Healthy Habits: Dr. Punam Amin’s kids motivate her to stay healthy

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. Punam Amin, assistant professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology, shares some of her healthy habits with us.

Question: What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
Answer: Overnight oats – chia seeds, Greek yogurt, berries, flax seeds, oats, honey and milk!

Q: What is your favorite type of exercise?
A: Pilates and Pure barre.

Q: What keeps you motivated during your workout?
A: Staying healthy as long as possible for my kids!

Q: What activities do you do when you can’t fit in a full workout?
A: I focus on cardio – doing as many steps as possible, fast walking from point A to B, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and hydrating with at least 8 glasses per day.

Q: Do you take vitamins and if so, which ones?
A: Yes, One a Day women’s multivitamin.

Q: What do you include in your child’s lunch?
A: Rice with protein (either fish or chicken) and veggies (peas, carrots, corn), Greek yogurt with broccoli, a Once upon a Farm pouch, Fiber One bar, cheese stick, raisins, a sweet treat such as a brownie or cookie.

Q: How do you make an unhealthy recipe healthy (healthy substitutions)?
A: I love baking. Instead of using all-purpose flour I will use blended oats, almond flour or wheat flour as a substitute. Also, instead of using refined sugar, I’ll use honey or maple syrup

Q: What is your nighttime skin regimen?
A: I don’t have a nighttime skin routine, but this is a goal of mine!

Q: What hobbies do you have to help you relax?
A: Going for a walk, spending time with my babies, reading a book, going for a drive/listening to music.

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

Q: Do you use an activity tracker or Fitbit and what is your daily step goal?
A: No; 10,000 steps.

Q: What is your favorite health tip that you live by?
A: Squeeze the juice out of every day!