Did you know prostate cancer strikes one out of six American men? To help raise funds for research, Teleflora is teaming up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF). A portion of the sales proceeds from Teleflora’s new baseball-themed bouquets Big Hit and Play Ball (below) will go to the organization. Teleflora is also running its Triple Play sweepstakes June 1-26. The grand-prize is a three-day baseball journey for two. If you're looking for a Father’s Day gift, flowers make a refreshing change from ties and slippers.
One of PCF's goals is to spur discussion about prostate cancer and men's health and a blog is an ideal home for that. Chef and PCF Consultant Beth Ginsberg kindly agreed to participate in a Q&A about healthful eating. Check back Monday for Part Two.
BETH GINSBERG
Q Do you have some general guidelines for the healthiest ways to fuel your body and feel satisfied? Is there one golden rule?
A My golden rule: Eat foods that contain no additives, chemicals or preservatives. Try to buy organic when possible and in budget. Eat an array of colorful fruits and veggies everyday. Eat whole grain products and stay away from useless calories like sodas, chips, candy.
Q Are there any foods or food groups that should be avoided all together?
A This is really an ingredient issue rather than a particular food group. Foods that contain senseless calories and harmful ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup and artery clogging fats should be avoided.
Q Are there any foods or food groups that men in particular should make a point of eating?
A Lots of vegetables and fruits such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy brussel sprouts. Tomatoes, especially cooked tomatoes for the lycopene. Whole grains and high fiber cereals such as oats. Walnuts, almonds and flax seeds. Low fat proteins, wild fish high in omega 3 fatty acids. Live a little, have 1 glass of red wine per night with a piece of dark organic chocolate.
Q Is it true that grazing, ie eating smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to a few large ones, is easier on your body? And is late-night eating a no-no?
A It's way better to eat five smaller meals. That way you stay full and learn portion control which is essential to stay at a proper weight. I am not big on eating a night for a few reasons. Normally when people eat at in the evening it is some form of empty calories such as sweets, chips or something fattening and not nourishing. When you are sleeping you do not burn calories. If you must eat at night try some protein powder in water to fill yourself up. That is what I do. It helps maintain healthy muscles and fills me up. Try to have a low-fat dinner rich in vegetables, whole grains and a low fat protein so you are not hungry at night.
Q We know that portion control is key to maintaining a healthy weight and yet that is often easier said than done. Do you have any advice for being full on less?
A Here is a trick to eating less and being full. Try having a leafy green salad with a low-fat dressing (the dressing is what contains all the calories) or a bowl of a low fat soup before a meal. This will fill you up and you will eat less. Stay away from the bread on the table!
Teleflora's Play Ball bouquet will catch Dad's eye and provide a handy container after the flowers are gone.
