Yahoo Lifestyle The One Thing Cardiologists Would Never, Ever Do On Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the biggest feast of the entire year. Seeing so many beloved favorites on the table is mouth-watering just to think about (shoutout to Pavlov!), but it can also be overwhelming: How in the world are you going to make room on your plate (and in your stomach) for everything you're going to eat? If supporting your cardiovascular health is one of your health goals, a second question, if you even should eat everything you want, may also make figuring out what to eat tricky.
Curious how cardiologists approach the holiday meal? Keep reading to find out and the verdict on how one day of eating whatever you want impacts short- and long-term heart health.
The One Thing Cardiologists Would Never Do On Thanksgiving
While it's true that many traditional Thanksgiving foods (like baked mac-and-cheese, gravy and pecan pie) aren't exactly great for heart health, even cardiologists aren't going to skip out on their favorite foods. The one thing they would never do is miss out on something they really want to eat.
"I enjoy all the traditional Thanksgiving foods, but I balance my plate with lean turkey, plenty of vegetables and smaller portions of heavier sides. Thanksgiving is about enjoyment and gratitude, so I allow for flexibility without overindulging," says Dr. Gregory J. Mishkel, MD, MBA.
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Dr. Jayne Morgan, MD, vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart, says she approaches Thanksgiving similarly. She loads up her plate with protein-rich turkey and veggie-centric side dishes, but also cornbread with butter, and she doesn't miss out on dessert, serving herself a half-slice of pie. (She says she has the other half the next day with her coffee.)
"It's Thanksgiving. Have a feast!" Dr. Morgan says. "Besides, enjoying a night with family and friends is good for your heart, too. It decreases stress, which is a well-established risk factor for heart disease."
While you're eating, she recommends periodically checking in with your body to make sure you aren’t feeling too full. "It's a common night for stomachaches," she noted. "You don't have to eat more than your body wants to—there are always leftovers to enjoy the next day."
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How Much Does Eating Whatever You Want On Thanksgiving Impact Health?
Perhaps you're wondering just how much enjoying every single food you want on Thanksgiving with absolutely no limits would impact your health. Is one day of overindulging really that big of a deal? Dr. Mishkel says that for people who are generally in good health, it's not going to have much of an impact.
"One indulgent day won't undo long-term healthy habits, but moderation is still wise," he says. Dr. Mishkel explains that a high-sodium meal can cause blood pressure spikes and a high-fat meal can raise triglycerides, but these effects are usually temporary.
However, if you are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack or stroke, cardiologist Dr. B. Keith Ellis, MD, warns that even one overly indulgent meal can have negative ramifications. "If someone increases salt, sugar and saturated fat intake, there could be an adverse effect on blood pressure and blood glucose control. There could also be a negative impact on blood vessel function. These changes could negatively affect a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke," he says.
Dr. Ellis recommends that anyone at increased risk for cardiovascular disease approach Thanksgiving more thoughtfully. "Try to be mindful of daily caloric, sugar and salt consumption recommendations," he advised, adding that it never hurts to talk to your doctor about the best way to enjoy Thanksgiving while managing your individual risk factors.
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If you do want to keep your Thanksgiving meal as heart-healthy as possible, Dr. Morgan says to prioritize veggie-centric side dishes as well as turkey breast without the skin, which is a good source of protein and lower in saturated fat than turkey with the skin on. (Just skip the gravy.) "Using whole grain or whole wheat bread and adding vegetables can add some heart-healthy benefits to your stuffing," she added.
Dr. Mishkel and Dr. Morgan both say it's still completely fine to enjoy less healthy Thanksgiving foods—just be mindful of the portion size. "Small servings of heavier sides, like stuffing or mashed potatoes, can allow for enjoyment without overloading on calories," Dr. Mishkel says.
Dr. Morgan concurred, "If it's Thanksgiving, I'm still having a little dessert. I believe it's important for our health and for our souls to still enjoy our favorite treats on special occasions."
In general, it's everyday habits that matter much more than how you eat one day out of the year. "One meal won't make or break heart health, but patterns do. For those trying to maintain heart health, it's best to view Thanksgiving as a day to savor favorite foods in moderation, returning to heart-healthy habits afterward," Dr. Mishkel says.
With all of this in mind, consider this a reminder that Thanksgiving is a celebration and should be treated as one. After all, cardiologists aren’t passing up on their favorites. Why should you?
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Sources
Dr. Gregory J. Mishkel, MD, MBA, division head of cardiology, co-director of the Cardiovascular Institute and vice president of cardiology operations at NorthShore University Health System
Dr. Jayne Morgan, MD, vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart
Dr. B. Keith Ellis, MD, cardiologist at Houston Methodist
