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Overcoming the Machismo Mindset: Culturally Adaptive Methods for Behavior Change

Monday, October 26, 2026

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Room 301

CPE: 1.5

Proficiency: Advanced knowledge/expertise

Track: Behavioral & Mental Health

Theme: Food, Culture & Connection

Description

This engaging panel discussion examines how cultural expressions of masculinity— particularly machismo and valemadrismo— influence health behaviors, motivation, and responsiveness to nutrition counseling. Machismo embodies ideals of pride, strength, and responsibility, while valemadrismo reflects a culturally rooted indifference or resignation toward death and disease. Together, these constructs shape how men interpret prevention, risk, and responsibility for their own health. This session will resonate with many nutrition professionals who work with populations that are often resistant to traditional health interventions due to distinct cultural value systems. An expert panel representing diverse cultural and clinical perspectives will guide attendees through the emerging insights on culture-specific counseling strategies. Panelists will share practical strategies to enhance engagement, reframe motivation, and strengthen rapport when working with male patients who may appear disengaged or resistant to care. By integrating behavioral science with cultural understanding, this session equips dietitians to deliver empathetic, effective, and culturally attuned care for male patients and other populations shaped by similar value systems. Planned with the Cultures of Gender and Age (COGA) MIG

Learning Objectives

  • Define key constructs related to male health behavior, including machismo and valemadrismo.
  • Differentiate determinants of health, counseling preferences, and motivational factors among men from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Apply culturally informed counseling strategies to enhance engagement and promote behavior change among male patients.

Performance Indicators

  • 10.6.2 Applies a variety of counseling theories, psychological methods and strategies that empower clients/patients to make changes.
  • 1.7.1 Recognizes and respects cultural and racial diverse backgrounds to effectively interact and build meaningful relationships with others (e.g., clients, employees, inter- and intra-professional team members and community and professional groups).
  • 10.6.3 Applies counseling principles and evidence-based practice when providing individual or group education.

Speakers

  • Antonio Miranda photo

    Antonio Miranda

    CEO, Antonio Nutrition, LLC

    Dr. Antonio Miranda is a nationally recognized nutrition scientist, clinician, and speaker specializing in behavior change and culturally tailored interventions for Latinos. His research focuses on engaging hard-to-reach populations—particularly Latino men. His work on machismo contributed to the inclusion of “valemadrismo” in the international Spanish dictionary. With clinical experience serving over 2,000 patients, he brings a practical, patient-centered perspective to his work. He has also taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels in nutrition. His expertise spans GLP-1 science, Hispanic health disparities, reframing machismo in health contexts, and supporting first-generation college students. He is a sought-after national speaker who has presented for the CDC, universities, and major professional conferences. He is the author of a book titled "Diary of a First-Generation College Student" and creator of the culturally tailored Spanish-language curriculum "Los Dichos y la Diabetes."
  • Gregory Lafortune photo

    Gregory Lafortune

    Founder & CEO, Optimal Plan Nutrition, LLC.

    "Greg is a Certified Men’s Health Educator, Dietitian, Diabetes sales professional, and speaker with over 10 years of nutrition and health education experience. In his business, Optimal Plan Nutrition, LLC, Greg provides optimized nutrition solutions for preventative health and chronic disease management by targeting the health concerns that mainly affect men. He has presented for small and large-scale organizations, including the National Football League. League Players Association (NFLPA), the National Medical Association, Boston Consulting Group, and more. His media presence has been featured through quotes and interviews in TIME, Fox 5 Atlanta, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and other publications. He currently serves as an advisory board member for Men's Fitness Magazine and was a member of The Dairy Alliance Dietitian Collective. Greg is a musician who plays four different instruments. His family and Christian faith drive everything he does."
  • Sameer Murali photo

    Sameer Murali

    Founder of VisionQuest Health & Medical Director of Obesity Medicine at Memorial Hermann Health System, VisionQuest Health

    Dr Sameer Murali has been specializing obesity medicine for 15 years and was formerly associate professor of obesity medicine at UT Houston Health Science Center. He is currently the medical director of obesity medicine at Memorial Hermann Health System and founder of VisionQuest Health, (visionquesthealth.com), a telehealth weight management practice catering to physicians and other health care professionals in 14 states.

Moderator

  • Melinda Boyd photo

    Melinda Boyd

    Assistant Professor, Cedar Crest College

    Dr. Melinda Boyd has had a unique career path that she credits to her time as a military spouse. She is currently an assistant professor at Cedar Crest College teaching in the dietetic internship, graduate nutrition and MPH programs. She has been an active member in the International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAAND), serving in many roles, including the country representatives chair, in which she oversaw a program with 45 local leaders within the affiliate from around the world. She served a 2-year term on the Academy’s IDEA Committee and is currently Past-Chair of the Cultures of Gender and Age MIG. Since moving to South Carolina in 2021, she has enjoyed becoming more involved with SCAND, currently serving as the State Policy Representative. Dr. Boyd is an internationally recognized expert speaking at conferences around the world on weight management, healthy lifestyles, culturally appropriate care, and inclusive language.

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