Why A Gender-Based Diet May Be Better For You

BOSTON (CBS) - We all know we should eat healthy. But to do that, gender needs to be a consideration. That's because what's good for a woman might not be as beneficial for a man, and vice versa.

Tomatoes are a key part of Adam Gelnick's diet. "I love tomatoes," he exclaimed. "I love meatballs with tomato sauce."

Nutritionist Lauren Slayton believes Adam is making a good choice.

"Tomatoes are great for men in terms of prostate health," said Slayton.

They are rich in lycopene which is a plant chemical that has been shown to lower the incidence of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is also found in watermelon and red grapefruit, as well as some other red produce.

"If I am designing a food plan for a man and a woman, they are going to be different," said Slayton.

The difference starts in the morning. Slayton suggest men begin the day with a higher calorie breakfast, something with lean protein and whole grains. That combination will increase energy and focus.

Gelnick says it works for him.

"It seems minor, but it really sets up my day in the appropriate way," he said.

Men can also benefit by fueling up the right way before a workout.

"I might also use something like a beet juice which increases athletic performance or cherry juice which shortens recovery time for men. And for women, we might say, you're going to get a better weight benefit working out on empty and eating as soon as you can afterwards," said Slayton.

A female focused diet helped Emily Bohanan regulate her hormones.

"I did start losing weight effortlessly just through making these changes, in order to impact my health and the way I was feeling."

Bohanan's new plan is filled with hearty greens, and low fat but protein rich foods like lentil soup and grilled chicken. The goal is to promote better hormone health.

"Chick peas and buckwheat, cinnamon and honey. All of these things contain nutrients that allow the body to have healthier ovulation," nutritionist Alisa Vitti said.

Women who have monthly emotional issues might want to add sweet potatoes to their diet.

"If you are eating more sweet potatoes, it helps to maintain levels of blood sugar that keep your mood better," said Vitti.

Another mood enhancer is celery.

"Celery, when men eat it, actually produces the production of a pheromone that makes them more attractive to women.

"Have a little celery in your salad. It will work wonders for your sex life," said Vitti.