Healthy Habits: Ann McMeans enjoys gardening, yoga and high-fiber breakfasts
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.
Ann McMeans, senior registered dietitian with the Pediatrics Research Resources Office at Baylor, shares some of her healthy habits with us.
Q: What health decisions start your day?
A: I always make sure I have my reusable water bottle with me when I leave the house so I have water at my desk all day.
Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: I eat a mixture of different high-fiber cereals with fruit and 1% milk to get a good start on the 25 grams of fiber we need per day.
Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: I use the elliptical at the gym or I go on long power walks for cardio when the weather is nice. I also enjoy attending a yoga class once or twice per week.
Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: I read e-books or listen to audiobooks while I work out – most are checked out from the library.
Q: Has the BCM BeWell Program encouraged any of your healthy habits?
A: Yes, I find I get up more from my desk to walk instead of sitting for hours.
Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: I try to reach 10,000 steps walking during the day and evening, even if I can’t make it to the gym. For example, I walk at the airport instead of sitting when I am waiting for a flight.
Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: A handful of nuts or some fresh fruit when I get home before I go to the gym.
Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: I take vitamin D and calcium everyday.
Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy?
A: I use less fat than a recipe calls for, or substitute for something lower in fat, such as Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Gardening, reading, doing Sudoku and a crossword puzzle.
Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: Local Foods.
Q: Do you use a pedometer or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: I use a Fitbit and my goal is 10,000 steps a day.
Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: Be as active as you can and eat fresh and unprocessed foods as much as possible.
Additional Resources
Strength training, nutritious substitutions key for Jennifer Cleveland
Dr. Philip Carrott visits museums, enjoys cycling to stay active
Read more healthy habits from members of our community.
Learn how Baylor promotes a culture of healthy living and wellness.
