Call it a meat-and-potatoes makeover.
Results of a recent survey sponsored by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) show that the nation's men are grasping an important message about healthful eating. Twenty-seven percent of respondents in the nationally projectable study said they've begun eating less fat - nearly double the 14 percent who made the same claim in 1991."We're on the right track," according to ADA dietitian, Martin Yadrick. "If men were to choose just one way to improve their diets, cutting back on fat is it. Lower fat diets have not only been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, they're also a key to successful weight control, physical fitness, even improved energy and mental alertness."
Health maintenance and disease prevention were cited as top reasons for eating right by more than one-third of all respondents in the study, conducted among men age 18 and older. While these remain the most important motivators, fewer men mentioned health-related reasons for eating right this year (35 percent) than last (44 percent).
Conversely, physical fitness was cited more often (28 percent vs. 20 percent in 1991). Other reasons mentioned for eating right included weight control, personal appearance and improved energy.
The men survey also said they're learning more about healthy eating, with 25 percent calling themselves "extremely well well-informed." "We're especially pleased to see such strong gains in nutrition awareness among younger men," said Judy Dodd, president of ADA. "Men who improve their eating habits when they're younger will find it easier to continue eating right through their lives. These changes will help reduce their chances of developing many diet-related diseases associated with aging."
Men with questions about eating right can call a toll-free hot line (1-800-366-1655) operated by ADA's National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics. Dietitians staff the hot line Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., EDT, with pre-recorded nutrition messages available 24 hours a day. Callers can request a special nutrition reading list and a free copy of "Food Strategies for Men."
The pamphlet and reading list are also available by writing the National Center of Nutrition and Dietetics, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606-6995.