It can sometimes be difficult to find ways to stay healthy, so we’ve asked members of our Baylor College of Medicine community to share what they do in their daily lives to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Ahmed Awan, assistant professor of nephrology in the Margaret M. and Albert B. Alkek Department of Medicine, shares some of his healthy habits with us.
Question: What health decisions start your day?
Answer: I try to make sure I spend a few minutes talking to my wife, kids and parents at the start of day. I believe social connections is the best predictor of longevity.
Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: I eat a typical Pakistani breakfast, which includes a paratha (bread with olive oil) and either egg or vegetables. A cup of tea always accompanies whatever I eat.
Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: My favorite exercise is goblet squats as it’s a wholesome exercise catering to the entire body.
Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
Endorphins 🙂 Tonal has instructor-guided workouts and usually it’s the instructor who keeps me motivated. Also, seeing the calories burned on a smart watch is a good motivation.
Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: I play soccer or basketball with my kids.
Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Fruit yogurt
Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch?
A: A fruit and some form of chicken or fish
Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy (healthy substitutions)?
A: I try to minimize salt and sugar in all recipes wherever possible.
Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?
A: Clinique moisturizer for men
Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: I play chess and watch sitcoms.
Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: Wolfgang Puck – they have amazing seafood
Q: Do you use an activity tracker or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: Yes.
Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: I almost never eat cakes, cupcakes, chocolates or cookies.
