Doctors Reveal ‘The 1 Food I Won’t Give Up’

Doctors spend years learning how best to care for the human body. But as humans, they know life isn’t all rules and best practices. Sometimes you just need a slice of pizza, a cold can of Diet Coke, or milk and cookies, and that’s fine too.

We spoke with physicians in fields such as family medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, public health, dermatology, and plastic surgery about how to balance your nutritional life. One good example is Dr. Femi AkinagbeResident Physician, UCLA Family Medicine, Harbor, Los Angeles. She exercises and meditates 4-6 days a week. “I think these habits are not only good for your health, but they are essential for daily stress relief,” he said. rice field.

He admits that there are times when “doing the gym or sitting quietly doesn’t completely take you from a state of inner rest to a state of equanimity that allows you to navigate the world.” I spend some quality time with my two therapists, Ben and Jerry, and when I was younger I could finish a pint of cold, creamy goodness at once Diabetes countless times After treating my patients, I reduced my habit to a few spoonfuls when indulging.

Many of the doctors we spoke with admitted that they have a sweet tooth that needs attention from time to time. Babak Azizadeh Taste Italian gelato with wafer cookies. “Usually he’s about once a week when he’s in Los Angeles, but when he’s in vacation mode, he enjoys every day,” he said. “He recalls roaming around Florence and other parts of Italy when he backpacked through Europe during his medical school days.”

Another plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark G. Albert, who follows a fairly strict vegan diet and describes himself as a “casual endurance athlete.” Still, every month or two I go to the pharmacy and buy a peanut butter cup. “It reminds me of my childhood. There’s nothing better than finding something with particularly crunchy chocolate on the outside and fresh peanut butter on the inside.”

And of course, it’s always good to leave room for chocolate. Nshisong Asangais a physician with a background in public health and field epidemiology who enjoys chocolate on special occasions. “Nutrition, celebration and fun are cool, but no guilt,” she said.

Dermatologist Dr. Mojang Hosseinipur I am also an unabashed chocolate lover. “I love dark chocolate with raspberries, it’s the perfect mix of bitter and sweet,” she said. “I try to eat mostly plant-based whole food recipes and avoid processed foods and foods with a high glycemic index that can spike blood sugar levels. I do get cravings for ice cream sometimes, but that’s okay if it’s not a daily habit.”

Our favorite foods are sometimes associated with family moments.for doctor rich joseph, whose clinical practice focuses on obesity and metabolic health, and pizza night is an important family ritual. rice field. “Seeing the light in their eyes as the pizza box walks in the front door is priceless. Build a healthy relationship with food and eat it guilt-free, in moderation, and wholeheartedly.” I want them to learn to eat what they like.”

Family doctor Dr. Faizel Said “It’s time for us to connect, laugh and enjoy each other’s company,” he said. “I’m not encouraging you to indulge in unhealthy food, but this is about finding balance and joy in the little things in life. It feeds my soul.”

Doctor Deirdre Matina, Cardiologists at the Cleveland Clinic follow a Mediterranean diet and don’t drink alcohol. But there is one luxury she allows herself. That’s diet her daily can of Coke. “I’ve been obsessed with that drink my whole life,” she said. I can not do it.”

They work long hours, so a refreshing drink is often welcome. A plastic surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Samuel Lynn, My favorite weekday drink is tapioca tea. “I feel so much better when I’m in the office seeing patients all day,” he said.

Some doctors prefer strong beverages during off-hours and off-duty hours.Doctor Bradley Thurber He’s an interventional cardiologist who said he maintains a heart-healthy diet “98 percent of the time.” Still, he makes room for a double IPA once or twice a month. He said, “We meet with friends for drinks and dinner not to survive but to connect on a social level. The occasional ‘guilt’ is part of it.” ”

Food that tastes “just like home” can nourish more than just our bodies. Reed McClellan He is an adjunct faculty member at Harvard Medical School, specializing in vascular disorders and lymphedema. He said his snack of choice was whiskey. “I’m both Scottish and Tennessee, so whiskey is part of my culture,” he said. “Hosting friends and family on the drums is always a great bonding experience.”

Another cultural connection is internist Dr. Simon Pimstone, associate professor at the University of British Columbia. He tasted the flavors of his native South Africa in national snacks like beef jerky known as biltong, which he described as “my absolute indulgence.”

“It’s addictive,” he adds.

Doctor Jun Lee We practice Functional, Integrative, Obesity Medicine. Her favorite nighttime snack is Korean spicy spicy ramen. Admitting it was “a bomb of spice, salt and carbs,” she said that eating a hot bowl was “the kind of ramen my mom made for me when I was hungry in the middle of the night and studying.” It brings back memories of my childhood.” “Not only does it fill our bellies, but it also fills our inner heart of being Korean. We need fresh, whole foods for our bodies.” But sometimes, certain foods reward our hard work and reconnect us to our roots.

As you’re balancing yourself for nutrition and health, consider the following practical advice from Akinnagbe. If you ask your co-workers, friends and family, they will tell you that I am very fit and well built. That’s true, but sometimes getting that reputation is a bit limiting. ”

“Don’t get me wrong, making healthy eating and exercise choices is essential for good health and longevity,” he said. , sometimes it feels good to just give yourself a chance to pamper yourself. ”