Healthy Habits: Dr. Zachary Pallister focuses on adequate sleep, family time
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. Zachary Pallister, assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Baylor, shares some of his healthy habits with us.
Q: What health decisions start your day?
A: I get up at the same time at every day, regardless of whether or not I have to be to work early. I think it helps me be more productive and get to sleep at a healthy time every night.
Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: I eat overnight oats and bananas on normal work days.
Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: I love running, especially along Buffalo Bayou.
Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: I set goals for times and distance, which helps me continue to push myself during long runs.
Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: I do pull-ups and push-ups at home. I also take my son on runs with me if I’m on parenting duty alone.
Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Almonds and fruit.
Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch?
A: I’m very lucky that my son goes to a school where they provide a variety of lunches. He loves yogurt though, so I always give him one for snacks during the day. Bonus points if it’s Toy Story themed.
Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy?
A: I use olive oil instead of butter or margarine, and I substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt. I also cook with lean ground buffalo meat instead of ground beef.
Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: The most relaxing activity for me is playing with my son. I also love reading.
Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: Neo Baguette in the Heights.
Q: Do you use a pedometer or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: I use my iPhone to check on my step goals. Fortunately I always get a good number just from my job.
Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: Everything in moderation.
Additional Resources
Circuit training, avoiding processed foods help Dr. Chia Wu stay on track
Dr. Fabrizia Faustinella takes dance classes, writes to relieve stress
Read more healthy habits from members of our community.
Learn how Baylor promotes a culture of healthy living and wellness.
