Helping my dad start.

[ztm71590]

My father is 6'2'' about 300 pounds, but he carries it very well. He used to be more overweight than that and he lost a significant amount of it years ago. Some has crept back on but nothing too severe. I think he's finally at the point though where he has to plan for the future and he knows it's really time to "clean up" his eating act. I love the South Beach Diet, and he approached me about setting up a plan for him because of the success I've had with it. From the men, or even the women who have partnered with their significant others in this lifestyle change, what can you recommend I help him with? I know his serving sizes will be larger at the start just because his caloric needs are higher. Can someone give out a sample meal plan for a couple days? Any help at all would be appreciated, and I just have to say I love reading the posts on this board.

[ami]

It's very nice you're willing to help your dad in this effort. You're correct, he needs larger portions than you. Other than that, he should be eating the same thing that you're eating. You don't indicate if he lives with you or who is going to prepare his meals. It would be easier if you're going to do it.

You didn't mention either if he has any health issues, anyway, he'll need to eat something from the approved list every 2 hours at first to keep his sugar level.
He'll lose weight faster than you do too, which it's good for him.

You didn't mention either his age, but at any age, you need to encourage him to exercise at least 30 minutes every day, even if it's just a small walk.The weather is getting better and he can go for a walk outside almost at any time of the day.

For meal plans, whatever you're eating would work for him, pick the things he and you like that are in the list and make your menu. He will be more agreeable to eat the stuff if he's familiar with it, rather than creating fancy menus with foods he has rarely or never eating before. Remember, this is a way to eat healthy, losing weight is a side effect, so don't make his menus looking like a diet either, look for recipes in our recipe section and prepare for you and him some yummy meals including some desserts.

good luck and let us know his progress!

[ztm71590]

Thank you for the reply. He has no health problems that I know of. He is 54 and he would be able to cook his own meals. We live together which helps but sometimes have conflicting schedules. He has been watching me cook these meals so I know he will be able to. The way he lost weight before was walking about an hour a day and I think that is his plan for this time around. And I agree, he needs the encouragement that the first phase's weight loss brings. Thanks for the support!!