You eat healthy through the week, stay active, and then look forward to weekend biryani, pizza, a burger, or dessert. After all, it is a “cheat day”, right? For most people, an occasional indulgence is unlikely to undo an otherwise balanced lifestyle. The concern begins when a cheat meal slowly becomes a regular part of the diet. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rashmi Rasi Datta, consultant biochemist and section head at Agilus Diagnostics, shared what happens to your heart on cheat days.
Is one cheat meal really harmful for your heart?
According to Dr Rashmi, your overall eating pattern and lifestyle shape heart health, not a single meal. If most of your meals are balanced, an occasional indulgence can be enjoyed without guilt. The bigger issue is what that indulgent meal contains and how often you are having it. “Foods high in saturated fat, salt and added sugar, especially when eaten frequently, can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and weight gain over time,” said Dr Rashmi.
