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Healthy Eating: Protein Papdi Chaat

protein papdi chaat

Chaats refer to a lip smacking delicacy made by bringing together a range of rustic masalas and chutneys. Isn’t there something about Indian Chaats that makes our mouth water instantly, just by thinking about them? For the longest time we have associated a plate of chat dripping with curd and chutneys to an unhealthy indulgence. But what if I were to tell you that chaats can be really beneficial to your health? Let’s try this healthy Protein Papdi Chaat recipe. 

What You Will Need 

For the papdi 

  • Wheat flour – 1 cup 
  • Soya flour – 1 cup 
  • Rava (semolina) – 1 cup 
  • Besan (chana flour) – 1 cup 
  • Ajwain (carom seeds) – 1 tsp 
  • Regular spices according to taste preference such as haldi, lal mirch powder, dhaniya powder and salt
  • Oil – 1 tbsp

For assembling the chaat 

  • Boiled chana – ½ cup 
  • Boiled corn – ½ cup 
  • Boiled potato (finely diced) – ½ cup 
  • Tomato (finely diced) – ½ cup
  • Onion (finely diced) – ½ cup
  • Cucumber (finely diced) – ½ cup
  • Carrot (finely grated) – ½ cup 
  • Pomegranate seeds – ½ cup 
  • Dry roasted peanuts and chana – ½ cup 
  • Curd – ½ cup 
  • Tamarind dates chutney – 1 tbsp 
  • Coriander mint chutney – 1 tbsp 
  • Chaat masala – 2 pinches 

How To Prepare 

  1. Knead a stiff dough of the papdi ingredients (all flours, all spices and a teaspoon of oil).
  2. Roll this dough into a big flat thin sheet and cut diamond shapes with a shankar para cutter or knife. You can also cut it into small discs with a cookie cutter.
  3. Brush these diamonds or discs of dough with the remaining oil and bake for 12 minutes at 1800c. Your protein rich papdi is ready. Store in an airtight jar.
  4. While making the chaat, break some of these papdi roughly with your hand into a bowl.
  5. Assemble all the other ingredients of the chaat into this bowl.
  6. Garnish with some chopped coriander leaves and chaat masala and serve immediately.

Benefits of the Protein Papdi Chaat 

  • This Protein Papdi Chaat is wholesome, delicious and can aid weight loss
  • Can prove to be a very sumptuous meal addition to your healthy yet tasty diet
  • The fresh ingredients and mix of spices make it super rich in vitamins, minerals and essential digestive properties. 
  • It is rich in fiber and protein, both of which induce a feeling of fullness and prevent overeating or resorting to fried and sugary preparations that are fattening.

We hope you enjoy this Protein Papdi Chaat recipe! Do try it out and share your experience in the comments below or share it on social media, tagging GOQii. For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

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Pre & Post Workout Shots You Can Try At Home

pre & post workout shotsWhether you’re working out indoors or outdoors, hydration is imperative throughout a workout and especially before and after! Since you’ve been working out at home all this while, here’s how you can improve your hydration game to the optimum benefits on your performance and outcomes of exercising with these pre & post workout shots! 

Pre & Post Workout Shots For Home! 

1. Shot of Beetroot Juice for Pre Workout
Beetroot Juice is a supplement with a high nitrate content, that is said to improve physical performance secondary to nitric oxide, which is a component of human blood that helps dilate your blood vessels and aid faster blood circulation, as to provide greater oxygen supply. Supplementation or dietary ingestion of nitrates is known to reduce oxygen requirements during exercise and reduce VO2 max (which indicates better stamina). In measures of time taken to reach exhaustion, beetroot juice showed an association with a fatigue delay effect and exercise performance enhancement.

A short term supplementation with beetroot juice may reduce VO2, giving an ergogenic effect, at less than or equal to VO2 max intensity that makes it possible to enable increased time-to-exhaustion. In addition to improving efficiency and performance, chronic supplementation with beetroot juice may improve cardiorespiratory performance as well. Consumption of Beetroot juice should be initiated in a period of 90 minutes before athletic effort, since the peak value of nitrates occurs within 2-3 hour after ingestion. At least 6-8 mmol of nitrate i.e. juice of 5 medium sized beetroots intake is required to observe an improvement in athletic performance.

2. Shot of Amla Juice for Post Workout
Amla Juice is a reservoir of Vitamin C and essential electrolytes that are of utmost importance for post workout recovery. Post workout is an immunocompromised state where the body is concentrating more on muscle recovery and storage. This makes it imperative to supplement with immune boosting nutrients and electrolytes that may be lost due to sweating, right after a workout session.

Supplementing with amla juice has shown to reduce infection rate in athletes and heavy working out individuals. It also lowers down duration of muscle soreness significantly, which aids early mitigation of muscle cramps. Vitamin C being an antioxidant, reduces inflammation in the body, which is a common after effect of exercising. Chronic supplementation with amla juice is shown to build stronger immunity and improve gut health as well as strengthening the respiratory system.

Intake of amla juice should be initiated within 20 minutes of finishing physical activity as that is when the recovery and restorative activities of the body begin. Juice of 4 medium sized amlas ensures the supply of adequate amounts of Vitamin C and electrolytes.

We hope these pre & post workout shots help you get the most out of your exercises! Do let us know your experience in the comments below. For more on workout out and fitness, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. 

To get these tips directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe for personalized health coaching now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

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Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes For Good Health!

carrots, beetroots and tomatoes

Stress, oily foods, greasy foods, smoke, smog and air pollution give rise to free radicals in our body. These free radicals cause cell damage and bring about aging in us. Antioxidants capture these free radicals and protect our cells and blood vessels from the damage caused by them. Thus, antioxidants are great for our skin, heart, metabolism and are anti-aging. Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes are among the vegetables that have the highest amount of these antioxidants. Carrots are rich in vitamin A that helps build immunity and eyesight, while beetroots have blood pressure lowering properties and tomatoes are heart healthy and skin brightening!

The combination of carrots, beetroots and tomatoes helps in weight loss and curb constipation as well. The nutrients of these are best absorbed when taken in combination with each other. Though available throughout the year, they’re the best during winter! Here are some easy ways to make very low calories, yet satiating recipes with this wonderful combination. 

3 Healthy Recipes Using Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes

1. CBT Juice
Want to get rid of toxins? Employ Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes for a cleansing, detox drink that will flush out all those toxins! 

What you will need: 

  • Carrot – 1 medium sized 
  • Beetroot – 1 
  • Tomato – 1 
  • Mint – 5-6 leaves
  • Coriander – 2-3 twigs 
  • Rock salt and lemon juice – to taste 

Method:

  1. Peel and roughly chop the carrot, beetroot and tomato
  2. Blend them along with mint and coriander leaves in a blender/juicer
  3. Add some water if required while blending to bring a juice like consistency.
  4. Add lemon juice, rock salt and mix well

Important: Do not strain, or you’ll lose all the good fiber. Drink the juice within 15 minutes of preparation or else the juice gets oxidised and may lose most of its healthy goodness. The best time to have this is on an empty stomach in the morning – do not eat anything for the next half an hour. 

2. CBT Salad
Confused about what to eat for lunch? Want something that’s filling and low on calories? Let this CBT Salad be your go-to recipe! 

What you will need: 

  • Carrot – ½ cup grated
  • Beetroot – ½ cup 
  • Tomato – ½ cup finely chopped            
  • Onion – ¼ cup 
  • Coriander leaves – 1 tablespoon chopped
  • Mint leaves – 1 tablespoon 
  • Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon 
  • Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon 
  • Salt to taste 
  • You can also add: Yoghurt, chopped walnuts, feta cheese

Method:

  • Mix and toss all the chopped and grated vegetables
  • Add lemon juice and salt.
  • Garnish with chopped coriander and mint leaves
  • You can pour a temper of curry leaves and mustard seeds over this salad
  • Yoghurt can be mixed with this salad, to make a raita
  • Add some finely chopped walnuts or sesame seeds for a nutty flavour and the good fats.
  • Feta cheese will add some first class protein

Important: Wash all the vegetables properly. Squeeze the lemon just before consuming the salad. Salad should be consumed within 20-25 minutes of preparation to avoid the nutrients getting oxidised. Start lunch with this salad as it will curb post-meal glucose excursion. Aids weight loss, as it is filling and has less calories.

3. Soup
In the mood for soup? Here’s something we’re sure you haven’t tried before! 

  • Tomatoes – 5 
  • Carrots – 2 
  • Beetroot – 1 
  • Ginger garlic paste – 1 tablespoon 
  • Cinnamon stick – 1 inch 
  • Bay leaf – 1 
  • Ghee – 1 tablespoon 
  • Salt, cumin powder, chili flakes, fresh pepper, dry herbs (oregano, basil, parsley) to taste.

Method:

  1. Pressure cook the carrots, beetroots and tomatoes with the cinnamon stick, bay leaf and enough water to soak for 2 whistles
  2. Cool down the boiled vegetables. Discard the cinnamon stick, bay leaf and the skin from the tomatoes. Puree the rest in a blender
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a medium pot. Add the ginger garlic paste and be sure to not burn it
  4. Carefully pour the puree in the pot
  5. Add cumin powder, salt, chilli flakes and fresh ground pepper as per taste
  6. Bring to a boil on medium high heat, stirring the mixture a few times
  7. Sprinkle some dry herbs and serve hot! 

Important: The best time to have this soup is for a light dinner or a healthy evening snack. 

We hope you enjoy all the amazing benefits offered by this healthy combination of Carrots, Beetroots and Tomatoes! Do try out all the recipes and let us know in the comments below! For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Eat healthy and #BeTheForce  

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All You Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an umbrella term for a long standing functional (relating to the function of) gut disorder that affects around 1 in 10 people worldwide. It is more common than you may think. It has now been recognized as the most common debilitating gastrointestinal disorder in the general population globally.

Classically, IBS manifests as abdominal pain or discomfort, that is relieved by passing stools or is associated at its onset. With an alteration in the stool frequency (either an increase or decrease) or a change in the appearance of the stool (to either loose or hard). There is still a lot that is being researched about this disorder, and although there is currently no cure, we can still manage the symptoms and live a quality full life!

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome? 

While the main causative factors of this disorder are uncertain, it is considered to be caused by a play of numerous physical as well as emotional factors. Physical factors being lack of physical activity, improper dietary habits and poor sleep quality, coupled with a number of emotional stressors and impaired mental health. Research has shown that those who endure extended periods of stress, anxiety and depression, are more prone to experience IBS related symptoms & vice versa. However, people who consume high doses of antibiotics or antidepressants, are more likely to experience this symptom complex.

What Are Its Symptoms? 

The symptoms of this disorder vary individually. They can range from constipation, diarrhoea, bowel movements that are alternating between constipation and diarrhoea, bloating and abdominal pain/discomfort. Symptoms can be exacerbated on intake of certain foods and drinks, called ‘triggers’ or on days that the individual is experiencing poor sleep or excess mental pressure.

Note: If you are experiencing any other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, blood in the stools, a prolonged change in bowel movements for 6+ weeks or have a family history of bowel cancer, consider consulting your General Practitioner.

How Can It Be Managed? 

Diet and Lifestyle

  1. Keep a Symptom diary to help identify potential trigger foods
  2. Practice Mindful eating: Eat slowly without any distractions like television or mobile phones
  3. Yoga and Physical Exercise can help reduce stress and some symptoms. It also aids in maintaining a healthy weight status.
  4. A varied diet is the key to microbial diversity. Having a balanced meal with foods from different food groups helps maintain gut microbiota
  5. Limit fruits to 3 portions/80g a day. This is because of the fiber profile of fruits that may interact with gut mobility
  6. Probiotics may improve symptoms, yet an individualised approach is needed

Food and Drinks

  1. Avoid long gaps between eating. Regular meal timings and controlled portion sizes prevent symptoms from exacerbating
  2. Consume lots of fluids, approx 6-8 glasses a day. However, limit fizzy drinks
  3. Spicy foods can irritate the gut lining, especially if used with highly flavoured ingredients such as too much onion and garlic. Limit them! 
  4. Caffeine should be reduced to less than 3 cups a day (tea/coffee)
  5. Reduce Alcohol intake to 30-60ml or even lesser per week
  6. Resistant Starch is seen to exacerbate symptoms. Reduce the intake of cooked and cooled carbs like frozen pizza/cold pasta, day old boiled potatoes, etc. or refined wheat flour products like bakery products 

We hope this article helps you manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with someone who needs to read it! For more on living a healthy lifestyle, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. 

To get the right guidance for lifestyle issues such as IBS, Subscribe or Renew your GOQii subscription now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu

#BeTheForce 

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