It's suddenly cool to sport a tummy; Photo: Matt Carr, Getty Images

Potbellies are back for men, according to The New York Times. Or perhaps they never went away?

Theories abound in the article as to the cause. David Zinczenko, the editor of "Men's Health," told The New York Times, that with so many women in the workplace, it's been more important for men to market themselves to the ladies in terms of both financial and physical prowess.

"I sort of think the six-pack abs obsession got so prissy it stopped being masculine," is how Aaron Hicklin, the editor of "Out," explains the emergence of the Ralph Kramden, as it's been coined.

Metrosexuality out, moderate beer belly in. But where is that line? It's true that women never get that sort of pass if they're sporting a bulge in the midsection. Are more young men actually letting themselves go, or is this just a trend being noted around the streets of Brooklyn?

That sugar-laden mall smoothie is not the best call. Fitz says smoothies are really dessert. Yet Jacki recently shared a better time to enjoy a smoothie is when you make it yourself -- with the right mix-ins, of course.

Check out these smoothie recipes from Men's Health targeting breakfast, pre/post workout, snacks and even dessert (just make sure you work out first). Check out the Hawaiian Five-O and Cereal Killer -- never thought of tossing All-Bran cereal in the blender.

Calories in, calories out count the most for weight loss. Whether you consider smoothies a necessary gym snack, a dessert to avoid or a handy meal replacement on occasion, each recipe offers complete nutritional information to factor that dreamy drink into your total allowable daily calories, protein, carbs and fats.

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Unless your man collects teddy bears, the usual Valentine's fare just isn't going to cut it for him. You could get him a nice watch or some cologne, sure. Or you could show him how much you love him by giving him a gift that encourages his healthy diet and fitness habits.

What's sentimental about new running shoes? you're thinking. Well, nothing. But unless your guy is the romantic type, sentimental probably is more important to you than it is to him. Giving a fit Valentine's gift not only shows that you support his interests, but that you care about his health, too.

Get some ideas in the gallery below, and don't forget to check out our fit Valentine's Day gifts for her, too.

There are a few things I look forward to each year: The return of Lost (am I the only one crushing on Daniel Faraday?), the first day the sun sets late enough for me to squeeze in an outside run after work, and the Men's Health "20 Worst Foods in America" list -- which is why I was so thrilled when this year's edition of the the country's most calories-laden, waist-expanding foods landed on my desk this week.

One of the reasons I love reading this list is the satisfaction I get from knowing I haven't indulged in any of the diet-doomers. Well, this year my bubble was nearly burst. I had a very close brush with one of the "worst" while grabbing a bite at Chili's this past weekend. After treating myself to a margarita as a reward for sticking to my diet all week, the tequila had me seriously flirting with #17. (Luckily, my sister talked me out of it.)

Besides giving me a good scare, this year's list brought some good news along with it. Seven items from last year's list have been removed from their respective menus (R.I.P. Awesome Blossom). Maybe all the bad press had something to do with it? Or could the truth about how bad these dishes actually were have scared enough of us out of ordering them and opting for healthier choices? Whatever the reason, all of our waistlines are better off for it.

Check out this year's list and let me know which of these 20 you think should be yanked off the menu.

You know that sharp pain you sometimes get when you're running?

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Imagine being the only guy in a weight loss group filled with dozens of women. I'm no guy, but I imagine it would be pretty daunting ... and a bit humiliating. Weight Watchers wants to change the women-only stigma surrounding the industry of weight loss -- in the new year, they're launching men-only slimming classes.

According to Mads Ryder, Vice President of Weight Watchers UK, "Worrying about your weight is still largely seen as a female issue and it can be very difficult for a man to admit he has a problem and seek help. Our research shows that many men feel intimidated by the traditional female-dominated meeting room environment which is why we are trialling our Men Only meetings in venues men are familiar with, such as gyms and sports clubs."

It's so true, huh? Weight loss is seen primarily as a female issue, but we all know it's not. All the same, I have trouble picturing a room full of men discussing their cellulite, love of ice cream, emotional eating and so on. Will men-only groups help? Or is a man's reluctance to seek help with weight loss a different issue?

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Regular prostate exams are recommended for men over age 40. Tomorrow during the celebrity-packed Stand Up For Cancer TV show, Brad Garrett will draw attention to the importance of the exam in a brand new way. He's going to get a prostate exam... on TV.

I can't imagine how -- or what -- they're planning to show on TV. After all, prostate exams are necessary, but they're not exactly fodder for family viewing. But, knowing Brad Garrett, I'm sure they'll make it humorous and humor is often an excellent way to draw attention to serious issues.

Tune in to Stand Up to Cancer on September 5th. The special airs on ABC, NBC, and CBS.

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