Healthy Habits: Dr. Amy Schutt enjoys homemade smoothies, well-balanced workouts

February 3, 2020 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. Amy Schutt, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor, shares some of her healthy habits with us.

Q: What health decisions start your day?
A: Preparing a breakfast that is fast but nutritious, with enough protein to support me through morning clinic.

Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: Greek yogurt or quick oats with ground flaxseed, chia seeds, nut butter, and berries or a banana. A smoothie with these ingredients is wonderful in the summer or after a morning workout. I keep a stash of frozen bananas in the freezer for smoothies.

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: I love a challenging high-intensity interval training type workout. When the weather is cooperative, I enjoy running outside. As a busy physician mom, I like the convenience of home workouts. Right now I ride my Peloton bike three to five times per week. I try to prioritize exercise but some weeks are easier than others.

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: I think it’s important to find a type of exercise that you enjoy. And good music always helps!

Q: Has the BCM BeWell Program encouraged any of your healthy habits?
A: Yes. Actually, it encouraged me to join the BCM BP MS 150 team a few years ago. That was a fun experience and it sparked my interest in cycling. The BCM BeWell Program also motivated me to participate in the annual biometric health screening.

Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: Workouts vary day to day. Sometimes, I only have time for a 15-minute ride on my bike. Sometimes, I fit in 10 minutes of core exercises or foam rolling. I might run 5-10 miles on other days. So I think it’s more a matter of doing something – anything that contributes to cardiovascular fitness, strength or flexibility – rather than trying to fit in an hour or more every day.

Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Hummus and carrot sticks.

Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: Calcium and vitamin D.

Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch?
A: I try to pack a balanced lunch with limited empty calories. This usually means lean turkey or chicken, hummus, cheese, or yogurt for a protein source. Add in fruit (bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apples), milk, and a bagel/crackers or whole grain bread.

Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy?
A: Utilizing spices and herbs to add flavor in lieu of butter and salt.

Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?
A: I think daytime sunscreen use is the most important skin care tip.

Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Spending time with my family. Reading. Playing with my dogs.

Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: I like Local Foods, Mendocino Farms and Salata.

Q: Do you use an activity tracker or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: I use an Apple watch. My goal is set at 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: Enjoy life. Exercise when you can (self-care is an investment in your health), and make smart food choices when possible, but remember that no one is perfect. Off days are important, too.