Healthy Habits: Group workouts motivate Dr. Jordana Faruqi

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. Jordana Faruqi, endocrinologist and assistant professor in the Margaret M. and Albert B. Alkek Department of Medicine, shares some of her healthy habits with us.

Question: What health decisions start your day?
Answer: I try to wake up before sunrise and make a list of tasks I aim to complete for the day.

Q: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
A: Homemade triple berry smoothie or a protein shake from the McNair cafeteria paired with a LIFEWTR (ice cold bottled water).

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: Spin cycle!

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: Group workouts.

Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: Taking a walk outside during my lunch hour at work.

Q: What is your favorite healthful snack?
A: Grapes and cheese.

Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: Vitamin D3.

Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy (healthy substitutions)?
A: Increase the ratio of protein to carbs; use of artificial sweeteners.

Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?
A: Nightly cream.

Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Drawing on my iPad with Procreate.

Q: What is your go-to Houston restaurant for a healthy meal?
A: PappaRich has excellent Singaporean food.

Q: Do you use an activity tracker or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: My Apple Watch helps me stay on track. Daily step goal is 10,000 for me.

Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: Consistency is key. Master the art of consistency – even if it is a small habit, getting used to the idea of a routine will help train your mind to adopt more complex, healthier lifestyle changes.