Healthy Habits: Dr. Waqar Qureshi enjoys exercise, playing music

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. Waqar Qureshi, gastroenterologist and professor in the Margaret M. and Albert B. Alkek Department of Medicine shares some of his healthy habits with us.

Question: What health decisions start your day? 

Answer: A good night’s sleep is essential for a productive day.

Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast? 

A: Fruit, usually banana, yogurt and coffee ensures that I am not “starving” by lunchtime so as not to overeat at lunch.

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise? 

A: Cardio and flexibility stretches.

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout? 

A: My personal trainer. I pay to be “tortured,” but he makes me go the extra mile.

Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout? 

A: I have a Peloton at home in front of the TV so I don’t feel the pain as much!

Q: What is your favorite healthful snack? 

A: Blueberries, strawberries or banana. Also unsalted nuts of any kind!

Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones? 

A: One multivitamin a day.

Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch? 

A: I have teenagers! They know better than their old man about everything including food.

Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy (healthy substitutions)? 

A: Low salt and no added sugars. Read the labels. If I have to go to McDonald’s, it a Happy Meal for me with apple slices and no fries. Always make sure you eat enough fiber. To be sure I’m getting enough fiber, I add a tablespoon of Metamucil to my diet. Remember without enough dietary fiber, you won’t have a stool to stand on!

Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax? 

A: I am a drummer and play the ukulele.

Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal? 

A: Aga’s restaurant, delicious but pick wisely.

Q: Do you use an activity tracker or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal? 

A: My Apple Watch watches me. Ideally 10k steps a day but don’t always achieve it. Trying to find a formula to calculate the number of steps that equate to each colonoscopy I do.

Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by? 

A: The world is sometimes stressful and lately depressing! Get eight hours of sleep and make time to relax and do what you enjoy.