Father's Day Tips

[Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE]

brought to you by The American Dietetic Association

Dad does so much for us, but does he ever really take time for himself? Give your dad the gift of health this Father’s Day with a variety of ways for him to lead a healthier lifestyle. Because really: Does he need another tie?

* Encourage dad to join you for physical activities that you enjoy. Buy him a pair of in-line skates, a tennis racket or a new pair of running shoes. Set a schedule and hold him to it. It will give you time to bond, while keeping you both fit.

* Does he already have the equipment but just needs some encouragement? Buy your father a bookrack for his treadmill so he can read while exercising; a lesson or two for his favorite activity, such as tennis or golf; an mp3 player to listen to music or news while he walks or jogs; and a pedometer to keep track of his steps.

* What is dad reading these days? Encourage him to learn about his own health and nutrition with a subscription to a men’s health or fitness magazine or a copy of the American Dietetic Association’s Complete Food and Nutrition Guide or Dieting for Dummies.

* Does dad often eat lunch on the run or not at all? Give the gift of meals by making dad a lunch every day for a week or even a month. Build it around lean protein and dairy foods, whole-grain breads and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Pack lunch in an easy-to-carry container and write a note telling him how special he is to you. Include a detailed list of the items you made, so he can do it himself again.

Be creative. Your father deserves it, and it will mean a lot to him that you are thinking about his health and longevity.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team