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6 Tricks To Help You Make Exercise A Habit

exercise a habitMore often than not, when you’ve begun a new exercise routine to get in shape, your intentions don’t often match your actions. You begin to realize there’s a big gap between having an intention of achieving something and actually doing the work to fulfil that intention. There’s no need to beat yourself about it. There’s always a way to bridge that gap. Let’s look at a few tricks that can help you make exercise a habit!  

How to Make Exercise a Habit 

  1. Set a Goal and Send a Reminder to Yourself: I wanted to exercise because I always wanted to stay fit like a soldier – this was my goal. I set a reminder on my phone for 5 AM as “Stay fit like a soldier “. This served as my morning alarm as well. Setting a goal where you remind yourself everyday will never let you sleep without ensuring that you exercised that day. 
  2. Challenge a Friend: The day you plan to start exercising, challenge your friend. I texted my friend, “hey, in the next 30 days, I am going to increase my stamina from 6/10 to 10/10 “. Believe me, your friend will never let you forget that you need to exercise daily.
  3. Use the 21/90 Rule: This rule says that It takes 21 days to create a habit. It takes 90 days to create a lifestyle. You just don’t skip a day for 21 straight days. In these 3 weeks, exercise will become your habit. And once you are able to do it, you will continue doing it for another 90 days.
  4. Reward Yourself With 1 Rest Day: Keep 1 day as your ”rest day “. This is important for your muscle recovery too.
  5. Make It Pleasurable: The music of your choice will do the magic! You will love your exercise without getting bored. This is actually something I do and enjoy a lot.  
  6. Take Baby Steps: Last but the most useful trick – When I started exercising, I had full “josh”, I forgot to count the sets and reps and just exercised with lots of energy. I had in mind, the more I will do, the sooner I will get the results. But the reverse happened. I had no energy for Day 2. So, this served as a lesson – doing too much, in the beginning, leads to burnout; which may lead to quitting the habit. So, the key is, start with light intensity exercises for 15-30 minutes in the beginning. Our only aim is to be regular. “One workout at a time. One day at a time. One meal at a time“ – Chalene Johnson.

Now that you’re aware of these simple tricks, let’s aim at making exercise a habit! Enjoy your exercise to enjoy the glow of good health.

If this article helped you, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. You can read more articles on motivation and fitness here. If you want to be consistent or begin working out, get the right guidance from an expert through a live, interactive, fun-fueled session on GOQii PRO. Book a class now through the GOQii App.  

#BeTheForce! 

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Eat These Berries To Boost Your Immunity & Improve Your Health

berries to boost immunityBefore we delve into which berries can help you boost your immunity, let’s understand what immunity is. It can be defined as a complex biological system associated with the capacity to recognize and tolerate whatever belongs to our system, and to recognize and reject what is foreign or outside material. Many cells, along with the lymphatic system, play an important role in maintaining the Immunity of our body. Some types of white blood cells, like phagocytes and lymphocytes help the body remember the invaders and destroy them.

How Does the Immune System Work?

When the body senses foreign substances (called antigens), the immune system works to recognize the antigens and get rid of them. B lymphocytes are triggered to make antibodies. Phagocytes do the phagocytosis (invade foreign substance). After they’re made, antibodies usually stay in our bodies in case the same germ attacks our body again. This is the reason why when someone gets sick with a disease, like chickenpox, they usually won’t get sick from it again.

How Do Berries Boost Immunity? 

Berries appear to have immune-boosting benefits due to their polyphenol content, a type of plant antioxidant that gives berries like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, elderberries, raspberries and gooseberries their vibrant color. Polyphenols are linked with preventing cell damage and they interact with our gut bacteria to reduce inflammation, enhancing immune response, this in turn, plays an important role in the prevention of underlying inflammatory conditions, like cancer.

Some berries that can help one improve immunity, which are readily available in India include: 

  • Elderberry: Eating elderberry is a natural way to improve your immunity. They contain strong antioxidants and vitamins which makes them helpful in keeping inflammation at bay and they also help reduce stress levels. Notably, inflammation and stress are two major factors behind a weak immune system. Consuming elderberries daily can protect you against various cardiovascular disorders as well.
  • Blueberry: These berries are known as immunity boosting superfoods. Blueberries are rich in an antioxidant called flavonoids. They help in limiting damage to the body cells and improve immune function. Moreover, blueberries are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium, which are associated with strong immunity.
  • Strawberry: They contain antioxidants and also have vitamin C, which can keep you healthy. It can also help you get rid of the flu and cold. Moreover, its ability to fight against free radicals in the body can make your immune system strong. Its nutritional value for heart patients is very good as it is low in LDL.
  • Blackberry: They contain vitamin A, which serves several functions in the body, which includes supporting the immune system. Apart from that, it also supports the growth and maintenance of teeth and bones, as well as keeping skin healthy. It can also help you maintain healthy eyes.
  • Cranberries: They are a good source of Vitamins C, K, A and have strong antioxidant properties. It can not only help you boost the immune system, but can also work against cardiovascular diseases and inflammation. Cranberries also benefit oral health, as the vitamins prevent bacteria from damaging teeth. They are very high in fiber as well, which can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Some others include Mulberry, which acts as a blood cleanser, grapes which are good for healthy skin and gooseberry is a heart healthy food! Make it a habit to include berries in your diet in order to overcome and lower the risk of several diseases. 

We hope this article helps you choose berries which boost your immunity and improve your health! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

You can browse through more articles on nutrition here. Additionally, you can also get this information directly from a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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Two Thumbs Up For Summer Salads!

summer saladsSummer is here and as the weather is only going to get hotter, it’ll take a lot more effort to stay hydrated especially if you’re spending long hours outside. Continuous exposure to high temperature and humidity without any rest and fluids can lead to lack of energy, dizziness headache, weakness and sometimes severe cramps and fluid retention. Instead of eating heavy and hot food, you need something light – like some good summer salads!

But before we go over how you can make your summer salads, let’s explore the ingredients we can use!

What Can You Eat During Summer? 

During this time of the year, our body needs more raw and cooling foods to help nourish and hydrate our cells. Apart from being chilled and high in water content, they also provide fiber for easy digestion and help eliminate toxins from the body.

Do you know that there are hydrating foods that provide about 20–25% of our daily water intake and it’s important to consume these during summer. Some of them include:

  • Fruits: Watermelon, tomatoes (containing lycopene phytonutrient that will help protect skin from ultraviolet rays), grape fruit, pears, blueberries, pineapple (the bromelain in it has many health benefits especially in reducing cough) and cucumber.
  • Leafy Greens: Spinach (Vitamin A and C) for liver detoxification with high watery lettuce, celery is brilliant.
  • Carrots: They are high in water content as well as the beta carotene phytonutrient. It also makes the salad plate more colorful.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley, mint, cilantro, coriander and basil are fabulous for reducing headaches, toothaches, calming the nerves and sore throats.
  • Spices: Cinnamon, raw garlic and raw ginger will help in keeping cholesterol levels under check. Being anti-inflammatory in nature, they help you fight against high BP, cancer and diabetes. Pepper goes awesome with salad curbing acidity!
  • Healthy Fatty Acids & Proteins: Nuts like almonds (vitamin E and fiber), walnuts and flaxseeds provide that much needed omega 3 fatty acid boost. You may also add peanuts, cashews, pistachios and seeds like sesame, sunflower, chia(topmost hydrator) for variations.
  • Olive Oil: It is rich in MUFA (Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids) and can be added to the salad (the best form is the cold pressed virgin oil good for thyroid which also has phytonutrients). Canola, walnuts, avocado and walnut oil are wise picks for salad dressing too.
  • Lean Proteins: Quinoa, beans, chicken, legumes, chickpeas, paneer, lentils (folic acid rich providing vitamins and both soluble and insoluble fiber) should be added for muscle growth and repair.
  • Do not forget to sprinkle lime to keep it alkaline!

Summer Salads You Can Try 

Now that you are aware of which ingredients you can use, let’s go over on how you can use them.

1. Breakfast: Add some of the fruits mentioned above and mix them with yogurt. For breakfast, this is a great combination of carbs and proteins. If you are planning a long day out, you can combine your oatmeal with fruits like apple, pear and blueberry along with some nuts.

2. Morning snack: Apple/high watery fruit salad mixed with cinnamon, raisins and sprouts.

3. Lunch: Mix fresh fruits (carbs), vegetables (fiber), sprouts (proteins), beans and lentils.

You can also try using watermelon, tomato, onion, cheese mixed with salt, vinegar oil chilled with lettuce leaves and black pepper. You can also add kale and cabbage for a calorie dense meal.

Another alternative is adding watermelon, cucumber, bell peppers, spinach, avocado, lime and quinoa. Apart from complete proteins, this dish will also provide calcium and vitamins.

The best blend of salad for lunch would be vegetables, good carbs, lean proteins (beans, chicken, shrimp, tofu, cottage cheese) and healthy fats, adding in red onions will keep it anti–inflammatory and antioxidant-rich.

4. Dinner: Mix Quinoa, beans, lentils and chicken with red bell pepper and veggies. Sprinkle lime and add in herbs according to your taste. You may also add spices to make it interesting.

The salads will not only provide water, but will also keep you full for a longer period of time, helping you keep your weight in check. You can get creative with your salads too. Try designing a different recipe for every meal. I would say grab your salad bowl and create your fun, nutritious and delicious summer salad to re-energize yourself.

We hope this article on summer salads helps you beat the heat! Read more articles on how to stay healthy during summer here. You can also ask an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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Prebiotics and Probiotics: What’s the Difference?

Prebiotics and Probiotics - what's the difference

You may have heard of prebiotics and probiotics, but do you know the difference between the two? While they sound similar, prebiotics and probiotics have different roles in promoting gut health. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between prebiotics and probiotics, and how they work together to support your digestive system.

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that the human body can’t digest. Instead, they serve as food for the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut, helping to promote the growth and activity of these microbes. When prebiotics are fermented by the bacteria in your gut, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are important for maintaining gut health and supporting immune function.

Some examples of common prebiotics include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). These are found in a variety of foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, artichokes, whole grains, and legumes. Prebiotics are often used in conjunction with probiotics to promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to your gut health. These microbes can be found in certain foods or supplements, and are also naturally present in your gut. Probiotics help to promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in your gut, while also inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

Some examples of common probiotics include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, and Saccharomyces Boulardii. Probiotics are often added to foods such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, or can be taken in supplement form.

How Do Prebiotics and Probiotics Work Together?

Prebiotics and Probiotics work together to promote a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics provide the food that Probiotics need to thrive and multiply, while Probiotics help to balance the ratio of beneficial and harmful bacteria in your gut. By consuming both Prebiotics and Probiotics, you can support the growth of beneficial bacteria, improve digestion, and enhance immune function.

It’s worth noting that not all Probiotics and Prebiotics are created equal. Different strains of Probiotics and types of Prebiotics can have different effects on the gut microbiome, so it’s important to choose high-quality supplements such as these to improve your gut constitution.

If this article helped you, let us know your thoughts in the comments below! You can find more articles on nutrition and improving gut health here. 

You can also get this information and a lot more directly from a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here. 

#BeTheForce 

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