GOQii

Blog

Archives for May 2024

By 1 Comment

Tips to eat healthy and stay healthy while vacationing!

beach-coast-flip-flops

Summer months is at its peak and the end of school sessions and the start of holidays! Many of us opt for a vacation to unwind. Going on vacation is an exciting time! It is a time to relax and enjoy your time off. However, the change in your routine can affect your eating habits so it’s important to plan ahead. Here are some tips to fully enjoy your vacation and stay healthy on it as well:

  1. Carry healthy snacking options with you. Homemade roasted peanuts, chana, figs, dates, fresh fruits, seed trail-mix, baked soya chips, almonds, and walnuts, energy bars made with simple ingredients such as jaggery, peanuts, nuts and dates!
  2. If you can’t avoid outside food then be mindful of portion sizes and have lesser portions of calorie-rich foods like rice and pasta.
  3. Follow the plate rule. Always pick up a quarter plate for your major meals. That will ensure that you don’t overfill your plate. Follow the thumb rule: Always fill half your plate with fruits and veggies.
  4. Many restaurants/hotels have buffet food stations where food can be cooked to your liking. Ask for a stir-fry with lots of vegetables served with a tomato or garlic sauce/olive oil dressing.
  5. If your room has a mini fridge, pick up some fresh fruit and raw veggies at the local grocery store. Pack whole grain, high fibre cereal and a few re-usable/disposable cups, bowls and spoons. Now you have the ingredients for a fast and healthy meal.
  6. Always carry a bottle of cold water in your bag. Vacations can add more hours of sun-time than you are used to which can dehydrate you, having a water bottle handy helps you prevent any heat stroke, dehydration. For extra flavour, add fresh berries, mint leaves or slices of orange, lemon, lime or cucumber. Try having more of local refreshing drinks like coconut water, kokam etc.
  7. Post your meals squeeze half a lemon in plain drinking water and drink on! Will be a good digestive drink and will help you keep light!
  8. Avoid picking up salads with heavy/creamy dressings and go for simple, green salad, fresh sliced raw veggies like cucumber, tomato, beetroot and carrots.
  9. Choose the GPRS rule which opts for more of grilled, poached, roasted and steamed foods rather than picking foods which are deep fried.
  10. While eating at a buffet, browse all the items and pick only 3-4 best items that will make way to your plate and stomach for that meal. Avoid tasting too many things, or overloading your plate with more food.
  11. Enjoy fresh fruits for dessert. Try the local, seasonal fresh fruit such as mangoes, jackfruit, papayas and pineapples. Treat yourself to a sweet dessert only once in a while, or split dessert with a friend.
  12. Always enjoy the local cuisine and fresh foods available rather than choosing your preferred foods. Give a visit to local markets. They are the ideal place to get a real experience of local culture. It is also a great place to find fresh, flavorful, whole foods, traditional food items. They are always fresh and bubbling with healthy nutrients.
  13. Limit your alcohol intake and opt for more of healthier drinks. Alcohol can dehydrate you and make you lethargic the next day. Choose more of water-based drinks rather than opting for soda.
  14. After a tiring sightseeing day and lots of outside eating, de-stress your body with a cup of warm lemon water, or a cup of green tea easily available in hotel rooms. You can also carry some carom seeds with you and drink warm ajwain water (carom seeds) before dozing off!
  15. Look for sports or recreational activities around your destination. Swimming, tennis, hiking, trekking, kayaking, cycling, or a simple walk around can help you have some adventure and stay active through your holiday.

Going on a vacation is a great time to enjoy a relaxing time with friends and family. Staying on track with healthy eating is easy when you plan ahead and choose wisely. Hope these tips help you stay healthy, fit and enjoy your holidays to the max! Do let us know how you manage to stay healthy on a vacation in the comments below! You can find more tips such as this one, here. You can also get these healthy tips directly from a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

By 1 Comment

10 Dietary Changes That Can Help Manage Diabetes

manage diabetesDiabetes – the one word that makes your mind wander in so many directions! You find yourself asking questions like: Will this last for ever? Will I ever get better? How can I manage my diabetes? Well, these are smart questions that anyone should ask. And, yes, you can and will get better! You just need to make a few tweaks in your lifestyle and you should be fine.

While it may seem like an insurmountable hurdle or a wall that cannot be breached, there are thousands of diabetics with good testimonies. Aged people who have lived with diabetes so much so that they sometimes forget that they have diabetes. How can this be your testimony? Well, the pointers below show some of the things you can do to kickstart your own journey to overcome diabetes.

Of course it’s not going to be easy to let go of all your favorite meals. But, no one is saying you have to get rid of them all at once. You’ve just got to be smart about it. Do not make diabetes “complex”,  make eating “complex” to keep diabetes “simple”. Just as in everything else, a lot of effort has to go into your overall lifestyle if you are to conquer diabetes. Just be conscious and you’ll make headway. To eliminate diabetes, take a step towards improving your eating habits and you’ll feel a lot better generally.

Some Dietary Changes To Help You Manage Diabetes

1. Eat Complex To Live Simple: Eating complex doesn’t mean you have to stop eating everything. It simply means you have to make your carbs complex over simple ones, as these are the best type of carbohydrates for diabetics. Complex carbohydrates digest slowly and maintain steady glucose levels in the body.

2. Make fiber an important part of your diet: Fiber refers to plant-based food that slows down the breaking of carbohydrates and keeps you full for longer periods of time. Yes, fiber can go a long way in improving your situation. You don’t have to go over and under in search of fiber rich foods. You can get your fiber fix by following these simple tips:

  • Do not sieve the flour
  • Eat whole fruits over a glass of juice
  • Choose whole grains and whole pulses
  • Eat more vegetables
  • Do not peel the edible portion of the fruit for example – apple, guava, pear, peaches
  • Make soups and salads your best friends

3. Choose healthier versions of your favorite food

Instead of these Choose these
White bread Brown bread
Normal roti Bran roti/multigrain roti
Meat Fish
Normal rice/parboiled rice Brown rice
Sugary or flavored cornflakes Plain cornflakes/oats
Sugar Jaggery/honey
Mayonnaise veg sandwich Hungcurd vegetable sandwich
Normal chocolate Dark chocolate
Creamy cheesy dip Salsa dip
Whole milk Skimmed milk
Salted nuts Unsalted nuts
Soda Salted fresh lime
Potato sticks Raw veggie sticks
Fried chicken Grilled chicken
White pasta Whole wheat pasta
Fruit juices Whole fruits

It surely can be very difficult to do away with all your favorite meals. Instead of doing away totally, you can instead opt for close alternatives as shown above. Choose the healthier version of your favorite meals and you’ll thank yourself for it.

4. Say “NEVER AGAIN” to Trans-fat: Trans-fat is basically obtained chemically by the hydrogenation of oils. It will make your condition worse! To avoid trans-fats, avoid chips, cookies, pastries and margarine. Incorporate healthy fats by following these simple methods:

  • Introduce olive oil or rice bran over butter or ghee
  • Remove the skin from chicken before cooking it
  • Prefer healthy ways of cooking such as grilling, baking and roasting over frying
  • Enhance flavour of food by using more of herbs and spices instead of oil. It will not only give you good taste but also prevent you from consuming extra oil as well as provide you the benefits of antioxidants
  • Prefer fish over red meat as it is full of good fat
  • Eat fish 2 or 3 times week instead of red meat
  • Use hung curd as dressing instead of mayonnaise
  • Prefer baked chips over fried ones

5. Choose Low-glycemic index foods: Glycemic Index refers to the rate at which a particular food raises our blood glucose levels. Foods with high GI spike our blood glucose level and vice-a-versa. Again, fiber is your hero! Fiber rich foods have lower glycemic index – another reason why you should take them.

Some Low GI Sources include whole nuts, whole cereals, cherries, oatmeal, apple, vermicelli, whole dals, prunes, plain yoghurt, soymilk, whole milk, peaches, channa dal and peanuts.

6. Eat small but frequently: The logic here is, heavy meals spike our glucose levels. So small frequent meals will keep our metabolism high, while maintaining glucose levels.

7. Walking and Exercise are your best friends: Exercise is important as it helps to maintain your ideal Body Weight which is very important for diabetics. Exercising helps your weight loss efforts, and is especially important in maintaining an ideal body weight.

8. Limit only high caloric fruits: Except for some fruits like mango, banana and chikoo, one can eat any fruit but  in prescribed amounts only.

9. Use functional foods in the diet: These foods provide “extra benefits” to your diet. Apart from nutrition, it provides you a number of benefits. Functional foods are full of antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids and are also rich in fiber. Some of them include mustard seeds, flax seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, cinnamon, cloves and chia seeds.

10. Before sleeping ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I taking too much of alcohol? If the answer is no, then you are okay
  • Am I taking medication properly? If yes, give yourself a pat on the back
  • My feet are clean? No? Then rush to the bathroom!
  • Am I feeling stressed? If your answer is yes? Chill with music and take deep breaths. Remember nothing comes at the cost of your health and ensure you feel some relief.
  • Have I checked my weight?
  • Did I walk for 45 minutes today? If yes, you’ve done well. Feel good about it because you are on track to manage diabetes
  • Now, time for sleep…Proper timing is essential. Get good sleep.

You can manage diabetes by living healthy. Eating in moderation and eating healthy can go a long way in giving you really good results!

We hope this article helps you manage diabetes effectively. For more help to manage diabetes, get the right guidance and motivation by certified experts, join the GOQii Diabetes Care program. It’s India’s only diabetes program that is driven by Smart Science and Personal Coaching to improve Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP), reduce HbA1c levels. You can subscribe here: https://store.goqii.com/diabetescare.

To read more on how to manage Diabetes, check out Healthy Reads.

Let’s #DefeatDiabetes and #BeTheForce!

By 131 Comments

Sugarcane and its 10 benefits

sugarcane

I seldom know a person who hates Sugarcane and does not crave for Sugarcane juice when thirsty. Sugarcane juice with ice is a hit among Mumbaiites. On a hot sultry afternoon have a glass of sugarcane juice and see how it rejuvenates and energises you. Sugarcane is known to provide energy and glucose to our body and gives us the strength to continue with our work. But, did you know that Sugarcane has many health benefits than just providing glucose to our body?

Sugarcane juice is not only like any other sweet juice but it has many other nutrients. Sugarcane juice is extracted from the cane and is nutritious and refreshing. It contains about 15 % natural sugar and is rich in organic salts and vitamins. The juice can also be used for drinking or sweetening. In hot summer days, it is a cooling drink. A little lime juice may be mixed in the juice to improve its flavour. 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUGARCANE JUICE

  1. The reason Sugarcane is a popular drink during summers is that it gives an instant kick of energy and quenches the thirst. Sugarcane juice is a good source of glucose which as we know, helps to re-hydrate the human body and gives it a boost of energy. So instead of your artificial energy drink, the next time you feel fatigued or dehydrated, consider drinking a glass of cane juice.
  1. Even though cane juice tastes very sweet and has high sugar content, it is good for diabetic patients. It contains natural sugar which has a low glycemic index that prevents a steep rise in blood glucose levels in diabetics, so it can act as a substitute for aerated drinks for them. However, people with Type-2 diabetes should consume it in moderation and after consultation with their doctors.
  1. Sugarcane juice is considered an alkaline forming food because of the high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese in it. Diseases like cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment and that’s why studies show that it is effective in fighting cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer.
  1. As sugar cane juice boosts protein levels in the body, it helps in maintaining the health of the kidney. Taken in a diluted form, with lime juice and coconut water, sugar cane juice helps in reducing the burning sensation which is commonly associated with urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, kidney stones and prostatitis.
  1. The antioxidants in sugarcane juice help to fight infections and boost the immune system of the body. It also protects the liver against infections and helps in keeping the bilirubin levels in control. This is one of the reasons that doctors’ advice jaundice patients to drink sugar cane juice, as it is one of the few things that gets easily digested and does not put any pressure on the liver and also helps in reducing the bilirubin levels.
  1. Sugarcane juice also acts a good digestive aid due to the presence of potassium. It helps in keeping the digestive system in good shape, prevents stomach infections and is considered to be particularly useful in treating the problem of constipation.
  1. Studies show that sugarcane juice protects against tooth decay and bad breath due to its high mineral content. So save yourself the next trip to the dentist and drink a glass of fresh sugarcane juice to get shiny white teeth.
  1. Deficiency of nutrients in the body can easily be noticed by looking at the health and condition of your nails. If you have brittle discoloured nails that have white spots on them, then it’s time to add sugarcane juice to your diet. It contains everything to give you those strong shiny nails that would look pretty even without a nail polish.
  1. Sugarcane juice has been discovered to be good for those people who are struggling with febrile disorders. Febrile disorders result in fevers, which can lead to seizures and loss of proteins in the body. It is quite common in infants and children. Sugarcane juice helps in compensating the lost protein and helps in recovery.
  2. When it comes to healthy skin, alpha hydroxy acids are supposed to have a lot of benefits. They fight acne, reduce blemishes, prevent ageing and help in keeping the skin hydrated. One of the most effective alpha hydroxy acids is glycolic acid and sugarcane, is one of its few natural sources. Just apply sugar cane juice to your skin and let it dry or add it to your favourite face mask and scrub. Use it regularly to see the effect.

While the advantages of sugarcane juice are many, it is essential to ensure that it is extracted in a hygienic manner. It’s also important to use and consume the juice as soon as it is extracted because it tends to get oxidized within 15 minutes.

So Sugarcane is not only beneficial for your health but also good for your skin. It’s a miracle drink for a healthy lifestyle which is also tasty. Let go of those artificial drinks and soft drinks and go for ‘Sugarcane Juice’. But, be safe and drink it keeping the hygiene conditions in mind.

We hope this article helps you. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

By Leave a Comment

Hidden benefits of used tea bags

tea bags under the eye

Tea is Indians favourite beverage. Tea is known for many beneficial properties that it contains. Whether it is black tea or green tea or white tea…there are numerous health, home and cosmetic benefits attached to tea. Tea bags once used do not necessarily need be thrown away in the trash once they have been dunked and seeped into the boiling water and milk if you are using any.

Let me share a couple of hidden benefits of used tea bags

  1. Tea bags for your eyes: The number of antioxidants present in tea makes it ideal when it comes to banishing those dark circles. After use, you can freeze these tea bags and press it on to your eyes for few minutes the next day. This will help in lightening the area and reducing the puffiness under the eye.
  1. Tea bags for food flavouring: You can use tea bags to flavour the dishes too. This can be used as a robust condiment with pasta, grains, and chicken. You can use these tea bags in the water which will be used to boil grains and pasta so that the flavour can get infused in these ingredients. You can use flavoured tea bags like chamomile and cinnamon to make a difference to the dish that you are preparing.
  1. Tea bags in the garden: In a large garden or small pots, you can use tea bags in the water used for watering plants. This will help in preventing the onset of any kind of fungal infection as far as the plants go.
  1. Tea bags to deal with odours: Tea bags can be placed in muslin clothes and hung on rods and placed in corners to acts as deodorising agent. You can place these tea bags in the refrigerator too so that you can eliminate the various scents and odours that are not too pleasant.
  1. Tea bags for cleaning: You can use tea bags to clean your rugs and carpets. These can be frozen before they are opened and the dried tea leaves can be spread over the various stains before being brushed away. This will lighten the stains gradually. Use the teabags to rub furniture and floor scratches to make them disappear.
  1. Tea bags for healing sores: Chill a used tea bag in the freezer. Once it’s cold, place it on your canker sore. The cold plus the tea’s healing properties will help your sore feel better faster.
  1. Tea bags for stopping bleeding on cuts: When a kitchen injury strikes while slicing and dicing, staunch the blood flow fast by saturating a black tea bag with hot water, then holding it against the injury for 30 seconds. The tannins in the tea will quickly clot the blood so you can cover the cut with a bandage and get back to whipping up your delicious dinner.
  1. Tea bags to keep iron vessels rust proof: To make sure that your skillet stays rust-free by wiping it with a damp used black tea bag after every cooking session. The tea’s tannins will coat the pan with an invisible protective layer that prevents rust-causing oxidation.

Don’t discard those used tea bags just yet! Embrace their hidden potential and explore the multitude of ways they can enhance your life, from skincare to household chores. Give these inventive uses a try and make the most out of every cup of tea. We hope this article helps you. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

Transforming Health and Life: Dhiren Matani’s Inspirational Journey to Wellness

In the face of persistent health challenges, Dhiren Matani, (43), an entrepreneur from Mumbai, embarked on a journey of resilience and transformation. Battling weight issues and a heart condition for some years, he refused to succumb to the daunting odds. Through sheer determination, he took control of his health at the right time by adopting […]

A Game Developer’s New Game: Aditya Gaikwad’s Journey to Wellness

For years, he grappled with the burden of being overweight and the subsequent aches and pains. Owing to his hectic work schedule, he never focused on his health or did anything that was healthy. Unhealthy eating, drinking, and stress became the norm. Due to the persisting pain, he decided to turn his life around. Aditya […]

Prioritizing Health: Kuntal Goswami’s Post-Pandemic Pursuit of Wellness

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for individuals to recognize the significance of their health and well-being. It prompted people to adopt healthier lifestyles, prioritize self-care, and be proactive in taking preventive measures to protect themselves and others. This is true for our player Kuntal Goswami, who, after the coronavirus hit India, realized […]