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Kanji: The Miracle Drink to Level Up Your Winter!

kanjiKanji is a popular north Indian drink. We can call it an ‘Indian Kombucha’ as well. This drink is traditionally consumed to aid digestion. It keeps the gut healthy during winter. This probiotic drink is the result of naturally occurring bacteria and yeast with salty, zingy taste. It may take a week for Kanji to be fermented as per one’s taste but you can store it in a glass jar for a month easily.

Why Do You Need This Drink During Winter?

  • This drink has fiber content which smoothens bowel movements. The growth of healthy bacteria helps to promote healthy bowel movement. 
  • Kanji tones the blood detoxifies the liver and aids digestion.
  • It is packed with a variety of nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, few vitamins B as well.
  • Due to the powerhouse of Antioxidants, it helps provide protection from cancer and prevents eczema in children.
  • Low-calorie count makes this a perfectly healthy drink which aids weight loss.
  • Good for maintaining hydration levels and replenish lost nutrients in case of dehydration or diarrhoea.
  • Old remedy to prevent water loss in case of vomiting, also speeds up the recovery. It gives energy if one feels weak or dizzy.
  • It prevents certain infections after surgery and reduces systemic allergy too.

Recipe to Prepare Kanji  

What You Will Need:

  • Black Carrots (Kali Gajar) – 250 gm
  • Filtered Water – 8 cups
  • Black salt – 2 tsp (or as per taste)
  • Asafoetida (Hing) – ½ tsp
  • Mustard Seeds (Powdered) – 3 tsp
  • Red chili powder – ½ tsp (optional)

How to Prepare:

  1. Peel the carrots, wash them and cut them in small pieces about your finger size.
  2. Boil the water and add the carrots into it, boil it for 2-3 minutes and turn off the flame and let it cool.
  3. Add black salt, mustard seeds powder, hing, and chili powder to the mixture and transfer it in a clean glass jar and close it with lid.
  4. Keep this jar out in the sun for 4-5 days so that the Kanji gets fermented. Don’t keep the jar under the sun after fermentation.
  5. After 5 days, if it tastes sour then your Magic drink is ready for consumption.
  6. Stir and enjoy it with your breakfast or your mid-meal.

It’s easy to prepare. In fact, I just finished making a batch for myself! We hope you like this amazing and nutritious drink. Do share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

For more healthy winter recipes and to learn about nutritious foods and drinks, check out Healthy Reads or connect with a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalised health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

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5 Common Weightlifting Myths You Should Stop Believing

weightliftingIf you have already browsed through countless articles on the internet before taking your first step towards weightlifting, then there might be a lot of questions on your mind. More so, because of the contradicting and confusing nature of the content you get online. The most common one being that you need a gym membership for weightlifting.

In a country that’s rapidly growing, it’s time we leave these myths and series of false information behind with some facts shared by certified experts. So here, we will be sharing some common myths making the rounds on the internet about strength training.

Myth #1: Weightlifting Makes Women Bulkier

Fortunately for all the ladies out there, this is not true! The muscles in a woman’s body are different in composition than that of men. In fact, weightlifting along with a combination of cardio encourages more fat loss in women. One can begin with a minimum of 2kg and gradually increase the sets and reps along with weights.

Myth #2: No Pain = No Gain

You’ve probably heard this a gazillion times by now! If your body hurts or your muscles are sore, then your training is working. Ideally, that’s not true. Muscle soreness is common in the beginning but can be reduced within the recovery period. But, at times, it can also be because of incorrect posture or overexertion. Rest and recovery is equally important in weightlifting or strength training. In cases of extreme soreness, you need to rest and recover.

Myth #3: Lift Light Weights to Tone Muscles

This one is commonly known as the ‘Pink Dumbbell Myth’. The fact is that lifting lighter weights for higher reps will help you increase muscular endurance and it does have a place in training routines, but that lean, defined look comes from losing body fat. So, the weight will always depend on your fitness goal, but one will need to try a variety of reps and weight ranges to achieve results.

Myth #4: Older People Should Not Lift Weights

This is completely untrue. Elders can lift weights, keeping in consideration that the weight and reps should be advised by a certified trainer. An elderly person should also keep their medical conditions, risk factors and all in mind. Most importantly, they should consult their doctor before starting any training routine!

Myth #5: You Need a Gym

That is not true! You don’t have to empty your pockets and sign up to an expensive gym or service. All you need is dedication towards your goal! Surprisingly, you can train even in a small corner of your room. Your body itself is a gym. You can start with body weight workouts to break the ice. To take it a level ahead, all you’ll need is a pair of dumbbells or barbell curls to transform your body.

These were some of the common myths I have encountered so far. How about you? Have you heard anything on these lines? Share them with us in the comments below and let’s begin busting some myths together!

For more fitness related articles, check out Healthy Reads or join our live, interactive video sessions on GOQii PRO within the GOQii App, where you can get one-on-one guidance in real time by certified fitness experts.

#BeTheForce   

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5 Healthy Hot Winter Drinks to Warm You Up!

hot winter drinks

If you’ve begun feeling the slight chills in the morning, you know that winter is coming – intended GoT reference. While an epic fantasy drama can turn the heat up in an instant, your body needs a little more warmth or spice, depending on what your taste is like, to help you push through those cold mornings. In this article, I’m going to share some of my favorite hot winter drinks that I include in my diet on a regular basis.

These drinks have numerous health benefits. They will help you boost your immunity, increase your brainpower and remove toxins from your body – these are still just a few benefits from the reservoir of goodness they can offer!

You can’t deny that winter beckons warm, hot, spicy and often something sweet as well. Now, if you want to make your drink healthy, then you must try one or all of these hot winter drinks!  

1. Hot Ginger Tea

This brew is quite effective during winter. It promotes good digestion, boosts your immunity, aids weight loss and helps provide relief in Arthritis. This drink is your ally while battling cold and cough as well.

Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 2 tsp of freshly grated ginger and 1 tsp of raw honey (optional)

How to Prepare: Boil ginger in water for 5-10 minutes, strain it, add raw honey if you want to and sip it hot. Simple, isn’t it!

2. Spiced Green Tea

Do you love Green Tea? Let’s spice it up! This aromatic tea is a wonderful blend of taste and good health! It is rich in antioxidants, aids weight loss, boosts metabolism and the best part is that you can consume this any time during winter!

Ingredients: 1 cup of water, a pinch of cinnamon, ½ tsp crushed ginger, 2 tsp of green tea leaf, ½ lemon and 1 tsp of raw honey (optional).

How to Prepare: Add green tea leaf, crushed ginger and cinnamon in hot water. Cover and steep for 5-6 minutes. Pour it in your favorite mug, then add lemon and honey and start sipping immediately!

3. Warm Turmeric Milk

This popular household drink is an excellent remedy for treating inflammation and joint pains. It helps in resolving sleep-related issues as well.

Ingredients: 1 cup of organic milk, ½ tsp of ground turmeric, a pinch of cinnamon powder, 1 tsp of raw honey (optional).

How to Prepare: Mix all the ingredients in a blender for 1 minute. Then, boil it on low flame for a few minutes till it is hot enough. Add raw honey if you want to and serve! The perfect hot winter drink! For sleep disorders, drink this milk 30 minutes before bedtime daily.

4. Spiced Almond Milk

This is a treat for vegans! Purely because it is naturally dairy-free! It can also be consumed by people with dairy allergy or those who are lactose intolerant. Be sure to try this one though, it has an exotic flavor and is quite easy to prepare.

Ingredients: 1 cup of Almond milk, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp of ginger powder, a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.

How to prepare: Take a saucepan and combine all the ingredients. Slowly bring it to a simmer for a few minutes and serve hot. If you want to make your own almond milk, Click Here.

5. Masala Chai

Everybody’s favourite! If you’re a tea person, this has to be the beverage you wake up to, or the thing that keeps you going late afternoon! If you want to know about the benefits masala chai offers, read my article on The Magic of Indian Masala Chai. To keep it short, it regulates the digestive system, prevents people from gaining weight, stimulates the appetite and boosts the immune system among other benefits!

Ingredients: ½ cup of Water, ½ cup of milk, 1 tsp of loose tea leaf, 2-3 cloves, 1 cardamom, ½ inch cinnamon stick, 1 small slice of ginger, 1 star anise, 2-3 peppercorn, 1 tsp of jaggery powder or brown sugar (optional).

How to Prepare: Crush cinnamon, clove, ginger, star anise, and peppercorn. Add them in boiling water. Then, add the tea leaf and boil for 2-3 minutes. Add the jiggery and milk. Simmer it 2-3 times and then turn the gas off. Pour it in your favorite mug and enjoy the weather!

Whenever you feel like drinking something hot or spicy, these hot winter drinks are your best picks! We hope you enjoy these recipes in the days to come. Try them and let us know your experience in the comments below! 

Click here for more Healthy Recipes or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching.

#BeTheForce

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Triumphing Over My Mind, Body & Soul At The GOQii Trail Challenge | Kamal Chandran

GOQii Trail Challenge Kamal Chandran Imagine an event where each and every person has a unique tale to tell, despite having taken similar paths or adventures. Have you ever gone through it? We’re about to share the experience of Kamal Chandran, Group Head – HR at GOQii, who participated in the GOQii Trail Challenge, in her own words.  

Seeking A Challenge 

I recently took part in the GOQii Trail Challenge (GTC) Season 3 in December 2022. When I expressed my interest to participate in the trail challenge to my family,  their collective reaction was “Are you crazy to walk 50km in 18 hours?”

I was, however, excited to go for it. I was a new employee at GOQii and had heard so much about GTC that I wanted to experience it once. Restarted after a hiatus of two-years due to the pandemic, Season 3 of GTC attracted approx 200 participants. Everyone including the participants was excited. 

Since my husband Girish and I have been working very hard on our health objectives for the past two years and are constantly seeking new challenges, we decided to take part in the Trail, moreover, this was our first shot at a trekking challenge. 

The Challenge was to walk a distance of  50km within the 18 hour time limit. With absolutely no reference or clue of what was in store for me and how this would change my life, I went ahead with an open mind.

The Journey Begins 

The excitement started from the GOQii office on 9th December, a day prior to the challenge. A 6-hour fun bus ride got us talking with several other newbies and old-timers from whom we tried to gather courage and motivation. 

GOQii Trail Challenge Kamal 2On arrival at the basecamp (Blue Green Exotica) at Mandangad, the mood was festive and colourful. The atmosphere was chill with plenty of music & camaraderie accompanied by instructions, route maps, signs and the likes that spruced up my vibes to commit full-on. 

More often than not, our inhibitions come into play in such situations. It led me to think “I’ll be happy if I complete the 50K, but even if I don’t, I’ll still enjoy and cherish this unique experience”. After a good ‘Get to know the Trail’ instruction-led session, we retired early to bed only to wake up early and prepare to embark on our 50km trail challenge.

The following day, we started our trek 25 minutes late at 5.25 am as our preparations for the long day of walking had caught us unaware of the timings. This was despite us waking up as early as 3am. We had neatly taped our toes and heels to avoid any blisters, and applied all sorts of skin precautions as recommended by the GOQii team and co-walkers whom we met the previous eve. 

We also learnt a lot about the importance of hydration while walking for a long time. Our day packs were filled with all the necessary accompaniments like ORS ( Electrolytes) , dry fruits, various creams, band-aids etc.

GTC Kamal Chandran The entire route was meditative for me since I was fully present in my body, mind, and soul. We had forgotten to carry a stick that was advised to better navigate the terrain. However, on the way I picked up a suitable bamboo stick that came in handy. From one checkpoint to the next, we enjoyed the journey, terrain and the beautiful nature that surrounded us.  

We came across many pasture-like dry river beds, meadows, steep hillocks and scantily populated villages, all surrounded by the beautiful Sahyadri mountains that were visible at a distance, its ranges resembling concentric circles and reflecting the sunshine presenting the flora and fauna in vibrant colours.  

GOQii Trail Challenge KamalAfter encountering multiple challenges and enabling our various faculties and strategies to overcome them, we managed to cover a distance of 40km in 14 hours, quite slowly but successfully. 

Lessons Learned At the GOQii Trail Challenge 

We had to abandon the trek at Checkpoint 4 as the time required for the next steep climb was too much and the trail only seemed to incline further. 

Despite not having completed the trail, as I reflect back, I have the following thoughts which I would like to share with all of you. Here are my learnings from the GOQii Trail Challenge:   

  1. The entire walk was reflective and a repetition of life as an uphill and downhill path. Therefore, we need to be mindful and utilize every chance to enjoy it.
  2. Keep in mind that time is of the essence, enjoy the diversion but don’t get carried away or distracted
  3. Teamwork is crucial; we enjoyed supporting one another and getting to know new individuals. Savour the experience. Celebrate the collaborations.
  4. All obstacles are inside your thoughts, but if you don’t dwell on them and keep moving forward, you may perform extraordinary feats. For example, my friends and family were shocked that I could walk/trek  40km when they had anticipated that I would barely manage 10km
  5. Pay attention to your body! I was under the impression that I was living a healthy lifestyle until I discovered that I need to have enough rest and the correct nutrients to be successful in challenges of this sort.
  6. Spending time in nature will improve your physical and mental well-being. While meditating in Mandangad Fort, I felt the sun, wind, and soil coming together. (I spent almost 45 minutes just meditating – which probably explains the delay in reaching check point 3) 
  7. Every second or every step was different, therefore, we had to evolve according to how challenging the terrain and our bodies were. Stop overthinking, just be mindful of each and every step/moment.

The GOQii Trail Challenge will have a lasting impression on me. I’ve heard many tales and learned how people overcame numerous hurdles. We have witnessed the happiness of trekking 50km on one’s 50th birthday and heard tales of pain and mishaps. The trail profoundly affected our body, mind, and soul. The experience was so fantastic that it cannot be adequately described in words; it must be lived.

GTC Kamal Chandran Work can be worship for some people, while for others it means earning their daily bread. I have observed my transformation from a means to worship over the past 20 years. I have had the good fortune to collaborate with a number of outstanding organisations and executives as I develop into a powerful and ardent HR professional. 

Even though I’ve attended and participated in a lot of organisational events and programmes, the GOQii Trail Challenge event which was organised so well by the experts at GOQii stood out in numerous ways. Our commitment to our goal in everything we do, our ability to keep our stakeholders directly involved in it, and the experience we offer to all of our GOQii Players & GOQiites are some of our main differentiators.

I’m happy to be associated with GOQii, whose mission is to inspire people to live healthy lives for which we have developed an ecosystem for preventative healthcare that helps, teaches, and inspires them. I am all geared up for my next experience through GCC event ie. GOQii Corporate Challenge.

#BeTheForce

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]