Cardiologists say this is the No.1 lunch to avoid

Plus, an easy 3-minute routine that will help you de-stress.

October 12, 2023 | VIEW IN BROWSER Is your lunch heart-healthy? High noon can be a time of high anxiety for heart health as a greasy, salty lunch can undo the nutritious choices people make at breakfast or dinner. Lunch has the potential to be the unhealthiest meal of the day, cardiologists say. They see their patients trying to eat in a hurry, grabbing pre-packaged and processed food, or succumbing to the temptation of burgers and pizza. What do doctors who take care of other people's hearts eat for lunch to stay heart-healthy? Today, two MDs shared their favorite meals (and what they avoid) with Start TODAY. Walking Challenge Walking Challenge Today's Workout If you're joining us for our 5K challenge this month, today is a rest day.  Missing the mental health boost you get from walking or running on rest days? Swap it for an easy, calming movement that makes you feel good. Yoga is an accessible and healthy coping mechanism that provides a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stephanie Mansour has created an easy three-minute yoga routine that you can drop into at any point in the day when you need a few minutes to breathe.   Get Steph's 3-minute routine!   GET THE WORKOUT > Need a break from this month's challenge? Click here to snooze this section until next month. 😴 Your Meal Plan Your Meal Plan Today's Plan We all know the slow cooker is great for cooking while you sleep — waking up to oatmeal or breakfast casserole has never been easier. But you can also harness the power of your slow cooker for a new, power-packed take on the most important meal of the day!   These loaded sweet potatoes bake overnight in the slow cooker until they're soft and tender. In the morning, they're ready to be topped with Greek yogurt and a host of healthy fruits, nuts, and more. High in fiber and antioxidants, but low in fat and calories, it's the smart and sweet way to start your morning.   Breakfast: Slow Cooker Breakfast Sweet Potatoes Lunch: Edamame Brown Rice Bowl Dinner: Leftovers Snack of choice     GET THE MEAL PLAN > Making Space for Mindfulness Making Space for Mindfulness Carson Daly recalls his first panic attack on 'TRL': 'Thought I was going to die' Carson Daly shared at Project Healthy Minds gala he had his first panic attack on 'Total Request Live.' The TODAY host lives with generalized anxiety disorder. READ MORE > One Small Thing One Small Thing Real ways to make a difference in your life, one small thing at a time. Cardiologists reveal the 'absolute worst' meal for heart health Cardiologists say a burger and fries the No. 1 lunch they would avoid.   "That would be basically the poster lunch for atherosclerosis. It hits on everything: cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure," Dr. Sean Heffron, a cardiologist in the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Health in New York. says. "The hamburger and fries, particularly if you add a shake, that has to be the absolute worst one," Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist, clinical associate professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine adds.   If you must have a hamburger, she advises skipping the bun and fries, and adding extra lettuce and tomato.   Relying on fast-food in general is a mistake because it contains lots of calories and saturated fat, both doctors say. Find out what cardiologists DO eat for lunch.   READ THE ARTICLE > Wellness News Wellness News Mary Lou Retton battling rare form of pneumonia, family says U.S. gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, is now fighting for her life against a rare form of pneumonia, her family says. NBC's Kristen Dahlgren reports and Dr. Tara Narula shares preventative measures for the infection on TODAY. Mary Lou Retton battling rare form of pneumonia, family says U.S. gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, is now fighting for her life against a rare form of pneumonia, her family says. NBC's Kristen Dahlgren reports and Dr. Tara Narula shares preventative measures for the infection on TODAY. I'm a doctor and a mom. Here's my No. 1 tip for raising healthy girls A doctor and mom to 2 daughters shares her top tips for raising girls, such as being careful about body image, exercise, mental health, seeing an OB-GYN early. I'm a doctor and a mom. Here's my No. 1 tip for raising healthy girls A doctor and mom to 2 daughters shares her top tips for raising girls, such as being careful about body image, exercise, mental health, seeing an OB-GYN early. This comforting coconut curry noodle soup heats up a chilly day Make a comforting bowl of coconut curry with chicken and noodles at home for a delicious Thai-inspired meal. This comforting coconut curry noodle soup heats up a chilly day Make a comforting bowl of coconut curry with chicken and noodles at home for a delicious Thai-inspired meal. Thanks for letting us in your inbox! See you again tomorrow morning. Want to refer a friend? 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