction and by keeping one’s BMI in the normal range (FYI: between 18.5-25).
So, as Father’s Day approaches, let’s think about ways we can please dad while keeping it healthy.
Grilling, for instance, is one of the best (and season-friendly I might add) ways to add a huge boost of flavor without the calories. Add a gift of OurSkinny Mini Meals into the mix and he can have healthy snacks on hand even when you can’t be there to take care of him!
Try this recipe tomorrow on Father’s Day!
Teriyaki Shrimp and Chicken Kebabs
Sauce:
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp water
Kebabs:
3-4 medium-sized shrimp, peeled
2 oz chicken breast, 1 in. cubes
1/2 cup green pepper, 1 in. cubes
8 to 10 grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup onon, 1 in. cubes
2 each, wood skewers (soak in water)
Preparation: Sauce: mince garlic and sautee in 1 tsp olive oil to soften and enhance flavor. Mix soy sauce, water and brown sugar until sugar is completely dissolved. Add garlic and rest of oil. Mix well.
Kebobs: Take one soaked skewer and alternate piercing items onto skewer, i.e. pepper, tomato, shrimp, pepper, onion, chicken (repeat). Once all ingredients are on the skewers, brush with sauce and place onto grill. Rotate and brush with sauce. Repeat.
Nutritional Information:
Sauce: 107 calories, 80 calories from fat, 9g Total Fat, 1g Saturated Fat, 354mg Sodium, 6g Total Carbohydrate, 1g Protein.
Kabob: 155 calories, 14 calories from fat, 2g Total Fat, 69mg Cholesterol, 85mg Sodium, 15g Total Carbohydrate, 21g Protein.