Father’s day is coming up and I can’t wait to celebrate the Dads I know and love. I always feel warm and fuzzy when I catch a man in a moment of parenting.

I turn to mush every time I see a father cut his child’s food or handle a scraped knee with the kind of empathy only a Dad could give.

Tempting as it is to succumb to honoring dad with a 1950’s style Father’s Day, this year I want you to avoid buying the giant steak, 12 pack of beer, trough of potato salad and dad’s dream dessert.

You can bring back the “Father knows best” sentiment and honor him with a manly fathers day dinner that also shows you care about his health and plan to celebrate many more Father’s Days together.

We don’t like to discuss it, but as men age and their testosterone levels decrease; their risks of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer increases.

Diet and lifestyle plays a huge role in preventing dad from getting these cooties.

Play a round of golf with him, take a long walk or help him in the yard, and then make him a meal that is as good for him as it tastes.

Here’s what to make dad for a manly, healthy, delicious fathers day dinner:

Hearts of Palm and Artichoke Salad

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If you know me at all, you know I adore artichokes. They are full of antioxidants, are high in heart healthy and colon cleansing fiber, great for the liver, protective of the heart and improve digestion. Eat them. Hearts of Palm are also a fave of mine.  They’re full of iron and calcium and low in calories. 

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

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Pork tenderloin is a super lean cut of meat that cooks simply and quickly and is reliably delicious. 

Spicy Potato Salad

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Red potatoes aren’t just an aesthetic whim for the nutritional artiste. They contain anthocyanins, pigments that act as antioxidants, which are great at fighting cancer.

Carefully Creamed Spinach

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Iron rich and full of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber, what’s not to love when it comes to spinach?

Spiked Berries and Cream

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Lower in sugar than most fruits, full of antioxidants and fiber, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are a perfect way to finish a meal.

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there! I hope you enjoy your easy, healthy, manly Fathers Day Meal and feel well celebrated this year.