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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist originally appeared on Parade. No matter what your health goals are, you likely start each day with the best of intentions. You have a healthy breakfast, full of fiber and protein. You enjoy a cup of coffee, which is known to support both brain and heart health. Maybe you even go for a walk or get a workout in. But by the time afternoon hits, it's easy for healthy habits to fall by the wayside. There's too much to do and not enough time, which can lead to doing (and eating) what's most convenient, even if it isn't healthy. And there's one common afternoon habit, in particular, that a cardiologist wishes people wouldn't do because it's detrimental to heart health. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 You're likely familiar with the afternoon slump. Typically, it happens about an hour after eating lunch. Blood sugar drops and tiredness sets in, making it hard to get through the rest of the day. To overcome it, many people turn to an energy drink. But Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder, wishes this habit would be left Suri explains that energy drinks can negatively impact heart health. 'Drinking these substances in excess sometimes speeds up our heart rate too much, or can cause some extra heartbeats, called ectopy,' she says, explaining that when this happens, it can lead to palpitations or a feeling of fluttering in the I'm a Cardiologist, and This 'Relaxing' Habit Is Actually Harming Your Heart Health Scientific research backs this up, showing that too much caffeine puts stress on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of arrhythmia. Other studies show that drinking energy drinks can cause blood pressure to go up. Drinking soda isn't any better. Scientific research shows that regularly drinking soda increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the same is true of diet soda. Another reason why Dr. Suri warns against using energy drinks to overcome an afternoon slump is because they can get in the way of getting a good night's sleep. Scientific research shows that not getting enough sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Related: Okay, so energy drinks and soda are out. What is a more heart-healthy way to get through the afternoon? Dr. Suri recommends taking a walk after lunch and getting some sunshine to help wake the body up. 'Incorporating a 15-minute walk [into your afternoon] can get blood circulating and can be good for your blood pressure and energy levels,' she says. Instead of downing an energy drink that can lead to heart palpitations, you'll be doing something that a wealth of scientific research has shown reduces the risk of cardiovascular Dr. Suri says that there's a way to craft your lunch in a way that will make experiencing an afternoon slump less likely. 'Having a protein-rich meal as opposed to high carbohydrates at lunch can improve energy levels,' she says. This is because simple carbs (like bread, chips, soda and pastries) increase blood sugar levels and then cause them to drop, which leads to a decrease in energy levels. But protein-based foods like chicken, tofu, beans and chickpeas don't spike blood sugar, which will keep energy levels more steady. Building an after-lunch walk into your daily routine is a way to keep your healthy habits going throughout the afternoon. By making a conscious effort to support your health in the morning and afternoon, you'll be more likely to keep it up in the evening too. Soon, your afternoon walk will become such an integral part of your routine that it will become automatic. And that's bound to benefit your heart both now and in the future. Up Next:Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder Effects of coffee/caffeine on brain health and disease: What should I tell my patients? Practical Neurology. 2016 Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health. The Ochsner Journal. 2023 Effects of energy drinks on the cardiovascular system. World Journal of Cardiology. 2017 Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects. International Journal of Health Sciences. 2015 The Impacts of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) on Cardiovascular Health. Cureus. 2022 Diet Soft Drink Consumption is Associated with an Increased Risk of Vascular Events in the Northern Manhattan Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2012 Sleep Duration as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease — a Review of the Recent Cardiovascular Reviews. 2010 Walking — the first steps in cardiovascular disease Opinion in Cardiology. 2011 The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist first appeared on Parade on Jul 8, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist
The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist originally appeared on Parade. No matter what your health goals are, you likely start each day with the best of intentions. You have a healthy breakfast, full of fiber and protein. You enjoy a cup of coffee, which is known to support both brain and heart health. Maybe you even go for a walk or get a workout in. But by the time afternoon hits, it's easy for healthy habits to fall by the wayside. There's too much to do and not enough time, which can lead to doing (and eating) what's most convenient, even if it isn't healthy. And there's one common afternoon habit, in particular, that a cardiologist wishes people wouldn't do because it's detrimental to heart health. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 You're likely familiar with the afternoon slump. Typically, it happens about an hour after eating lunch. Blood sugar drops and tiredness sets in, making it hard to get through the rest of the day. To overcome it, many people turn to an energy drink. But Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder, wishes this habit would be left Suri explains that energy drinks can negatively impact heart health. 'Drinking these substances in excess sometimes speeds up our heart rate too much, or can cause some extra heartbeats, called ectopy,' she says, explaining that when this happens, it can lead to palpitations or a feeling of fluttering in the I'm a Cardiologist, and This 'Relaxing' Habit Is Actually Harming Your Heart Health Scientific research backs this up, showing that too much caffeine puts stress on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of arrhythmia. Other studies show that drinking energy drinks can cause blood pressure to go up. Drinking soda isn't any better. Scientific research shows that regularly drinking soda increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the same is true of diet soda. Another reason why Dr. Suri warns against using energy drinks to overcome an afternoon slump is because they can get in the way of getting a good night's sleep. Scientific research shows that not getting enough sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Related: Okay, so energy drinks and soda are out. What is a more heart-healthy way to get through the afternoon? Dr. Suri recommends taking a walk after lunch and getting some sunshine to help wake the body up. 'Incorporating a 15-minute walk [into your afternoon] can get blood circulating and can be good for your blood pressure and energy levels,' she says. Instead of downing an energy drink that can lead to heart palpitations, you'll be doing something that a wealth of scientific research has shown reduces the risk of cardiovascular Dr. Suri says that there's a way to craft your lunch in a way that will make experiencing an afternoon slump less likely. 'Having a protein-rich meal as opposed to high carbohydrates at lunch can improve energy levels,' she says. This is because simple carbs (like bread, chips, soda and pastries) increase blood sugar levels and then cause them to drop, which leads to a decrease in energy levels. But protein-based foods like chicken, tofu, beans and chickpeas don't spike blood sugar, which will keep energy levels more steady. Building an after-lunch walk into your daily routine is a way to keep your healthy habits going throughout the afternoon. By making a conscious effort to support your health in the morning and afternoon, you'll be more likely to keep it up in the evening too. Soon, your afternoon walk will become such an integral part of your routine that it will become automatic. And that's bound to benefit your heart both now and in the future. Up Next:Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and contributor to LabFinder Effects of coffee/caffeine on brain health and disease: What should I tell my patients? Practical Neurology. 2016 Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health. The Ochsner Journal. 2023 Effects of energy drinks on the cardiovascular system. World Journal of Cardiology. 2017 Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects. International Journal of Health Sciences. 2015 The Impacts of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) on Cardiovascular Health. Cureus. 2022 Diet Soft Drink Consumption is Associated with an Increased Risk of Vascular Events in the Northern Manhattan Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2012 Sleep Duration as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease — a Review of the Recent Cardiovascular Reviews. 2010 Walking — the first steps in cardiovascular disease Opinion in Cardiology. 2011 The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do in the Hour After Eating Lunch, According to a Cardiologist first appeared on Parade on Jul 8, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
9 Snacks That Keep Blood Sugar Stable—and Actually Taste Good
When you have diabetes, nutrition plays a key role in helping to stabilize your blood sugar levels both at mealtimes and also when you're feeling snackish. In fact, healthy snacking can help prevent blood glucose levels from dipping too low between meals. And the best snacks for diabetics can also keep you from feeling ravenous and overeating at mealtime, which can cause blood sugar to spike. 'Snacking plays a crucial role in maintaining stable blood glucose levels throughout the day,' says Victoria Finn, MD, board-certified endocrinologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a contributor to LabFinder. When you go four or more hours without eating, your liver starts to break down stored glycogen into glucose. Normally, this process helps to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. But for someone with diabetes, it can cause blood sugar to fluctuate. 'This rapid fluctuation can lead to fatigue and irritability, and may negatively impact our overall wellbeing, both in the short-term and long-term,' Dr. Finn says. Including healthy snack options in your daily eating plan can help to prevent these fluctuations. The best snacks for diabetics are healthy, nutrient-rich foods that can keep your energy up and take the edge off your hunger—without causing blood sugar spikes and crashes. Here's what to look for in a healthy snack. You may assume carbs are off-limits when it comes to snacks for diabetics, but they're an important source of energy for your body. Ideally, half of the calories in your snack should come from carbohydrates, with the rest coming from a mix of protein and healthy fats. 'This combination will not only make you feel fuller for longer, but also prevent cravings and maintain steady blood sugar levels between meals,' Dr. Finn says. 'Think of snacks as a way to get in more fruits, vegetables and whole grains—in other words, use snacks to boost fiber intake,' says Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, registered dietitian at MyNetDiary. Look for snacks that provide at least 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving, she adds. Of course, sweet treats and sugary drinks should be limited, but also keep an eye out for added sugars hiding in less-obvious foods. 'Even flavored yogurts, cereals and dried fruits with added sugar may appear healthy, but they're actually loaded with sugar and can cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels,' Dr. Finn cautions. Because fruit is naturally sweet, you may be wondering if it's safe to snack on. 'Whole fruit is a great snack for someone with diabetes,' Brownstein says. 'Whole fruit contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and water, all key factors that support carbohydrate metabolism and health.' High-fiber fruits like berries, apples and pears are your best bet, she adds. If you notice that a certain fruit spikes your blood sugar, try pairing with protein or healthy fats, like Greek yogurt or nuts. (See more low-sugar fruit good for diabetics here.) 'Deep-fried snacks, even if they're low in carbs, can affect your cholesterol and worsen insulin resistance, which can compromise diabetes control,' Dr. Finn says. If you're not hungry between meals, don't feel like you have to snack. 'Not all individuals with diabetes may need snacks to help manage blood sugar, especially if you routinely eat three meals a day,' Brownstein says. 'Listening to your body's hunger cues and monitoring blood sugar patterns is essential for determining if snacks are needed.' Add these items to your grocery list so your kitchen will be well-stocked with healthy options when snack cravings hit. Skip the chips and reach for this crunchy snack instead. 'This snack is low in carbs, high in fiber and provides healthy fats,' Dr. Finn says. You can also sub-in celery sticks for cucumber. 'Whole grain bread provides fiber, slowing the digestion of carbs,' Brownstein says. 'Peanut butter has healthy fats and protein for satisfaction and blood sugar stability.' Ideally, look for a PB that has no added sugar or oils. 'This snack is low in carbs, low in fat, high in protein and high in fiber,' Dr. Finn says. Swap the berries for cherry tomatoes if you'd prefer something savory. Keep it simple with this creamy snack. 'Avocados are packed with healthy fats, low in carbs and high in fiber,' Dr. Finn says. 'Legumes are a great source of protein and fiber, plus benefits exist for more plant-based diets for managing type 2 diabetes,' Brownstein says. A report published in Advances in Nutrition found that a plant-based diet not only reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by about half, but was also associated with lower HbA1c levels in people with diabetes. 'Chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein, and they're low in carbs,' Dr. Finn says. A half-cup of canned chickpeas provides around 6 grams of dietary fiber. Brownstein recommends mixing Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning or other spices to create a savory dip for raw veggies. 'Vegetables provide fiber and color, while the dip offers a savory option for using Greek yogurt,' she says. Plus, a standard 156-gram container of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt provides 16 grams of protein. 'This snack idea combines healthy fats, low carbs and protein,' Dr. Finn says, making it perfect for diabetics. Yum! This grab-and-go duo is packed with protein and healthy fats. 'Nuts provide protein and healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable with the fiber-rich strawberries,' Brownstein says. 'Stick to a half-cup serving of sliced strawberries to support blood sugar.' For more diabetes tips Diabetic Desserts: 7 Easy Treats That Taste Indulgent—Without Spiking Your Blood Sugar 5 Sneaky Skin Symptoms That Could Signal High Blood Sugar or Undiagnosed Diabetes What Causes Type 2 Diabetes? 5 Doctor-Backed Risk Factors + Easy Tips to Reverse Your Odds This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
