This week we invited several fathers and men from around the blogosphere to share with you their personal stories of weight loss struggle and success. Weight loss can take on a very different tone for men than it does for women, but the end result is happier, healthier people.

We hope you’ll take to heart the message that these men are sharing, and make this Father’s Day the first of many more healthy holidays.

Four Reasons Why Dad’s Good Health is a Must

Fathers who give unconditionally can find it difficult to find motivation for personal good health.  Nevertheless, for the whole family to be happy, the whole family must be healthy. Among all the hats dads wear, they must also be the example for healthy eating and lifestyle. Here’s how to find that motivation and follow through: - Tommy Galan, HappyUniverse.com

No Father’s Day Gift Necessary for Dad Who Lost 220 Pounds

In sixteen months, I have lost 221.4 pounds and maintained it for four of those months. I still eat well, work out, and live a life I never thought I could. I also write about my experiences here. So when my son asks me what I want for Father’s Day, I will tell him I do not want a thing. I have everything I want in life now! - Tony Posnanski, The Anti-Jared

Dad Thinks Losing Weight is Fun and Easy

That’s right, losing weight is fun and easy! It must be, because I’ve done it several times. In 1993 I got to my goal weight after losing 90 pounds. By 2002 I’d gained 115 pounds, so in 2002/03 I lost it again. Then by 2008 I’d gained 50 pounds, so lost it in 2008/09. Hmm…now that I think about it, it wasn’t much fun. And it’s lots of work. So what went wrong? - Bill Gookin, Daddy is Tired

Computer Programmer Becomes a Male Model after 60 Pound Weight Loss

So, it was by pure coincidence and I suppose, good fortune, that I wandered into a gym and my life changed completely. To avoid sounding hackneyed, my life went from being a prisoner of helplessness to one of freedom and adventure. It didn’t happen overnight, however. In the span of three years, I lost over 60 pounds. Initially, it seemed impossible, but the more I persevered, the less difficult it seemed. - Stefan Pinto, StefanPinto.com

Dads: Lighten up the Ego and Your Weight

Guys, when it come down to the brass tacks of the matter, heart disease and diabetes are pretty good reasons to get over the stigma of dieting. I’ve always been a proponent of dieting as a temporary thing that leads to permanent lifestyle changes. – Jason Knapfel, DietsInReview.com

At DadLabs, Motivation is the Key to Weight Loss Success

Historically, it seems the only way that I successfully lose weight is to be in some kind of fat loss competition. Six years ago after the birth of our first child, I looked down and realized that I was fat. Really fat! Fat like an old school State Senator from Alabama. So I challenged my good buddy and colleague Daddy Clay, to see who could drop the most lbs in a given period of time. – Brad Powell, DadLabs.com

Dad Starts Healthy Lifestyle with Help of EA Sports Active

On April 3, 2009, I began a journey to change my life.  In California to meet with EA SPORTS officials about the then soon-to-be released EA SPORTS Active, I made a commitment to my wife, Kari, and our kids, and the world, that I was going to change my lifestyle. At the time, I weighed a staggering 369.78 lbs.  That was too much.  Way too much. – Donny Claxton, DadsCenter.org

Most Popular Diets for Men

This week is Men’s Health Week at DietsInReview.com, and we want to highlight a few weight loss programs that are focused on the needs of men. Learn more about the four diets men just like you are using.

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Men’s Health Week Inspires Healthier Fathers

The week of June 15 is Men’s Health Week at DietsInReview.com. Brad Powell joins as a Men’s Health guest blogger.
Brad Powell a.k.a. “Daddy Brad,” is the Chief Operating Officer, Producer and Co-Founder of DadLabs. Inc. He serves as co-host for two of the DadLabs weekly web shows and is an avid daddy blogger, accomplished parenting speaker and social media panelist.

Powell is co-author of DadLabs Guide To Fatherhood, Pregnancy and Year One, and is a regular columnist for the web publication Destination Maternity.com and was selected as Dad of the Month by I-Parenting Media in May of 2008. He is an avid Tweeter and was recently named to Austin Social Media’s Top 100 list.  He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and two children and has one more on the way.

Historically, it seems the only way that I successfully lose weight is to be in some kind of fat loss competition. Six years ago after the birth of our first child, I looked down and realized that I was fat. Really fat! Fat like an old school State Senator from Alabama. So I challenged my good buddy and colleague Daddy Clay, to see who could drop the most lbs in a given period of time.  

A formidable match was he, given his resemblance to Jaba the Hut. Whoever lost the most weight from November to January won a steak dinner, compliments of the other guy. Looking to shed 45 pounds quickly, I went on the patented Daddy Brad Diet; better know as the Bacon, Bourbon and Cigarette diet. While it worked wonders for my waistline and helped me write a ton of great blues songs, I fear it wasn’t the greatest thing for my long-term health. I dropped tons of weight, scored a free steak dinner and walked around for a long time looking like I was wearing my dad’s clothes.

A few months ago, as I prepared for the arrival of my third child, I realized that I was once again fat. Not Dixie Land State Senator Fat, more like, Notre Dame Football Coach Fat!  Needing to lose the weight pronto, I crafted yet another challenge. My brain child was an obese busting competition against my co-workers, Daddy Clay included who had ballooned again as well, and any one else in the DadLabs’ Community who dared to dual with me via cellulite. But this time instead of following some whacked out protein and stimulant fueled diet, I decided to be simple and sensible. My plan included three portion-controlled meals a day, snacks of nuts and vegetables combined with daily exercise. Guess what? It worked! Who knew that eating right and exercising regularly will actually help you lose weight and maintain your weight?

Ultimately I realized the secret to my weight loss was all about motivation.  I also won the challenge, take that Jaba!

Guest Blog Series: Look for the following badge on your favorite health sites to see if they have been a featured guest blogger on DietsInReview.com. See other posts in the Guest Blog series.

If you would like to apply to be featured as a guest blogger, please contact us.

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At DadLabs, Motivation is the Key to Weight Loss

Donny Claxton joins us as a contributor for Men’s Health Week. Donny is a public relations executive who has embarked on a new adventure for the benefit of himself, his wife, and their seven children. He recently completed the EA SPORTS Active 30-day challenge and continues to use it along with other healthy habits to regain his health. Donny regularly blogs at DadsCenter.org.

On April 3, 2009, I began a journey to change my life.  In California to meet with EA SPORTS officials about the then soon-to-be released EA SPORTS Active, I made a commitment to my wife, Kari, and our kids, and the world, that I was going to change my lifestyle.

At the time, I weighed a staggering 369.78 lbs.  That was too much.  Way too much.

It’s now June 19, 2009, and I weighed in this morning at 340.65 pounds.  I’m almost down 30 pounds in two and a half months and I’m still dropping.  I’ve done one EA SPORTS Active 30-day challenge and I’m now doing a second.

I’ve sworn off my daily equivalent of two IVs of straight Southern-style sweet tea.  At home we’ve done away with fried foods.  I’ve had one order of French fries since the beginning of April.  We’ve done away with white bread at home.  I only eat whole wheat bread anymore.  I don’t drink alcohol so that was easy to “give up.”  I haven’t had a Coke or carbonated beverage since April of 2001.

This second go around with the EA SPORTS Active 30-day challenge, I’ve complimented my working out with other physical activities.  Nearly every night now, I’m swimming laps for at least 30 minutes.  It’s catching on, too, because my youngest twin daughter, Haley, (by 7 minutes) is also swimming with me. Dads, what we do, the kids will often copy!

I’m drinking tons of water now.  I keep a bottle or two of it on my desk at work.  At home, I drink it with a touch of lemon or lime juice just to give it a variety of taste.

And my dog, Molly, now knows the workout routine as well.  She knows that when I finish an EA SPORTS Active workout, she and I are going for a walk around the neighborhood.  When I do my workouts, she’ll come sit close to where I’m doing lunges, running in place, shoulder presses and all, and waits.  As soon as I go to close out the virtual fitness product, and that backwards sounding music starts to play, she stands up and moves to the front door where we keep the leashes.

This morning when I got dressed, I changed belts.  The one I’ve been wearing most for the past year was about four inches too loose for my waist.  My jeans are super baggy now and it’s time to pull out the old jeans or treat myself to some new ones.  I have an EA SPORTS Active shirt on today.  I’m wearing it un-tucked.  I used to not wear it that way because my stomach, 30 pounds ago, stuck our so far it looked like I was pregnant. Now it mostly hangs straight down.

My gift to my family this Father’s Day is going to be a healthier me.  Already this summer we’ve taken our kids to Yosemite.  I hiked more with them than I ever have.  I climbed more with them than I ever have.  And I was less tired than I ever have been with them there.  And it’s all because of what I began with EA SPORTS Active and the determination that all was not lost.  I could begin a fitness program at 43 and lose weight, and lose lots of it.
I’m still on my journey.  I’m now 10 pounds too heavy to use the Wii Fit, but that beats beginning 40 pounds too heavy.  I’m so looking forward to getting to that point and adding a new variety into my exercises because the balance board works with EA SPORTS Active!

Come on dads, if I can do it with seven kids, you can, too!

Guest Blog Series: Look for the following badge on your favorite health sites to see if they have been a featured guest blogger on DietsInReview.com. See other posts in the Guest Blog series.

If you would like to apply to be featured as a guest blogger, please contact us.

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Dad Starts Healthy Lifestyle with Help of EA Sports Active

Most men would rather die than diet. In my days as Senior Editor at eDiets.com, men always constituted a small percentage of our customer base. The reasons aren’t necessarily mysterious, but it’s not easy to pin on one culprit.

The male ego can be an odd and curious thing. Why do men think dieting is not “manly”? It’s true, dieting has often been associated with femininity. It’s also often done in a community-support environment, like Weight Watchers. And guys just generally don’t want to get together and discuss their weight and emotions. Now, if you’re talking about how many pounds we can lift on the bench press, that’s another story.

Guys, when it come down to the brass tacks of the matter, heart disease and diabetes are pretty good reasons to get over the stigma of dieting. I’ve always been a proponent of dieting as a temporary thing that leads to permanent lifestyle changes. Do whatever style of legitimate dieting works for you. But it’s likely that you won’t do it forever. You need to think in terms of changing who you are and how you relate to food and drink. Otherwise, after you finish that fast, flush, detox, or low-carb diet, you will end up back where you started.

One of the worst parts of dieting culture, and I think it may even turn men off more than women, is the idea of demonizing food. Should you ever eat a Twinkie? I don’t recall the last time I did. I certainly don’t advocate eating the never-spoiled yellow cake, but if you splurge a few times a year when you’re on a road trip… what’s the big deal? And that goes for less-extreme examples such as bacon, or decadent desserts. Some people can be dietary saints, but for the rest of us mere mortals, we are much better served eating the “bad” foods in moderation rather than beating ourselves up over it.

In the age of the Internet, it’s so easy to diet in anonymity. If you would like support from nutritionists and others struggling with their weight, but feel it’s not the manly thing to do, now there’s no excuse. There are several diets for men that exclusively work online. Besides, what kind of excuse is good enough for sacrificing your health and not living a long and happy life for you and your kids?

Happy Father’s Day! And when you go out for dinner on this special occasion, don’t think twice about ordering that juicy steak. You can have the grilled chicken salad tomorrow.

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Dads: Lighten up the Ego, and Your Weight

In 2001, I weighed close to 250 pounds, that’s a size 38 waist. The odd thing was, I didn’t know I was overweight and buying new clothes was a luxury I happily indulged in. Working as a web designer for the now defunct Merrill Lynch easily supported the mundane weekend habit of shopping mall excursions.

The price of ignorance was paid with my health. I suffered from mysterious allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and debilitating migraines. All side effects from a diet laden with high sodium, high fat and countless preservatives. I also never exercised and didn’t see the need to.

So, it was by pure coincidence and I suppose, good fortune, that I wandered into a gym and my life changed completely. To avoid sounding hackneyed, my life went from being a prisoner of helplessness to one of freedom and adventure. It didn’t happen overnight, however.

In the span of three years, I lost over 60 pounds. Initially,it seemed impossible, but the more I persevered, the less difficult it seemed. Frankly, losing weight, and keeping it off requires daily effort. It requires vigilance and it requires a whole lot of work. In a society of shoppers, accustomed to instant gratification, a diet and exercise plan that is not instant is quite simply the road less traveled and, on that road, it is tempting to lose faith.

The gamut of popular diets and instant weight loss schemes are large; from candy bars, to shakes to devices and drugs. Yet, so many people remain dissatisfied and disappointed with these so called “instant diets.” Why is this? And, how is it that these schemes remain popular despite their dubious claims? Perhaps the fault rests not with the intention of dieting but with the claim of instantaneous results?

I often use plants as a metaphor for perseverance. Plants require constant care, dedication and patience. Plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and even weeds, rarely, if ever,  flourish instantly. Same goes for human beings. Skills, prowess, mastery, careers and savoir faire all take time. How could the daunting act of changing one’s appearance possibly manifest itself instantly?

Please don’t give up. Know that in order to realize the benefits, we must first realize that diets ARE work.

Guest Blog Series: Look for the following badge on your favorite health sites to see if they have been a featured guest blogger on DietsInReview.com. See other posts in the Guest Blog series.

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Computer Programmer Becomes a Male Model after 60 Pound Weight Loss

The week of June 15 is Men’s Health Week at DietsInReview.com, just in time to celebrate the special men in your life. Bill Gookin joins as a Men’s Health guest blogger. Bill is a stay-at-home dad who has constantly struggled with his weight – he’s lost 115 pounds but keeps finding it again and having to re-lose it.  This time, with the help of some friends, he’s back at goal and determined to keep it off and stay fit. You can find him posting at Daddy Is Tired among other places…as long as he’s gotten a nap.

That’s right, losing weight is fun and easy! It must be, because I’ve done it several times. In 1993 I got to my goal weight after losing 90 pounds. By 2002 I’d gained 115 pounds, so in 2002/03 I lost it again. Then by 2008 I’d gained 50 pounds, so lost it in 2008/09. Hmm…now that I think about it, it wasn’t much fun. And it’s lots of work. So what went wrong?

I tried to do it by myself.

Each time I’ve successfully lost weight, I’ve taken advantage of support groups.  The first time it was some hiking friends, while the other times it’s been Weight Watchers combined with friends who motivated me to exercise. When I moved away from my support groups after the first two times, I was confident I could do it on my own!

*sigh*

While it may be easy to take on some tasks without help, studies show that people are more successful losing weight (and maintaining weight loss) if they have group support. Based on my own experience, I’m confident the same applies for exercising. I’m sure there are exceptions, but I’m not one of them. Without someone keeping me accountable I slip back into old habits, my favorite of which is holding down the couch.

Remember that your support system doesn’t necessarily have to be in person. Many people find online weight loss programs helpful, although I need the accountability of attending Weight Watchers meetings.  On the other hand my fitness group (the Shredheads, a group of mostly moms) is entirely online through blogs and Twitter, which is perfect as I don’t like working out in front of other people. Would these groups work for you? Maybe – or maybe not – it depends on you. The key is finding what keeps you accountable and motivated.

So as you begin (or continue) your journey of losing weight and getting fit, remember to take advantage of all the support available.  And good luck!

Guest Blog Series: Look for the following badge on your favorite health sites to see if they have been a featured guest blogger on DietsInReview.com. See other posts in the Guest Blog series.

If you would like to apply to be featured as a guest blogger, please contact us.

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Dad Thinks Losing Weight is Fun and Easy

This week is Men’s Health Week at DietsInReview.com, and we want to highlight a few weight loss programs that are focused on the needs of men.

Weight Watchers Online for Men

Their advertisements kind of say it all – “Real Men Don’t Diet.” Following queues from the more than 45-year-old plan that women have successfully used, Weight Watchers Online or Men has recreated the program to fit a man’s lifestyle. You won’t have to tell your buddies you’re watching your Points at the football game, or ask the waitress for calories at a business lunch; you’ll simply eat and live in a more mindful manner. Plus, you can maintain anonymity by accessing the entire plan, resources and tools conveniently online.

Learn more about Weight Watchers Online for Men or click here to get started now.

NutriSystem for Men

Some very famous guy’s-guys have followed NutriSystem for Men with great success. Dan Marino, Mike Golic, Larry the Cable Guy, Don Shula and many others have openly used the weight loss program and proudly boast positive weight loss. The plan is suited for men, and the customizable program delivers meals directly to your home. You’ll supplement the meals with fresh fruits and vegetables, and incorporate a regular fitness regimen.

Learn more about NutriSystem for Men or click here to get started now.

Men’s Health Personal Trainer

This weight loss program for men was created by the experts at Men’s Health Magazine. Everything is accessible online, and you’ll follow a completely customizable meal and fitness plan to help you learn how to eat more nutritiously and get in better shape. If you choose, you can communicate with a trainer as well.

Learn more about Men’s Health Personal Trainer or click here to get started now.

Abs Diet

Men and women alike crave the picture-perfect six-pack abs. This program, also delivered by Men’s Health, was developed to help men achieve that washboard stomach. You’ll learn that it’s not all about sit-ups, as the Abs Diet introduces you to a balanced eating approach that won’t leave you feeling hungry. The workout program has you doing weight training and cardio so that you’re burning fat while building muscle.

Learn more about the Abs Diet or click here to get started now.

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Most Popular Diets for Men

The week of June 15 is Men’s Health Week at DietsInReview.com, just in time to celebrate the special men in your life. Tony Posnanski joins as a Men’s Health guest blogger. Tony is the author of The Anti-Jared. Tony struggled with weight loss his whole life until he realized he was not going to be fooled anymore. He has lost over 200 pounds and maintained it for four months. Tony works out six days a week, eats better than before, and has a new outlook on things!

“Daddy! What do you want for Father’s Day?”

In a couple of years, this is the question my son will be asking me! It is so amazing to believe that I am going to have a son this year! What is even more amazing is that my doctor’s projected me to be dead of a heart attack this year.

Weight has always been an issue for me. I have always been around 250-275 pounds since I was 12-years-old. I would lose a little once in a while (always in an unhealthy way), but I maintained a “chubby” appearance for a majority of my life.

Poor eating habits would get to me, and fast-food was a way of life. I would go eat at five different restaurants a day, not even realizing what I had eaten. This would happen for quite some time.

Then, it hit me. In 2008 at the age of 32 , I was 5 foot 6, and I was over 400 pounds. 420.2 to be exact! Very few people get to this level, and it is horrible. I could not wear a seatbelt in my car, or get on an airplane. I would keep our house at 67 degrees because I would sweat all the time and I had a hard time going to the bathroom. My doctor put me on four medications for my heart and cholesterol (210 over 140 at one time, and 300 cholesterol rate), and he told me if I did not get gastric surgery, I would die.

Not only that, but it was killing my wife, who loves me dearly. Every time I would be home late, she would think I died of a heart attack, and it would scare her. Finally, it scared me, too.

So I made the decision to lose weight. I joined Weight Watchers. I started to read books on fiber. I started to work out.

I learned to love myself. I changed my life for the better. I realized that I was a better person than the fast-food I was eating. I wanted to eat foods that would make me stronger, not make me feel guilty later on.

In sixteen months, I have lost 221.4 pounds and maintained it for four of those months. I still eat well, work out, and live a life I never thought I could. I also write about my experiences here.

So when my son asks me what I want for Father’s Day, I will tell him I do not want a thing.

I have everything I want in life now!

Guest Blog Series: Look for the following badge on your favorite health sites to see if they have been a featured guest blogger on DietsInReview.com. See other posts in the Guest Blog series.

If you would like to apply to be featured as a guest blogger, please contact us.

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No Father’s Day Gift Necessary for Dad Who Lost 220 Pounds

Good dads put family first, even at dad’s expense, right? Maybe not. Fatherhood responsibility continues to mount as more dads become increasingly involved in roles traditionally assigned to mom. Full-time and part-time stay-at-home dads are not uncommon these days. While dads accept this new role, they are also expected to keep up with their other responsibilities. Good fathers are committed with a smile and a sense of pride. Unfortunately, many give lovingly at the expense of their personal health.

Fathers who give unconditionally can find it difficult to find motivation for personal good health.  Nevertheless, for the whole family to be happy, the whole family must be healthy. Among all the hats dads wear, they must also be the example for healthy eating and lifestyle. Here’s how to find that motivation and follow through:

First, if you want to be a good dad, good health is a MUST. Your children and your wife are influenced by your actions, and your dedication to your health will be reflected in them as you set an example.

Second, recognize that humans are driven by the desire to gain pleasure and avoid pain. Putting off your health is a result of these associations. Time away from family or career are classic examples of pain associated with good health.

Third, learn to use pain/pleasure to your advantage. Reflect on the following points: If I continue to make poor health choices, how will this affect my family? How will they reflect my example? Will I be around to watch my children marry or to meet my grandkids? How will my example affect their health? How can I prevent this future reality by changing today?

Finally, take action and make it FUN. Include your kids and your wife. Go swimming or for walks. Instead of exercise, choose movement that excites you and brings you together as a family. Learn to cook together.  Make it fun so your family links pleasure to good health. Above all, remember that being a great dad and great husband requires you to be around for a long time.

Guest Blog Series: Look for the following badge on your favorite health sites to see if they have been a featured guest blogger on DietsInReview.com. See other posts in the Guest Blog series.

If you would like to apply to be featured as a guest blogger, please contact us.

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Four Reasons Why Dad’s Good Health is a Must