Dad Food

June 13, 2017

It's dad's turn to celebrate the joys of fatherhood. And what better way to thank him for all the whisker rubbing hugs and hours spent teaching us how to ride a bike, than with food? But not just any food: Dad food. Dad food is quite simply food that your dad loves. For many dads, that includes "man meats" like steak, ribs, smoked brisket, burgers, brats and hot wings. Side dishes must include cheese or bacon. Is your mouth watering yet?

Sure, these may just be stereotypes and perceptions that all men enjoy these types of foods. However, multiple studies show different comfort food preferences across gender and age. Men, in general, do in fact prefer more hearty warm foods (steaks and casseroles) while women typically reach for lighter fare (salads and fruit) but also sweet, snack-type foods (chocolate). These preferences are shown not just in adulthood but in children as well.

Unfortunately, many of these comfort-type dad foods are high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium. So in order to give the gift of love and not the gift of excess flab, it's time to steer these men into a more healthy plate. Use lean cuts of beef, such as eye round or top or bottom round roast and steak, which all have 4 grams of total fat per 3 ounce serving. Go easy on the cheese and bacon and choose his favorite vegetables and fruits on the side. Honor your dad by making him his favorite, but healthy, dad food!

Macho Nachos

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2-3 lb. top round beef roast

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup water

1 jalapeno pepper, diced

2 Tablespoon tomato paste

¼ cup lime juice

10 oz. whole grain tortilla chips

Recommended toppings: light sour cream, pico de gallo, shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro

Place onion in bottom of slow cooker and beef on top. Combine pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic and water in a small bowl. Add jalapeno pepper, tomato paste and lime juice; stir well. Pour over meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred beef with two forks and stir to combine with juices. Serve 1/3 cup beef onto chips. Top with desired toppings.

Yield: 8 servings

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 310 calories, 11 grams fat, 110 milligrams sodium, 25 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 27 grams protein

Dad Food

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