Throughout the ages ‘rugged’ men have worn makeup, although I personally feel that the male aristocrats of the 18th Century England and France to be rather unmanly, with their powdered wigs, white makeup and rouge! As years have gone by, more and more cosmetic products specifically designed for men have become available. The days of a quick wash at the basin and a splash of ‘Brut’ are over as men take more care these days to keep a clean, healthy and nicely scented body. Men like to look their best too and I am quite happy to fight over the mirror with a man who cares about his appearance. Some men do find this personal grooming to be unmanly, but give me a man who addresses and eliminates his black heads and greasy skin any day!

Modern times have seen an increase in men who wear makeup. Many wonder why this is and believe men are losing, what some may describe as their masculine roots. Is it because men carry out less manual labour than in times gone by? Is it because there is no National Service anymore? Or is it simply because it is now accepted that men have as much right to enhance their facial features as women do? By all accounts, David Beckham wears mascara every day and Robbie Williams likes to wear eye make up too. Elvis Presley even used concealer and foundation to create his handsome flawless look.

With online shopping widely available today, cosmetics especially designed for men are easily accessible. So for those fellas out there who are still a little embarrassed about looking through the cosmetic stands at a local store, shop online and whether you want to conceal a zit, or enhance your features, remember that a man-in-mascara will boost your confidence and make you more handsome!

1. Always use a list when you shop, and stick to it. Almost any other food item you put in the buggy will be something that does NOT fit in to your weight loss plan.

2. Plan ahead. Decide what your meals are going to be, and what ingredients you will need. Include portion sizes in this planning. If you just buy a pack of steaks, you will probably cook all those steaks at once and there is a chance they may be eaten all at once. Planning your meals will help you prepare your shopping list. Plan also for meals such as lunches you carry to work.

3. Take someone with you who you can trust to be on your side. By “on your side”, I mean, of course, someone who understands and supports your weight loss goals. While this person should be aware of what you are trying to accomplish, YOU must understand that they ARE trying to help you, and YOU must give them permission to express their honest thoughts about purchases you are making…especially if you are deviating from your list.

4. Have this trusted friend or family member HELP you draw up your shopping list.

5. Always eat before shopping. It is a fact that shopping when hungry increases your tendency to put extra items in your shopping cart.

6. Learn to read the labels. Almost every food you buy has a label outlining nutritional content and levels. Knowledge of nutritional needs is important, but does not need to be daunting. Basic information is easy to obtain.

7. Avoid convenience foods. Most have additional calories, fats, or carbohydrates. Although they may taste great, this is often a direct result of those very attributes.

8. Plan PREPARED meals. Cook from scratch. Not only will you probably enjoy the meals more, but having to prepare a meal helps prevent you from indulging yourself with a quick and easy snack or meal.

9. Avoid buying “empty” foods. These are foods such as chips, cookies, or candy. An apple may have as many calories as a piece of candy, but it contains a much higher level of nutrition, and provides factors such as fiber, for example.

10. Buy foods you really like. Eating in a healthy manner does NOT have to be a boring or unrewarding experience. Types of meals enjoyed in Japan, for example, can be tasty and a different and inviting experience, but they can also be very good for you. Again, be aware of portion sizes. Just because it is “good for you” doesn’t mean you ought to go back for seconds or thirds.

There you are, 10 hints for shopping for weight loss. Since portion sizes was mentioned twice, let me leave you with this thought. Most Americans eat portions much larger than recommended sizes. A discussion of portion size is more than can be incorporated into this small article. However, people in France tend to eat very rich foods yet do not have the obesity problems found in America. People in Japan who eat a traditional Japanese diet tend not to have an obesity problem such as is found in America. As diverse as these two cultures and their diet are, a common factor is portion size. They typically eat much smaller portions than Americans.