Abdel Rahman recalls his feelings of relief after his first appointment with Dr. Amr Moustafa, a cardiologist at Sunnybrook.
“He spent over an hour with me, reviewing healthy lifestyle advice in detail to improve my heart health,” says Abdel. “His care, and advice, has changed my life.”
Abdel has lost approximately 40 pounds in four months by closely following Dr. Moustafa’s tips. The changes, for a self-professed foodie, initially came as a shock. No added sugars, no processed carbs. And the kicker: 30 seconds for each bite or mouthful.
“He patiently listened to my daily eating routine and explained to me the quality of the different types of food, as well as the appropriate healthy quantity and frequency of meals each day. He also detailed the benefits of chewing the food slowly,” explains Abdel.
Aiming for 30 chews per bite improves digestion, nutrient absorption, and most importantly helps you feel full, potentially leading to better weight management. Abdel is now maintaining a good calorie deficit with a sustainable balanced healthy diet and regular exercise.
“I haven’t felt this healthy in more than ten years,” he says. “I’m able to go for daily walks effortlessly, and I’m gaining muscle mass by regularly visiting the gym.”
The patient and doctor have also bonded over their shared experience of being from Egypt. “In Arabic culture, the physician is called “Ḥakīm” which means a wise person. For me, Dr. Moustafa is that person,” says Abdel.
Dr. Moustafa’s impact extends to the students he works with each year at Sunnybrook. He recently received a Peters-Boyd Academy Teaching Award: Foundation Faculty Teaching for Clinical Skills.
