Moscow's top dietitian reveals how to enjoy shashlik without health risks
Opt for plain drinking water instead
Moscow's chief dietitian, Antonina Starodubova, told TASS that when eating shashlik, it is best to avoid sugary drinks and juices, replacing them with plain drinking water.
"When choosing a drink, remember that plain water quenches thirst best. Sugary drinks and juices don't pair well with fatty, grilled meat. In this case, they put extra strain on your digestive system—and the more sugary drinks you have, the thirstier you feel," she explained. "As for alcohol, beyond its toxic effects on the liver, pancreas, brain, and other organs and tissues, even small amounts significantly reduce alertness, increase the risk of injury, and stimulate appetite while adding empty calories to your diet."
According to Starodubova, eating shashlik is not contraindicated for healthy adults.
"Traditionally, shashlik is a high-fat, hard-to-digest dish that doesn't fit well into a daily diet. The key rule is moderation—don't overeat, and keep portions small, no more than 100–150 grams. The fattier the meat, the smaller the portion should be," the doctor noted.
She added that even a single episode of overeating can harm the gastrointestinal tract, causing heaviness, discomfort, bloating, and abdominal pain. Excessive consumption of foods high in saturated fats—such as fatty meats and poultry—is also linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity.
"Never buy meat or other products from unauthorized vendors. When choosing meat or pre-made shashlik, check the expiration date and storage conditions. For transporting shashlik to a picnic, use a cooler bag," the expert advised.
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