With spring upon us and summer looming how do you tell the man in your life that all the junk food he ate through football and college basketball seasons has left him with more love handles than you can handle?  It’s easy if you understand one basic principle; it isn’t that we don’t care, it’s that we don’t know. We are, in fact, just that oblivious. As a result, you have to be direct with us.

Don’t beat around the bush, don’t drop subtle hints. Countering with salad for dinner when we suggest pizza will not get your point across, we’ll just figure you’re not in the mood for pizza. Just come right out and tell us the truth, that you’re starting to love us more for our personality than our looks, that where we used to have a six pack it now looks like we have a quarter keg. If you think our fragile egos can’t handle the truth, tell us you want us to go on a diet or go to the gym to help you lose the weight.  I know, I know, everyone says the key to a healthy relationship is honesty and in general that’s true. In this case though, a little fibbing in this area won’t hurt anyone. You’ll get your husband or boyfriend to drop a few pounds, and the man in your life gets to feel like he’s doing something to help you.

Aside from being direct, you need to come at us with a plan that is more interesting than eating more salad and spending an hour a day on the treadmill. Here are some fun ways that you can help the man in your life want to get in shape:

• Set a goal. Suggest training together to run a half marathon or participate in a bike event for charity. You’re getting in shape, spending time together and helping a good cause. Everyone wins.
• Take cooking class. Look on line to find places that offer cooking classes in your area. Most of them will have one or more on creating healthy recipes. You can also learn how to lighten up some of your family favorites (See recipe below)
• Learn something new. Taking tandem tennis lessons, ski class, Yoga, or even dancing can be a fun way to bring you closer together and get fit at the same time.

The key is to make it interesting. If it’s not interesting we will put in a token effort but likely slip back to the habits that caused us to put on weight in the first place. Of course, increasing your love making doesn’t hurt either. That’s a great way to burn calories and one that the man in your life will never roll his eyes at when you suggest it.

 

 

 

Light and Fit Shepherd’s Pie

Usually made with ground beef and mashed potatoes, this recipe is low on fat and carbs:

½ lb ground turkey ½ lb hot (or sweet) turkey sausage (casings removed) 1 cup frozen peas 1 large head of cauliflower 3 tablespoons of flour ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded) + some extra 1 cup diced onion 1 cup diced carrot ¼ cup 2% milk + ½ cup of 2% milk 1 tablespoon tomato paste ¼ cup water 1 head of roasted garlic oil, salt and pepper

For the topping

1. Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in a microwave safe bowl with a teaspoon of water. Cover and heat for 15 minutes.
2. Remove from the microwave and place in a blender with ½ cup parmesan cheese, garlic, ½ cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of oil, pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until the mixture takes on the consistency of mashed potatoes. Set aside

For the filling

1. In a medium skillet heat oil over medium heat and brown the ground turkey and turkey sausage broken up into crumbles
2. Add peas, onions and carrots and cook over medium heat until soft
3. Stir in flour and let cook for another two minutes
4. Add ¼ cup milk and water and tomato paste, cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens

Pour meat mixture into a casserole dish and top with cauliflower, spreading it evenly across the top, sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place in a 400 degree oven until topping is browned. Set aside for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy.