Healthy Habits: Dr. Sun In Kim-Vences is an ultramarathoner
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. Sung In Hillary Kim-Vences, hospitalist and postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, shares some of her healthy habits with us.
Question: What health decisions start your day?
Answer: Never skipping breakfast and fueling properly to tackle the tasks of the day.
Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: Homemade parfait with no sugar-added Greek yogurt, granola and fruit.
Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: Running – I recently became an ultramarathoner! Adding a strength training regimen really elevated my prehab game to stay injury free.
Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: The fact that my body can do it! I’m so grateful for my health that keeps me running and plan to run as long as my body will allow me.
Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: I try to plan my day accordingly so I can usually fit one in, but if I’m absolutely pressed for time I’ll try to at least fit in at least 20-30 minutes of weights or barre.
Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Fruit
Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: I take gummy vitamins for taste, but actually believe varied diet is the best way to naturally consume your vitamins and minerals.
Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch?
A: I usually try to concoct a good mix of complex carbs and protein with fruit mix for dessert.
Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy (healthy substitutions)?
A: I usually opt for plant-based oil and use less sugar and butter than the recipe calls for. I also love adding sprinkles of garlic and shallot to give things more flavor!
Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?
A: Nightly facial scrub, toner, eye cream and wrinkle balm.
Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Running is my therapy and workout, but I also love indulging in classical/jazz music to relax.
Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: Grandma Noodle in Spring Branch for some wholesome Korean food.
Q: Do you use an activity tracker or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: I use Garmin to track my runs and workouts (and sleep, which is SO important). My step goal varies depending on where I am in my marathon training cycle, anywhere from 13K to 20K+ steps.
Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: Enjoy the process – find an exercise regimen that you look forward to and enjoy so it won’t feel like a chore!
