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TASTY TALK: BUFF DAD
Women aren’t the only ones who gain weight during pregnancy and parenthood—the latest research shows that men put on “sympathy pounds” and continue to gain weight when each child comes along because late-night feedings and child care eat away at the time and motivation that was once reserved for exercise. Well, not anymore.
A nutritionist and trainer to many star athletes, including Charles Oakley and JT Snow, Mike Levinson is a dad, too—who put on 50 pounds when his wife had their first child. Using his expertise in the gym and in the kitchen, he put together the Buff Dad program to lose weight, tone up, and regain the energy that had fallen by the wayside. We caught up with Mike to get the latest details on his book, getting in shape and what he does to be healthy and "green".
What is your book, Buff Dad, about?
The book is an easy to follow, 4 week plan for fathers or men in general with little to no time to get in shape. The recipes are simple to follow and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The recipes were designed for fathers by a father and include many foods to help spike their natural testosterone levels which in turn will increase muscle mass and decrease body fat. As well, the workout is an easy to follow with no big fancy equipment needed- all someone needs is a chair, bench or stability ball, a few pair of dumbbells or resistance bands and about thirty minutes a day. The book was written by a father of three boys who has little time to workout or cook elaborate meals. He followed the program and dropped over 50 pounds in 6 months.
Why did you write it and for whom?
The book was written because I was sick and tired of being overweight and having no energy. I created a simple, easy to follow, effective and fun workout and diet plan. I used to be in shape and then we had our first child many years ago and I gained over 50 pounds. I needed to do something fast or I would end up 100 pounds over weight and be extremely unhealthy. The book is geared for fathers of all ages who are either in really poor shape or who want to just loose 10 to 20 pounds. This book is not designed for the body builder who wants to bulk up for a competition. Rather it is for all those fathers who have that spare tire with no spare time.
What makes your book different from all the other mens workout books out there?
The book, Buff Dad, is very different from all the other books on the market today by one simple fact that it is focused on fathers of all ages who just want to be healthy and look and feel good. This is not a body building book for men to bulk up with huge muscles but rather for the man who wants to be fit and healthy and watch their kids grow up. All the other books on the shelf today are really focused on putting on as much muscle mass as possible without all the other components to good health such as easy to follow and tasty recipes and enjoying time with your family.
How long does your program take and what kind of results can someone get from it?
The program is designed to be a 4 week cycle. After the 4 weeks, I recommend repeating the program until you see the results you are achieving. You can loose anywhere from 1 pound a week to 4 pounds a week depending on how much body fat you have to loose along with how strict you are on the plan- the diet and workout.
Do you have to be a father to do the program or can any guy follow your routine?
You do not have to be a father to be on the Buff Dad plan. Any guy can follow the program. I designed this book for men of all ages and body types who want to get in shape and not spend countless hours in the gym. I follow this plan and created it for me, so any man can do the same.
What is all the hype about testosterone and losing fat and gaining muscle mass?
Testosterone is shown to help men improve muscles mass and decrease body fat. The more muscle mass you can add to your body, the higher your metabolism which means you burn more calories and fat throughout the day. Adding just 4 pounds of muscle to you frame can increase your metabolism by 200 calories a day which means if you did not change you diet and ate similar everyday just by adding 4 pounds of lean muscle mass, you could loose 20 pounds of pure body fat a year without doing any dieting. Testosterone is the key to gaining that lean muscle and burning stubborn body fat.
What type of recipes do you have and can my whole family eat the meals?
The recipes in Buff Dad are extremely easy to follow and use simple everyday ingredients. The beauty of the diet portion is the whole family can enjoy the foods on the plan and feel good they are eating healthful. I have been a Registered Dietitian for over 10 years and have developed many selections of breakfast foods, snacks, lunches, and dinners. All the foods are approved by me. Also there are many recipes that have "testosterone" enhanced qualities such as lean meats, chicken, and eggs- which can help boost your testosterone levels.
Do fathers need to go to the gym and spend countless hours working out?
Fathers do not need to go to the gym to work out on the buff dad plan. I designed this program to be done in your own home with minimal equipment and time. Each workout last about 30 minutes (2% of your days time) and include some resistance training (weight lifting) and cardio exercises such as walking, biking, light jogging, or jumping rope. I believe that doing the bare minimum is the key- not overtraining and making sure the diet is the king. The workouts include many compound movements such as push ups and bodyweight squats. Compound movements work large muscles which in turn will increase muscle mass and increase your metabolism to burn body fat. The resistance weight training portion consists of three days a week X 30 minutes a day and works the entire body. On the other days I recommend doing at least 30 minutes of basic cardio which can include taking walks with your family.
Where can I find the book, Buff Dad, and is there a website?
The book will be available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon or can be purchased through the website at www.buffdads.com Also on the website, fathers can email Mike any question or comment about working out or the plan.
How often do fathers have to eat and do they have to eat weird foods?
On the program, it is recommended you eat a good and healthful breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner. I recommend eating every 3 hours which will do a few things- increase your metabolism and keep your blood sugar levels even so there is no spike. Also eating every 3 hours will help someone avoid the trap of skipping a meal and feeling ravenously starving and eating way more calories than your body needs at one time. Just think- Summo wrestlers eat only one meal day- a large meal but only one. Look how much body fat they have.
What’s your ideal meal? Do you like to cook?
I love to cook and my ideal meal is stir fry in a wok- veggies, lean chicken breast or tofu with peanut oil and sesame oil and a microwaved sweet potato with cinnamon and splenda.
On what occasions are you "wasty"? (NOT hip, green, planet-friendly)
I do my best to be eco-friendly with our lights in the house along with other things such as plastics and all- on occasion I did not put the proper item in the recycle trash can because of error. I make a point to try to be green :)
Do you recycle or eat organic?
I do recycle and sometimes buy organic products- not all the time but do my best to shop organic- items are usually more costly.
It seems you have spent most of your adult life promoting health and fitness. As a child, was this always your ambition?
From high school and on- I have been interested in food and how it affects athletic performance along with overall health. Nutrition is such a new topic with so much to learn and experience.
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your career?
Seeing results such as weight loss or improvement in blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes in my clients- that is what makes my job so awesome.
Could a woman follow your “Buff Dad” program or would you ever consider writing a“Buff Mom” book to follow-up this one?
A woman could get on my program but it is really designed for men. There is a buff mom program out there.
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