- Cardiologist Harmony Reynolds said she almost never eats foods like chips and cakes.
- She opts for healthy swaps like popcorn or fruit, and enjoys less healthy treats like bacon in moderation.
- Research suggests that processed foods increase the risk of serious diseases such as heart disease.
It’s unrealistic to try to stick to a “perfect” diet all the time, but smart swaps can help keep your heart healthy without cutting out the snacks you enjoy.
that is according to Dr. Harmony ReynoldsNYU Langone cardiologist, who said in a TikTok video for Everyday Health that avoids foods like bacon and French fries for a healthier heart.
Reynolds told Insider that it can be difficult to give dietary advice as a doctor because nutrition research often doesn’t provide clear answers about how food can influence health.
“We need much better nutrition science. Many of the recommendations we make are based on limited evidence, leaving patients with the impression that we change our minds frequently,” he said.
Reynolds said that based on the available evidence, she chooses to avoid certain foods and uses strategies to enjoy less healthy foods in moderation.
Margarine and coconut oil are linked to poorer heart health
Reynolds said she avoids margarine and vegetable oil because observational studies have suggested that consuming them is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, although it is not clear why, as they do not appear to increase risk factors such as cholesterol.
Coconut oil It’s also worrisome, because it’s made up of saturated fat, which is linked to heart health risks.
“I learned to ask patients about this because I was seeing a number of patients whose LDL cholesterol was rising because they introduced foods that contained coconut oil,” Reynolds said.
Butter it may even be a better alternative when used in moderation.
But olive oil is the healthiest option.research suggests.
“People should cook with it whenever possible, and if they use other fats, use as little as possible,” Reynolds said.
French fries are hard to eat in moderation.
Reynolds said she doesn’t eat chips Or keep them at home because it’s too easy to eat the whole bag.
“I know myself, and I know that with all the best intentions to have two fries and set them aside, it doesn’t work that way,” she said.
She said popcorn can be a healthier alternative, or even fresh vegetables if you’re craving a crunchy snack.
Reynolds said that for equally palatable treats like chocolate bars, she’ll buy portioned packets to make it easier to enjoy them in moderation.
She only eats bacon as a special treat.
Ample evidence suggests that processed meat is related to increased risk of serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease, compelling reasons to limit it in your diet, according to Reynolds.
“I don’t know what a safe amount is,” he said.
However, it is also a food that he likes and eats a few times a year for special occasions.
“I think it helps people to know that people who give advice are also human. Patients can’t be perfect when following a diet,” he said. “It’s important to recognize that there are times when you want a treat and it’s not really productive to say I’ll never eat food that I enjoy. I think it’s best to try to eat less and trade where you can.”
Swap processed desserts for dark chocolate to cut down on unhealthy fats
Reynold said the last food group she tries to avoid are processed desserts, like cookies and packaged donuts, because they’re high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which are linked to health risks like diabetes and heart disease.
Fruit, yogurt, dark chocolate, and nuts can be healthier treats. But again, moderation and self-awareness are keys to enjoying food and minimizing potential health risks.
“When I’m at parties and there’s something I know isn’t healthy for me and I want to try it, I try it and pay close attention to it. If I love it, I allow myself to enjoy it. If I don’t love it, I put it aside,” she said.
