I have an adult son who enjoys the challenge of participating in extreme races, works out almost every day, and considers CrossFit way more fun than basketball—which he loves. He looks lean and healthy, and though I’ve never checked his body fat percentage, I am sure it’s quite low. His doctor wouldn’t have much reason to be concerned about his health status at his current age. This same individual, however, considers animal protein the most important part of any meal and would not hesitate to consume Del Frisco’s 42oz bone-in Wagyu ribeye steak all by himself, in one sitting. Unfortunately, I have come to understand that such overindulgences are not unusual for young men, and even some older men, who would rather have dinner in a Brazilian steak house than at Sweet Tomatoes.
For years, there has been controversy about low-carb, high-protein diets and I expect that the jury is not yet in. But the science does continue to suggest that too high a protein intake is not the healthiest approach to eating. A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that men “who ate primarily animal protein over plant-based protein had a 23% higher risk of death over 20 years than those who had more balanced protein sources.” Researchers found that, “Higher overall consumption of dietary protein was linked to a greater risk of death among men with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer.” This is not new, or breaking news, but it does add to the evidence.
We focus on men’s health for only a couple of days in June each year, which is unfortunate. Regretfully, we often neglect the messages that pertain specifically to diet. Indeed, what we eat is one of the most important factors for preventing chronic diseases. So, this is a message that we need to emphasize more forcefully with men as we talk about the usual topics, like heart disease and prostate cancer, which are also important. Based on personal and professional experience I know that talking with men about what constitutes a healthy dietary intake can be a challenge. So, if we want men’s attention and their compliance, our science-informed nutrition messages must be better-presented than the messages they’re receiving from their gym or health food store. Our goal, healthy young men who age and remain healthy older men.
Finally, just in case you’re wondering—or worse tempted—a 42oz steak should really be shared with at
least four of your friends at dinner.
