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It will come as no surprise to many wives who despair at their loved ones’ increasing waistlines, but the average middle-aged British man is now more likely to be overweight than his wife. A recent study found that 68 per cent of men aged between 45 and 74 were obese, compared with 60 per cent of women.
Despite this, men tend to be much more reluctant than women to follow diet regimes or join weight loss groups.
So what can a wife do if her husband is getting a little overweight but is not willing to face it?
Here, nutritionist and weight loss expert Niki Woods suggests six clever tips to help your husband shed a few pounds, without him even realising he’s on a diet…
Add flavor to your sandwiches
If your partner works and often goes to M&S or Pret at lunchtime, suggest that you make packed lunches together as a way of saving money.
Niki says: ‘When it comes to sandwiches, you should skip the greasy condiments like butter and mayonnaise without him even realizing it.
A great way to do this is to try out the flavors. One of my favorites is canned tuna, with chopped bell peppers, chili flakes, and a splash of hot sauce.
Choose healthier breads, such as whole-wheat, and swap chips for popcorn. They have fewer calories than chips and more fiber, meaning they will keep you fuller for longer.
Be smart about alcohol
If you’re a couple who tends to open a bottle of red wine every night, then you’re each consuming about 310 calories. Over the course of a week, that’s the equivalent of a large pepperoni pizza each!
“Many of the women who follow my programme tell me that when they stop drinking, their husbands stop drinking too because they have lost their drinking buddy,” says Niki.
‘Scheduling an activity early in the morning on Saturdays and Sundays will also mean you’ll be more likely to drink in moderation the night before.
‘Another good idea is to suggest a pub lunch at the weekend, but not at the local pub. Instead, suggest a new pub that’s two or three miles away. I have clients who now make this their regular activity – a different pub combined with a long walk that can easily burn 600 calories.’
Improve your barbecue skills
With summer coming, it’s the perfect time to encourage your child to put on their apron and light the fire.
“Grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook food, so if he’s a fan of barbecues, encourage him to do so,” says Niki.
‘Avoid fatty meats like burgers and sausages and focus on chicken, lean steaks, fish and shrimp. Vegetable kebabs are also delicious on the barbecue.
“If you’re hosting an event, opt for a barbecue instead of a traditional dinner. Don’t bother bringing snacks – if you have plenty of grilled food and salads, no one will miss them.”
Ease of exercise
Helping you become more active, especially if you have a sedentary desk job, will help burn fat.
“Summer is the perfect time to encourage your husband to stay active,” says Niki. “Give him a list of tasks to do in the garden!
‘Try making a long walk part of your weekend routine. If you’re going into the city, point out that parking is a nightmare and suggest you walk instead. In the summer months, a long walk at sunset is a great way to relax and burn calories.’
High protein breakfasts
Does your husband skip breakfast at home and grab a cappuccino and a bagel on the go? Offering him a homemade breakfast could be the solution.
“Avoid anything sugary that can cause a big spike in blood sugar,” says Niki. “As soon as that spike goes down, you’ll get hungry and start snacking mid-morning.”
So, no more toast, jam, cereal and fruit juice. Instead, Niki recommends “a quick breakfast with proper, substantial food, like eggs with sourdough, for example. In my experience, men are more likely to eat well if their partners do.”
“If you’re short on time, a high protein shake is a good option. You can buy the shake in powder form from companies like Raw Sport (rawsport.com) and drink it on the go. Another option is Lidl, which has fantastic protein drinks that have 250 calories and cost 99p.”
Sneaky Snacking Habits
Not having a candy pantry is an easy remedy to prevent your cat from sneaking snacks. He may crave a chocolate bar, but not enough to go out and buy one if there isn’t one in the house.
“You can’t eat what’s not there, but if you can’t do without sweets and savoury treats altogether, keep them out of sight,” Niki advises. “Store sliced bread in the freezer rather than fresh in a bread bin, which will make a quick sandwich impossible. The only thing you want in sight is a fruit bowl.
‘Put sweets, cakes and crisps in the highest cupboard you have, preferably one that requires a chair or ladder to reach. You want to make it very difficult for him to eat the things you don’t want him to eat and easy to eat the things you do want him to eat.’
Another good tip is to buy smaller bags of chips, not the giant ones.
‘If he wants to snack in front of the TV, put a small amount of crisps in a bowl. Never give him a whole bag or tube.’
*nikiwoods.com