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January 12, 2023 By GOQii

3 Simple Ways to Strengthen Willpower and Achieve Goals

willpowerFrom personal experience, even you might have noticed that most resolutions to join the gym, eat a healthy diet or get proper sleep often go unfulfilled after the first month of the year. While we are often excited to start off a diet routine or make exercise a habit, it never works out for long. The enthusiasm wanes and by this time around, there’s barely enough willpower to pull through.

Understanding Willpower

It isn’t completely uncommon to eat healthy for a few days and then go back to indulging in cakes and cookies. Temptations are something that a human mind can seldom control. Temptations of any kind are a good way to test ourselves especially when trying to follow a strict diet regime. I often wonder what could come between an individual and his goal that could make it or break it.

When I decided to take up some diet or an exercise routine, I knew the benefits of it. I knew how to do it and what to do as well. Despite all this awareness, something wasn’t right. That triggered a thought in me… I came to realize that my willpower was less!

To achieve a difficult task, one needs tremendous willpower and having the willpower to overcome difficulties in health is paramount!

Most importantly, do not confuse willpower with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is something which can lead us to start a process but when the initial excited dies out, you’re back to square one! “Will” is the desire to make sure you are up to your goal and go through the process wholeheartedly to achieve that goal!

Studies have proven that taking small steps towards a large goal, structured in a sequence, strengthens practical approach. Once you know how to approach your goal practically, it becomes more easy. This in turn strengthens willpower. Procrastinating can hamper the will. If you know you have got to do something to achieve your goal, just go ahead, work on it and complete the task.

Here are some tips to strengthen your will:

1. Note Down Your Goal 

Write down your thoughts or goals. Making a list helps as a reminder to keep you on track towards your goal. Make sure you write it down where it is easily visible to you. Say for instance, a sticky note on your fridge reminding you of your goal or a note on your office soft board or your study which you frequent. Motivational quotes also help. There are many apps for motivational quotes that you can download on your tab or phone.

2. Meditate For 5 Minutes a Day

Sit up straight and focus your attention on your breath. When your mind wanders and you bring your attention back to breathing, you’ll be building willpower. When you are aware of what you are doing, you’re actually engaging the part of your brain you need for willpower. Rather than letting your impulses take over, you focus on your breathing. Meditation helps you practice self-awareness. As a bonus, deep slow breathing also helps strengthen self-control.

3. Get Enough Sleep

As you know, it is 7-8 hours of sleep daily for an adult, at least 9 for teens, and 10-12 for elementary and middle school kids. Sleep deprivation makes us susceptible to temptations and pulls us away from our goals. Self-control requires loads of brain power, and when we are tired, our bodies don’t tend to deliver enough glucose to our brain for it to get the willpower engine going.

In conclusion, remind yourself of what you really want rather than what you think you should want. Ask yourself frequently – “How do I want to feel?” Then visualize what you will lose if you give in to temptation.

We hope this article helps you build willpower and stick to your health and life goals! If you find any difficulty or need motivation to push through, our GOQii Coaches would be more than happy to help you out! You can get in touch with a GOQii Coach for guidance by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

You can also browse through some impressive success stories of individuals who improved their health by making some simple lifestyle changes by clicking here.

What are your health or life goals? Let us know in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

January 3, 2023 By GOQii 5 Comments

Why You Need To Consume More Water During Winter

consume more water during winterWinter can be a dreadful experience if you don’t have the resistance to withstand cold. While searching for things to keep us warm from the outside and within, consuming water is quite low on our winter checklist. But there are many reasons why you need to consume more water during winter – one of them being that we get more dehydrated during winter.

Why Do We Feel More Dehydrated During Winter? 

It’s a fact that we get more dehydrated in winter when compared to summer. This is because when the surrounding temperature drops, we cling to the heater or cover ourselves with layers of clothing to keep us warm. This artificial heat causes dehydration.

Though we do not sweat during this season, water vapor is still lost from our body through our breath. Winter can even accelerate dehydration because of the lifesaving mechanism that’s functional in our body which constricts our blood vessels in cold weather, in turn conserving heat and maintaining body temperature.

Shrinking blood vessels increase blood pressure, making our kidneys produce more urine which means less blood to fill in the veins and arteries and frequent visits to the loo, hence, increasing the risk of dehydration. Dehydration causes muscle fatigue, cramps, loss of coordination and even a stroke. A dehydrated body is easily prone to flu and winter cold.

Basically, during winters we refrain from having enough water. With the days being short, it makes us exercise less and our food intake grows. When our body is well hydrated, its efficiency to break down fat for energy increases so that we have better control of our appetite.

The other concern is that of water retention due to the body not being well hydrated during winter. This takes place when our body starts feeling the scarcity of water and it starts holding back water leading to water retention.

How do I know if I am dehydrated? – Thirst is our body’s way of saying “I am on the verge of dehydration”. You can even be watchful of how clear or light colored your urine is. If it is dark, hydrate immediately.

How Do I Consume More Water During Winter?

  1. Drink Warm Water: 90% of the excuses that we give for not having water in winter is that it makes us feel cold. The best solution here is to drink lukewarm water, which would not only soothe your throat but will also replenish your water stores while boosting your metabolism
  2. Balance Tea and Coffee With Water: Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics (they cause us to lose more water through urine), so try to have a glass of water before having your evening tea/coffee. Have another glass after a few mins of after having your tea/coffee This way, we can replenish our body’s water store.
  3. Include Water Based Food In Your Menu: Vegetables and fruits are naturally rich in water, which also provide vital minerals and vitamins. Soups are the best way to go! Try this Chilli Bean Soup to keep you warm: https://goqii.com/blog/chilli-bean-soup/
  4. Drink Water Throughout Your Exercise: Make it a point to have water before, during and after your exercise. Due to the cold climate, there are very fewer chances of sweating too much or feeling too thirsty, mind it your body needs it!
  5. Make Water Interesting: Many find drinking plain water very boring. If you are one of them, then you can add natural flavors to water (not free calories though) by adding some fruits or herbs which give the water some mild taste and make it delicious to sip on.

In conclusion, I would say be it summer, monsoon or winter, our body remains same through the year. So keep sipping and always stay hydrated! If you have difficulty keeping track of your water intake, you can log and track your daily water intake via the GOQii App as well as set reminders to drink water.

We hope this article helps you consume more water. For more on staying healthy during winter, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

January 1, 2023 By GOQii 1 Comment

How To Stick To Your New Year Resolutions!

stick to your new year resolutionsA new year has begun and with it, its once again time to make new resolutions. We’re sure a lot of you have already penned down your new year resolutions but what are these new year resolutions? More often than not, it’s a promise that we make to ourselves or with our near and dear ones to kick one bad habit and imbibe a good change for a better future.

New Year Resolutions Could Be:

  • Weight loss
  • Get fit and regular exercise
  • Eating healthy
  • Joining yoga class
  • Giving up smoking
  • Quitting excessive alcohol consumption
  • Playing a sport

Largely, I have noticed that most resolutions are around health and lifestyle. What is difficult though is to stick to the resolution made. It’s not easy to keep the enthusiasm going week after week. Especially when you have never played a sport or been active in the past. It’s not easy to maintain the same motivation levels throughout the year. Discipline is hard to come by. Most people don’t feel motivated enough and they give up within few days. It takes focus, planning and determination to stick to resolutions made. It takes the same amount of time to change a particular habit.

Tips To Stick To Your New Year Resolutions 

Golden Rule: Make your goal achievable and do not aim for goals which are too difficult to achieve

  • Once you have decided on your achievable resolution, write it down. Writing it down makes a greater connection between your thinking self and doing self. This makes the resolution more real than it is only in your head.
  • Change one behaviour at a time. Replacing unhealthy behaviours with healthier ones requires time.
  • Fitness cannot be your short-term goal.
  • If you want to eat junk food, think what are the benefits you will derive from it. It’s the same as thinking before making any financial investments. Occasionally you can include a piece of Pizza or a burger but not daily.
  • If you are looking to reduce 20kg then achieve the target by reducing 2-3kg a month. It is not practical to lose 20kg in 2 months because it took years to accumulate all that fat and it will only go away slowly.
  • If you want to quit smoking and you are smoking 20 sticks a day, then reduce it gradually. You cannot stop immediately because it will take some time for your body and mind to adapt to the change.
  • If you intend to start working out, yoga or any other activity in the morning then begin with 3 days a week instead of 7 days a week.
  • For working out, most have the issue of waking up early. Try to start at a time comfortable to you. If you wake up daily at 8am but plan to start working out at 5am then it will seldom happen because your circadian system will take time to adjust. Instead try to wake up at 7 am which is practical and you will continue for a long time.
  • Be positive while thinking about your achievable goal. Instead of saying I cannot do something, say I feel much better doing this.
  • Always tell your near and dear ones about your resolution and seek their support in order to successfully achieve your goal.
  • Review your progress and reward yourself on the first target achieved

Lastly, we would say do not wait for anything. Every day is a new day. Start working on your resolution immediately. There is the famous saying, “Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do it today and whatever you want to do today, do it now!”

Go right ahead and work on your New Year Resolutions. If you have already penned them down and want the right guidance and motivation, reach out to an expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr 

#BeTheForce of 2023!

December 23, 2022 By GOQii Leave a Comment

4 Healthy Recipes For Christmas & New Year Celebrations!

4 Healthy Recipes for Christmas and New Year'sFestivities always cause a dilemma in terms of what to eat, what to avoid and how much to eat. It’s seldom hard to resist good food. But if you have health goals to adhere to, and are looking for something nutritive, we’ve got you covered! Here are 4 healthy recipes for Christmas and New Year that you can try. They are easy to cook, delicious and absolutely healthy!

Let’s get started!

4 Healthy Recipes For Christmas & New Year 

1. Gourmet Almond Eyes (Almond Cookies)

Whether it is for someone you love, for your granny or your family and friends, these nutritious almond, jam-filled cookie bites will prove to your loved ones how much you care about them and their health.

Ingredients (For about 40 cookies)

  • 1/4 organic lemon
  • 200g (8 oz)  flour
  • 150g (6 oz)  butter
  • 100g (4 oz)  sugar
  • 1/2 pack  vanilla sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 100g (4 oz)  ground almonds
  • 175g (7 oz)  jam

Method:

  1. Grate the lemon rind. Knead it with flour, butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, the egg and the almonds to form a smooth dough.
  2. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas 4). Roll out the dough thinly in portions between two sheets of grease-proof paper. Cut out the biscuits. Cut out holes in the center of half of them. Bake on a baking tray lined with grease-proof paper for about 12 minutes.
  3. After they cool off, spread jam (e.g. strawberry jam) on those without holes. Place the biscuits with the holes on top. Optionally, sprinkle with icing sugar.

Facts:
Preparation: 45 minutes
Baking: 12 minutes
Calories per cookie: 60 kcal

2. Christmas Apple Cake

Eating an apple a day in winter provides many benefits for our health. The yellowish flesh in nectarines is rich in bioflavonoids, especially carotenoids. These pigments are antioxidants that can help protect you against cancer and other diseases by reducing the cellular damage that is caused when the body burns oxygen. The antioxidant in nectarine which includes vitamin A, vitamin C and beta-carotene can prevent cancer and oral cancer.

Apple also helps one reduce weight – nectarines are low in calorie fruit, which makes it a perfect food for people who want to lose weight. It contains fewer calories with no saturated fat, fibers in apples suppress hunger and aids in weight loss.

If you are thinking what to make this Christmas and for your New Year’s Eve party, here is a recipe for Apple Cake that is moist and yummy with a rich sweet butter sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 medium tart apples, peeled and grated.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg

Method:

  1. In a mixing bowl put cream, butter and sugar and then beat in an egg and vanilla.
  2. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
  3. Stir in apples and walnuts. Pour into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  5. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in sugars and cream.
  6. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  7. Reduce heat and keep it on simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over warm cake.

3. Chicken and Bell Pepper Tomato Chilli Stir Fry

Ingredients: 

  • Chicken breast – 2
  • Salt and pepper – 1
  • Cake flour – 1
  • Red chilli pepper – 1
  • Vegetable oil – 2 Tsp
  • Vinegar- 1 tbsp
  • Sweet chilli sauce – 2 tbsp
  • Ketchup – 2 tbsp
  • Bell pepper

Methods: 

  1. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper and flour.
  2. Coat a frying pan with vegetable oil, add the red chilli pepper and fry the chicken until golden.
  3. Add the vinegar and steam the chicken.
  4. Chop the bell peppers into 2 cm pieces, add to the frying pan and fry.
  5. Season with the sweet chilli sauce and ketchup.

Benefits of Chicken: Chicken is a great low-fat source of protein and the B vitamin niacin. Protein  is often used in cutting diets and it’s good source of lean protein

4. Christmas Baked Brown Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is for those who love homemade food as it has the appeal of homemade comfort food!

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 beaten eggs
  • 1/3 cups raisins
  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:

  1. Place uncooked rice in a 3-quart saucepan, and add water. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  4. In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
  5. Stir in rice and raisins.
  6. Pour into a baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes; stir pudding and sprinkle with nutmeg.
  7. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until a knife inserted halfway between the edge and the center comes out clean.
  8. Enjoy your warm pudding.

Servings per Recipe: 11

Benefits of brown rice:

  • It lowers the risk of developing diabetes
  • It’s high in fiber
  • It’s a good source of magnesium and selenium
  • It can prevent weight gain
  • It can lower cholesterol
  • It offers many cardiovascular benefits
  • It reduces the risk of childhood asthma
  • It promotes bone health.

And that’s all! Do try these healthy recipes for Christmas and New Year’s and share your pictures with us on social media by tagging GOQii. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

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