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Manage Diabetes With These Lifestyle and Nutritional Tips

By this point, we are all well aware of the silent killer known as Diabetes. It is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which our body’s ability to utilize glucose from the blood lowers down. It is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by impaired ability of the body to produce or respond to insulin. Glucose is the main source of energy to the body’s cells and insulin is a hormone (which is produced by pancreas) that controls the level of glucose in the blood.

Types of Diabetes

  1. Type 1 Diabetes referred to as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, is a condition in which the pancreas produce little or no insulin. Such individuals require daily insulin injections. This type of diabetes generally affects children or adolescents.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes referred to as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, is a condition in which the insulin production may be normal or even high but the insulin produced is not as effective as normal insulin. This type of diabetes generally affects overweight or obese adults.
  3. Gestational Diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. Women with Gestational Diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

Factors Which Cause Diabetes

In order to manage Diabetes or eliminate it from our lives, we must understand the factors that cause it.

  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese has been identified as the number one risk factor for Diabetes. In fact, 80% of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight.
  • Cigarette Smoking: Cigarette smoke elevates the level of inflammation in your body. This increases the risk of diabetes in smokers as opposed to non-smokers. Smoking can also elevate the level of blood glucose in your body and hence, worsen your insulin resistance.
  • Physical Inactivity: It can increase your risk of diabetes, even if you are not overweight or obese. On the other hand, in case you are overweight or obese – physical activity can help you reduce your risk of diabetes.

Tips to Manage Diabetes

  • Medication: The first line of action to treat Type 2 diabetes is anti-diabetic medications, and/or oral or IV insulin administration. Generally, insulin therapy is prescribed for type 1 diabetes. However, only medicines will not be able to control your diabetes. There are several other attached conditions, which we will discuss further.
  • Quality Sleep: Sleep is extremely important to effectively manage diabetes. Reduced sleep or insomnia can result in hormone fluctuations which in turn leads to a spike in the blood glucose levels, leading to weight gain.
  • Regular Examination: If possible, monitor blood glucose levels regularly in order to ensure that everything is under control. Medication, stress, physical activity, other illnesses and the foods we eat can all impact our blood glucose levels.
  • Stress Management: Physical or mental stress can aggravate diabetes. The degree at which stress impacts our blood glucose levels varies from one person to another. Studies show that almost all kinds of stress leads to a blood sugar spike.
  • Regular Exercise: It not only has a multifold impact on controlling and even reversing diabetes, but also helps in burning fat and maintaining an optimum weight. Practicing any kind of exercise for at least thirty minutes a day can improve insulin sensitivity, help in maintaining blood glucose levels and even diminish the risk of developing heart diseases. Brisk walking, running, cycling, dancing, swimming and biking are some of the recommended exercises that can elevate heart rate and control diabetes.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of diabetes as it narrows blood vessels, raises blood glucose levels and leads to inflammations.

Nutritional Strategy to Manage Diabetes

Try these nutritional tips and strategies to manage Diabetes effectively

  • The distribution of carbohydrates, fats and protein in the diet should be such that it maintains blood glucose and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
  • Replacing saturated fat with healthy fats such as avocados, nuts and olive oil can reduce insulin resistance and consume lean proteins.
  • Take small frequent meals at regular intervals. Avoid large jumbo-sized meals.
  • Keep a watch on portion size as having too much food can also lead to weight gain and related problems.
  • 1 tsp of overnight soaked Fenugreek seeds or Fenugreek powder should be consumed every day in the morning or can be added with food.
  • Consume more complex carbohydrates than simple sugars as they breakdown and release glucose slowly in the bloodstream.
  • Fiber rich food like whole fruits, whole cereals, whole pulses, salads, sprouts, and green leafy vegetables to be added to the daily diet. Be sure to pick whole fruits over juices.
  • Avoid prepackaged, processed and sugar sweetened beverages completely.
  • Recent study shows consumption of Moringa Leaves, fruits, seeds or powder lowers Blood Sugar levels which in turn helps in reducing Cardiovascular Diseases. Roots of Moringa are to be avoided because of the toxic content.
  • Glycemic Index (GI) of foods is important in deciding whether to include them in the diet or not. Low GI foods are to be consumed to maintain blood glucose levels.

Food Selection As Per Glycemic Index

Food Groups Foods With Low GI

(Permitted in prescribed amount)

 Foods With High GI

(To be restricted)
Cereals Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, Pearl Millet (bajra), Sorghum (jowar), oats, Finger Millet (ragi), Cracked Wheat (dalia), brown rice, barley, whole wheat pasta, multigrain & whole wheat bread. Polished rice, white bread, Sago, All purpose flour, noodles, pasta, corn flakes, puffed rice.
Pulses All pulses can be consumed moderately. –
Vegetables Green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, mushroom, onion, green beans, carrot, green peas, capsicum, gourds, etc. Potato, Beetroot, sweet potato, yam, pumpkin, colocasia (arbi).
Fruits Apple, guava, orange, sweet lime, peach, papaya, pineapple, pomegranate, muskmelon etc. Dates, watermelon, plum, grapes, banana, sapodilla, mango, custard apple, canned fruits.
Nuts & oil seeds All nuts & oil seeds can be consumed but in moderate proportion. –
Milk & milk products Skim milk, cow’s milk, curd, buttermilk. Buffalo milk, full fat milk, cheese, cream.
Fats & oils MUFA-PUFA-SFA in the ratio 1:1:1 to be consumed but not more than 4 tsp/day.

MUFA- groundnut, mustard, linseed, olive, rice bran oil

PUFA- sunflower, safflower, soyabean, corn oil

SFA- Clarified Butter (ghee), butter, coconut oil

 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Vanaspati), Margarine, Mayonnaise.
Sugars – Sugar, honey, jaggery, sugarcane.
Snacks & desserts Roasted bengal gram (chana), makhana, popcorn (low fat), American corn, air fry snacks, steamed snacks. Ice cream, cold drink, pastries, patties, waffles, doughnuts, potato wafers, muffins, all fried and baked items

Diabetes is a disease which can be controlled if we are fully aware of its complications and by following strict dietary and lifestyle protocol. Our priority should be to monitor blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and ensure they are in control on a periodic basis to avoid complications in the future.

We hope this article helps you make a shift to a healthier lifestyle and manage diabetes effectively! Leave your thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on managing Diabetes, check out Healthy Reads.

For further 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), and reduce HbA1c levels. You can subscribe here.

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Foods To Eat During Navratri For Better Immunity

navratri fastingNavratri is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and the ways of celebrating it are different in each part. In North and Western India, 9 days of fasting is kept. In Southern India, fasting is not strictly followed but food is made omitting onion and garlic. In Bengal and other parts of Eastern India, along with fasting, Durga Puja is celebrated on a large scale. Also, the much awaited Gujarati special Dandiya and Garba is celebrated during Navratri. Navratri fasting rules vary in all the communities.

Along with fasting, it’s important to keep an eye on our immunity to ensure we stay healthy. Below is a list of foods that can be consumed during Navratri and will help in boosting immunity at the same time.

Foods For Immunity During Navratri Fasting 

Below is a list of foods which can be consumed during Navratri and will help in boosting immunity at the same time.

  1. Water chestnut flour (Singhare ka atta): Singhara is very beneficial because it has refreshing properties. It is rich in protein, iron and magnesium. It has antioxidant properties, treats urine infection, cures indigestion and nausea, relieves cough, helps to combat hypertension, improves the blood and is beneficial for the skin and hair. 
  2. Special rice for fasting made with Millets (Sama ke chawal): It is high in calcium, potassium, digestible fiber, phosphorus and amino acids. Sama Rice is gluten free and has less calories and sugar. Hence, it can be consumed by a diabetic person. It is also a rich source of minerals and vitamins, providing essential ingredients.
  3. Buckwheat flour (Kuttu ka atta): It is a rich source of B Vitamins which improve the skin health and overall functioning of organs. It is immensely rich in fiber – which is extremely important for cleansing the digestive tract. Rich in essential fatty acids, kuttu helps maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To avoid any side effects because of its warm potency, add curd to its flour.
  4. Amaranth Flour (Rajgira ka atta): It is the only grain which contains Vitamin C. It is full of antioxidants, Vit E, Protein, Iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Has twice the amount of calcium as milk, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It is good for Diabetes and improves Cholesterol levels.
  5. Sago (Sabudana): contains an abundance of Calcium and Vitamin K in it. These two contents make it the perfect food for maintaining bone health and building muscle. It helps in treating anemia and controlling High blood pressure. It is a great source of energy, that is why most of the people opt for it during fasting.
  6. Lotus seeds (Makhana): are low in calories and high in fiber. That’s why it is recommended for diabetic patients too. It regulates appetite, controls untimely cravings, improves gut health, and has an anti-ageing effect. 
  7. Colocasia (Arbi): It is rich in Fiber, has anti-cancer properties and reduces risk of heart health. They are an excellent source of Vitamin C and promote eye health. Helps in delaying the aging process, improves the skin and reduces fatigue.
  8. Nuts and seeds: are an amazing source of many nutrients. Loaded with antioxidants, contain good fats and are rich in fiber. Just a handful of them provide a punch of vitamins, minerals and fats, all of which work together to improve overall health. Include flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, cashews, etc. but avoid salted or masala variants and do not consume them if you have allergies to nuts.
  9. Milk, curd and yoghurt: Low fat dairy products cut calories, saturated fat and cholesterol, while protein, calcium, and most other vitamins and minerals remain high in them. It is a good source of Vitamin D. It improves both Dental and Bone health. A glass of plain milk is equivalent to one small meal.
  10. Seasonal fruits: are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories. Neither of them have cholesterol. They are packed with fiber and micronutrients. They are a good source of antioxidants and Vitamin C – which means better immunity! 
  11. Coconut water and fresh lime water: are the best way to prevent dehydration and are nutrient dense at the same time. They are low in calories, high in Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. They are energy boosters and a great source of Vitamin C.
  12. Sendha namak ( Rock Salt) and Arrowroot flour: Rock salt provides all the essential trace minerals and greatly improves the body’s immune system. It helps in stabilizing blood pressure because of low sodium content. Arrowroot is a gluten free, powerhouse of B Vitamins and it improves digestive health.
  13. Spices and herbs: vary in all the households. Black pepper powder, coriander leaves, green chillies, shredded coconut flakes can be used to maintain good health! 

Before trying the above food, remember that portion control is a must. Too much of anything can have a negative impact even if that food is good for you. Don’t indulge and overeat. Avoid deep frying completely. Shallow frying or pan frying is still permissible. The best method of preparing these foods is steaming, roasting, sauteing and grilling! 

We hope this article on Navratri fasting foods helps you make smarter choices and eat healthy! For more special Navratri articles and recipes, check out Healthy Reads or you can speak directly to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

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Effective Stretches For Muscle Recovery After A Workout

muscle recovery

Every athlete, no matter how good, always follows a workout pattern to avoid injury, pain or stress to muscles. This usually begins with a warm up and ends with a cool down. Both are necessary as they improve performance, reduce the risk of injury and decrease muscle tension. They also improve flexibility, keep the blood flowing and help one attain better posture while reducing any aches and pains. If you have been skipping stretching due to a lack of time, we can try some of these quick, simple and effective stretches for muscle recovery after every workout.  

Stretches for Muscle Recovery Post Workout 

To get started, we must focus more on the muscles used during the workout. 

1. Gentle Walk or Jog 

A very light jog or walk is the simplest and the most perfect way to cool down naturally. You can do spot jogging or move around the room at a normal walking pace. 

2. Hip Flexor Stretch in Lunge Position hip flexor lunge

  • Get into the lunge position starting with both hands on the left knee
  • The right knee and calf should be on the ground
  • Now use your right hand to slowly pull up your right foot until you feel a stretch in your hip area
  • Hold the position for 20-40 seconds
  • Slowly release and repeat for the left leg

3. Toe Touchtoe touch

  • Stand with the feet together or shoulder-width apart
  • Keep the knees straight, do not lock it
  • Bending at the hips, slowly lower the head down toward the knees, keeping the back as straight as possible
  • Reach towards the toes, and let the neck relax
  • Hold for up to 20-40 seconds
  • Rise slowly back up to standing position.

4. Standing Calf Stretchmuscle recovery - standing calf stretch

  • Stand near a wall with feet shoulder width apart
  • Place one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent.
  • Keep your back knee straight, your heel on the ground, and lean toward the wall.
  • Feel the stretch all along the calf of your back leg.
  • Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.

5. Standing Quad Stretchstanding quad stretch

  • Stand upright with your feet together
  • Raise the heel of one leg up behind you and pull that leg up towards your butt with your hand
  • Keep pulling your leg up until you feel it stretching your quad, but not to the point of pain
  • Hold the stretch for a few counts and then switch sides

6. Seated Hamstring StretchSeated Hamstring Stretch

  • Sit down with both legs straightened out in front of you, knees and heels together. Then reach both arms forward towards your toes to feel a stretch through the back of the legs.
  • If possible, try and hold your toes in this position for a minimum of 60 seconds while taking deep, slow breaths
  • Keep your legs straight, without letting the knees buckle. If you’re unable to reach your toes while keeping your legs straight, you can hold the end of a towel looped around your foot
  • As you hold this stretch and feel your muscles start to adjust and relax, you can start going deeper on your exhale and hold, which will slowly increase your hamstring flexibility

7. Seated Twistseated twist

  • Sit on a mat and stretch the legs out in front of the body
  • Bring the left leg over the right leg and place the left foot on the floor, bending the left knee
  • Twist to the left and use the right arm to press the left knee gently inward
  • Hold for 30 seconds
  • Untwist and repeat on the other side

8. Overhead Tricep Stretchoverhead tricep stretch

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and roll your shoulders back and down to release any tension
  • Reach your right arm up to the ceiling, then bend your elbow to bring your right palm down toward the center of your back
  • Bring your left hand up to gently pull your right elbow downward
  • Hold this stretch for 20 to 30 seconds before switching arms
  • Repeat on both sides 2 or 3 times, attempting to get a deeper stretch with each repetition.

9. Child’s Posechild's pose

  • Kneel on the floor with your toes together and your knees hip-width apart. Rest your palms on top of your thighs
  • Lower your torso between your knees. Extend your arms alongside your torso with your palms facing down. Relax your shoulders toward the ground
  • Hold for 30-40 seconds
  • Bring the arms back in and slowly sit up

Few Tips To Prevent Injuries 

  1. Do not over stretch yourself, listen to your body and stop if you feel pain
  2. Maintain correct posture, or else you might end up stretching the wrong way which will cause more harm than good
  3. Inhale and exhale through your stretches
  4. Always start at a slow pace to last longer.

If you have any injury or medical condition, perform the stretches under supervision and talk to your healthcare provider before starting any program. If you’re unsure on how to perform stretches correctly, do it under a certified trainer’s guidance. You can book a LIVE, interactive, online, GOQii PRO session from the GOQii App, where you can get one-on-one guidance in real time by certified fitness experts.

We hope this article on effective stretches for muscle recovery helps you. For more articles on fitness, check out Healthy Reads now! 

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6 Tips to Help You Form and Stick to Resolutions

form and stick to resolutions

How often do we wait till the end of the year to make “resolutions” and end up not sticking to them? If you were to review your year basis the resolutions you made at the start, how close are you to achieving that goal? Do you find it difficult to form and stick to resolutions? Well, don’t worry! That’s where we come in.

A lot of resolutions fail because they’re a tad bit unrealistic. A resolution may be wrong for one of three main reasons:

  • It’s a resolution created based on what someone else (or society) is telling you to change. 
  • It’s too vague.
  • You don’t have a realistic plan for achieving your resolution.

The key to form and stick to resolutions is planning a SMART one.

Points to Keep in Mind to Form & Stick to Resolutions

  1. Understanding Your Goals: At the end of the year, there is renewed optimism as there is high spirit among people to set new goals for the New Year. The achievable goals are those which are specific, measurable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). The first step to behavior change is to clearly understand what “it” is.
  2. Start Small: To do “something big or to do nothing” – this frame of mind rarely works when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. If you’ve never exercised before, it’s unlikely you will suddenly start working out for an hour every single day. Instead, start with small and attainable goals, such as going to the gym three days a week or short daily walks. Once this becomes a habit, you can tack-on larger goals.
  3. Make One Change at a Time: Setting multiple resolutions at a time will not give desired results, thus we should go at a steady pace.
  4. Make a Monetary Commitment: Financial incentives plays an important role to stick to the resolutions, either you get a reward for fulfilling your commitments or you pay from your own pocket for not following it and see others enjoying their rewards.
  5. Keep a Log: A daily activity log should be maintained and updated to track progress. This is one of the easiest and effective ways to make your resolutions stick. The more we monitor our performance, the more likely we are to achieving the goals.
  6. Have Patience: We must set realistic goals and realize that progress is never uni-directional. Some people see rapid gains in the beginning and hit resistance at a later stage. For others, initial progress may be painfully slow, but then they suddenly achieve rapid breakthroughs. Making lasting changes takes time. Thus patience is the “key to success”.

A Resolution is a promise a person makes. Regardless of what resolution you commit to, the goal is to improve life in the coming year. We hope the above suggestions help you form and stick to resolutions! To help you stay motivated and on track with the right guidance from certified experts, subscribe to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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