Blokes Battle The Bulge

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday June 18, 2008

FOOD ANNETTE SYM

Men can lose weight quickly and efficiently if they try.

ABOUT 60 per cent of men in Australia are overweight or have a pot belly.

My suggestion is that we encourage them to do something about it before it is too late.

Men die earlier, on average, than women and suffer 50 per cent more from heart disease, respiratory ailments and cancers.

By having a balanced diet, including exercise, and making good food choices you will reap the healthy rewards.

Men tend to carry their excess weight around their middle. That so called beer belly is actually hard-pressed fat and can be a huge health risk if ignored, as it puts pressure on the heart.

Don't ignore the warning signs that could lead to major health problems.

Here are some tips:

Men lose weight differently to women as they have a faster metabolism. This makes weight loss more efficient as well. Most times just cutting down on alcohol and takeaways will see incredible results.

My cookbooks are simple and easy to use, or if you prefer, use the CD-rom menu planner. I also have a 28-day weight loss plan in book five. Try writing everything down in my eight-week weight-loss journal.

What works better with men is to measure your waist each month, as this shows clearly how well you are doing. Just watching your belt notch go in more and more is fantastic motivation.

Alcohol is something that has little nutritional value and is high in kilojoules but if you like a beer then giving it up completely may be too restrictive. Instead, have light beer and only every other day. For every alcohol drink you have, make the next one a glass of water or diet soft drink.

If you are sitting in an office all day then you must do some form of physical activity at least five times a week. Being fit is vital for long-term health, so make this a priority.

If you already have a very physical job but feel you need more then look at ways to increase your fitness, such as doing weights, boxing or yoga.

Annette Sym's Symply Too Good To Be True cookbooks and CD-ROM menu planner are sold in newsagencies. Visit symplytoogood.com.au.

RECIPE

POTATO MEAT PIE

Preheat oven to 190 degrees celsius fan forced.

To make pastry: Place flours into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Melt margarine and add milk. Using a fork, beat egg white with milk until

combined, pour into flour and fold together. Place pastry on a well-floured

surface and roll out to fit shape of round pie dish (23cm) coated with cooking

spray. Using a rolling pin, roll up pastry, lift onto pie plate. Trim around edges

and bake 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Leave to one side.

To make meat filling: In a non-stick frypan cook mince, drain off any

liquid then add onion. Cook together for two minutes then add all other

ingredients listed for the meat filling. Bring to boil stirring constantly.

Leave on lowest heat until pastry and potato are ready.

To make potato top: Microwave potato in a little water until cooked

(about 12-15 minutes). When cooked drain, mash with milk and margarine.

To assemble pie: Spoon meat filling over pastry in pie dish then top with

mashed potato. Sprinkle grated cheese over top and bake in oven for

30 minutes or until top has browned.

Serves 6

PASTRY

? cup plain flour

? cup self-raising flour

2 tablespoons (30g) Flora Light margarine

2 tablespoons skim milk

1 egg white

extra flour to roll pastry

cooking spray

MEAT FILLING

500g very lean beef mince

? cup onion finely diced

2 tablespoons tomato sauce

2 tablespoons BBQ sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons salt-reduced chicken-style stock

powder (Massel)

6 tablespoons Gravox Lite Supreme

1 ? cups water

pepper to taste

POTATO TOP

5 cups peeled potatoes (about 750g) diced

? cup skim milk

1 teaspoon (5g) Flora light margarine

?3 cup reduced-fat grated tasty cheese

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home