A meal can start out with healthy ingredients like fish, chicken or other lean protein, but the cooking method you choose can determine their impact on heart health.<\/p>\n
When cardiologists shared what they eat for dinner<\/a>, they often enjoyed fish, which is rich in omega-3 fat, and poultry as their protein choices.<\/p>\n Protein is important for muscle growth and should be eaten throughout the day<\/a>, dietitians say.<\/p>\n But put away the frying pan. Here\u2019s a heart doctor\u2019s preferred way to cook protein for the most health benefits.<\/p>\n Heart Health Tip of the Day: Bake Your Favorite Protein Instead of Frying<\/p>\n Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist and clinical associate professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, says her favorite way to prepare fish or chicken is to bake it.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s not only the protein you’re eating, but how you prepare it, for sure,\u201d she tells TODAY.com.<\/p>\n Goldberg likes to make oven-baked \u201cfried chicken\u201d that\u2019s covered in breadcrumbs and sprayed with a bit of olive oil rather than deep fried.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd certainly, when it comes to preparation, air fryers are great,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/p>\n Frying typically involves lots of oil or butter, which adds extra calories or saturated fat.<\/p>\n For example, traditional fried chicken has about 800 calories for a two-piece serving, while Joy Bauer\u2019s crispy oven-baked version<\/a> has 270 calories, 34 grams of protein and just 4 grams of fat.<\/p>\n Eating lots of fried foods is associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease, studies<\/a> have found.<\/p>\n Fried foods have also been linked with higher risk of anxiety<\/a> and depression.<\/p>\n It may be better to use an air fryer. \u201cAir frying is a healthier option because it essentially eliminates added oils,\u201d according to Julia Zumpano<\/a>, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic.<\/p>\n Air-fried meals had 74% less fat compared to deep-fried meals with a similar carbohydrate and protein content, a study<\/a> found.<\/p>\n How to Get Started<\/p>\n Explore oven-baked versions of your favorite dishes. You may be surprised how much you like them. For example, Bauer uses seasoned panko breadcrumbs for her oven-baked \u201cfried chicken\u201d for an \u201camazingly crunchy texture.\u201d<\/p>\n For more healthy cooking ideas and ways to add protein to your diet, download the Start TODAY app<\/a> to get meal plans and snack tips.<\/p>\n