Q: No quibbles that men are all about making fast and easy meals and using leftovers whenever possible. But men also like to have a beer now and then (sometimes more often, ahem).  Tosca, what’s your view on alcohol?

 —Jerry Kindela, Group Editorial Director

A: I occasionally enjoy my alcoholic
beverage of choice just like anyone else, 
but drinking one or two drinks a day will 
certainly add to your gut. Alcohol—a highly
concentrated sugar—is both a preferred 
energy source for your body and a useless
one. Your body uses alcohol first, and whatever else you eat or drink gets turned to fat. Whether you’re out with friends or at home watching the game, take time to enjoy your drink and have a glass of water after every beer. Like all of my treats, I savor my glass of wine slowly and only on special occasions.

My latest book, The Eat-Clean Diet for Men, along with co-author Robert Kennedy, addresses the concerns of men who want simple, quick and easy meals (such as one-dish meals that are detailed to fit the unique needs of men), and regular alcohol use isn’t one of our recommendations. Occasional drinks, however, are allowed—just remember to keep it to a mug, not a pitcher! Remember that once you start to consume beer or any alcohol on a regular basis, it becomes part of your diet and the habit begins, so keep it a treat!

–Tosca Reno, co-author with Robert Kennedy of The Eat-Clean Diet for Men

Want more of the interview to learn all about The Eat-Clean Diet for Men? Pick up the May/June issue of Maximum Fitness—on newsstands April 21, 2009.