Healthy Habits: Playing guitar relaxes Dr. Roberto Sanchez

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. Roberto Sanchez, assistant professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, shares some of his healthy habits with us.

Question: What health decisions start your day?

Answer: I try to wake up early enough to ease into the day and not rush directly into work. When I’m able to wake slow, get dressed and make time for breakfast, it helps start the day on the right foot.

Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?

A: Lately, I’ve been having Greek yogurt, honey and granola.

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?

A: I enjoy high-intensity interval training. My wife and I go to Orange Theory classes 3-4 times a week.

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?

A: The opportunity to push myself and grow. The desire to be the best version of myself for my family. Sometimes it’s just the meal we promised ourselves after!

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

A: I try to take stairs when I can, stand often and take a break for longer walks when time permits.

Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?

A: I was recently gifted a molcajete, and we have enjoyed making homemade guacamole. Avocados are full of healthy fats and vitamins.

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

A: I take a daily multivitamin and an omega-3 supplement.

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

A: I hate to keep bringing up Greek yogurt, but we found a recipe for chicken salad sandwiches where the mayonnaise was swapped for yogurt and it tasted just as good! As an alternative to sodas, I sometimes have the “Olipop” prebiotic drinks. They taste just like soda, are full of prebiotics and low in sugar.

Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?

A: I use a simple face wash and moisturizer. My beard gets dry easily, so I’ve started to use a beard conditioner and balm.

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

A: I enjoy playing guitar daily. If I have the time, I can play for hours. It’s a great tool for mindfulness as I don’t think about much else other than playing in the moment.

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

A: I really love Pokeworks. Their poke bowls are amazing and can be filled with nutritious ingredients (edamame, kimchi, avocado, carrots, green onion, etc.).

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

A: Listen to your body. It’s great to push yourself but it’s equally important to get appropriate rest.