They train for years, work super-long hours and are required to make decisions that are literally life and death. So how do some of the world’s top cardiologists keep themselves nourished and hydrated while working in a field that can be physically and mentally punishing? Just in time for heart health month, we found the answers from these experts.
Private cardiologist, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
First thing: Strong coffee, one shot caffeinated, one shot decaf (for “robust flavor without jitters from too much caffeine”), often with bit of butter blended in to make a “bulletproof” coffee
Midmorning: Another coffee, sometimes with a dash of cream
Lunch: A small snack, perhaps a piece of cheese
Dinner: Salad, often with plain yogurt, sometimes a few pickled vegetables and a protein (steak, chicken, pork or venison)
Bishop, persuaded by recent research, has been following a pattern of eating during an eight-hour window and fasting for 16 hours. Still, he knows that may not work for everyone. “There isn’t a single, perfect diet for every person,” Bishop said. “It depends on each person’s dietary objectives.” He likens the way we eat to a bank account, where nutritious choices build up our balance so that we can “draw down” with an occasional indulgence from time to time.
“My recommendation is to follow the Mediterranean diet, which research shows to be very effective,” he said. “I tell my patients that you need to minimize eating food that has a bar code on it, and to avoid processed and sugar-dense foods as much as possible.”
Further, he pointed out that diet is only one pillar of good health. “For example, we often focus on diet and can neglect the importance of good sleep, regular exercise, reducing stress and periodic health checks and screenings.”
First thing (around 5 a.m.): Two cups of coffee with sugar-free hazelnut coffee creamer and a teaspoon of sugar
Breakfast (8 a.m., at work): Fruit and veggie smoothie (low-carb and…
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