Healthy Habits: Dr. Michele Loor sets realistic goals, enjoys yoga to stay fit

October 10, 2017 Dr. Michele Loor, Healthy Habits, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Nutrition and Wellness

Taking care of your health is a priority and nobody knows that more than physicians and healthcare providers.

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. Michele Loor, assistant professor of surgery in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor, shares some of her healthy habits with us.

Q: What health decisions start your day?
A: I usually spend a few minutes in the morning running through my schedule for the day and thinking about what I would like to accomplish and how to make it happen. I try to be realistic, and not over-schedule, delegate tasks if I am able, and aim to make the day less hectic. If I am planning to exercise, it needs to be on the schedule for the day or it won’t happen. Morning workout sessions are the best for me.

Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: Yogurt (Chobani coconut is my favorite) or a Kind bar. I will make oatmeal with dried cranberries if I have extra time.

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: Barre and hot yoga.

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: Great music.

Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: On days when I know I will not be able to make it to the gym, I do push ups and bicycle crunches. Three rounds, as soon as I get up.

Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Raw broccoli, veggie tots and blueberries.

Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Laughing with my kids, taking walks, reading a good (non-medical) book.

Q: Do you use a pedometer or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: I use an Apple watch to track my heart rate during workouts. I don’t really use it for step tracking, but I do like the periodic reminders to stand up and to breathe.

Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: Everything in moderation. I try to keep track of my calories during the week (I use My Fitness Pal app), but I am more liberal on the weekends. This allows me to maintain my weight without feeling like I am always on a “diet.”