Healthy Habits: Circuit training, avoiding processed foods help Dr. Chia Wu stay on track

December 2, 2019 Healthy Habits, Nutrition and Wellness

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. Chia Wu, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor, shares some of his healthy habits with us.

Q: What health decisions start your day?
A: I try to squeeze in a workout before work if I have a late start in the office. As a surgeon, it’s sometimes difficult to do this consistently.

Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: I start off my day with black coffee and a banana. I try to minimize intake of highly processed foods.

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: I like a mixture of cardio and weight for burning calories and maintaining muscle mass, respectively.

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: When possible, I like to do group workouts in a local gym. Fast-paced music is always good!

Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: Body weight exercises are great. A simple circuit like 10 push ups, 20 sit ups, and 10 burpees is very effective. It also doesn’t require any equipment.

Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Fruits and nuts. I try to meal prep to make it easier on the go!

Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy?
A: I try to substitute simple carbs with complex carbs, which have a glycemic index. I also opt for natural ingredients that are not processed.

Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Listening to podcasts, working out, and hanging out with friends and family.