Healthy Habits: Dr. Na Li enjoys comedies, leisure traveling to new places
Taking care of your health is a priority and nobody knows that more than physicians and healthcare providers.
In recognition of American Heart Month, we’ve asked members of our Baylor College of Medicine community to share what they do in their daily lives to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Na Li, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine-cardiovascular research at Baylor, shares some of her healthy habits with us.
Q: What healthy decisions start your day?
A: I have a cup of coffee with skim milk and no sugar.
Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: A slice of toast with spread. If I have extra time, I will add some type of egg (hard-boiled or sunny-side up) for breakfast.
Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: Definitely hot yoga, which helps to detox and stretch the body. I feel like my body and mind are reinvigorated after a 60-minute session of hot yoga.
Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: The main motivation is to de-stress. Rhythmic music helps me to focus on the workout.
Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: I take the stairs whenever I can, and take a stroll after dinner with family.
Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Fruits, yogurt parfait and little chocolates.
Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: I don’t usually take vitamins. However, I just had a baby seven months ago. Per my doctor’s recommendation, I have been taking prenatal vitamins for the past 1.5 years.
Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch?
A: Right now, formula and breast milk are the main meals for my seven-month old daughter. We also give her baby cereal mixed with fruit puree during the day.
Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy (healthy substitutions)?
A: In general, I like seafood over red meats. But occasionally, when I crave steak, I order veggie or salad as side dish instead of fries. Another example: When I am having a fried chicken sandwich, I add extra lettuce and tomato.
Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?
A: I start by removing my makeup and washing my face with a good cleanser, followed by applying toner, serum, and moisturizer. I also apply a facial mask after cleansing once or twice a week. It seems like a lot of steps, but it does not take more than 10 minutes without applying a mask.
Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: I like watching movies, especially comedies or stand-up shows, to unwind after a busy week at work. Leisure traveling to new places once or twice a year also helps me unplug and gain new perspectives.
Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: My husband and I love sushi, especially fresh sashimi and nigiri, which are relatively healthier foods compared to others. Our go-to places are Nippon for a quick bite and Kata Robatar for a date night.
Q: Do you use a pedometer or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: I have a Fitbit. My daily goal is 10,000 steps.
Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: Have a balanced diet, enjoy everything in moderation, and no snacks three hours before bedtime.
Additional Resources
Swimming, jogging and music keep Dr. Kenneth Liao moving
Dr. Arunima Misra limits sugar intake, enjoys biking outdoors
