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Revitalise Your Lunch: Nutritious & Energising Recipes

A well-balanced lunch isn’t just about filling your plate—it’s about fueling your body for sustained energy, focus, and vitality throughout the day. These nutritious, low-carb, and flavour-packed recipes are designed to keep you feeling light, satisfied, and energised without the post-lunch sluggishness.

From the fresh and zesty Courgette Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes to the protein-rich Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps and the flavourful yet wholesome Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp, each meal is a delicious way to nourish your body while keeping carbs in check.

Easy to prepare and bursting with taste, these recipes will help you stay full, focused, and ready to take on the rest of your day!

1. Courgette Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes

Ditch traditional pasta and embrace a healthier version with courgette noodles! This light yet flavourful dish is packed with nutrients and makes for a refreshing midday meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium courgettes, spiralised into noodles
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add courgette noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and mix in the basil pesto until evenly coated.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Health Benefits:

  • Low-Calorie Alternative: Courgette noodles are a great substitute for carb-heavy pasta.
  • Packed with Antioxidants: Tomatoes and basil offer anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Rich in Healthy Fats: Pesto provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

👉 A simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch. Serve it with a side of grilled chicken or tofu for added protein!

2. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

For a light yet fulfilling lunch, these Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps are an excellent choice. Using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, this low-carb alternative is packed with flavour and nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large romaine lettuce leaves
  • ¼ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or avocado

Method:

  • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Grill for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
  • Remove chicken from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Lay out romaine lettuce leaves and distribute sliced chicken evenly.
  • Drizzle with Caesar dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Add any optional toppings.
  • Roll up the lettuce leaves and enjoy!

Health Benefits:

  • Low in Carbs: Lettuce wraps are a great alternative to flour tortillas.
  • Rich in Protein: Helps in muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Packed with Flavour: Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese enhance taste without excess kilocalories.

👉 This meal is quick, delicious, and perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy it as a lunch or a light dinner when you’re craving something nutritious and satisfying!

3. Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp

A low-carb twist on a classic dish, Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp delivers all the flavour of traditional fried rice without the carbs. This dish is light, nutritious, and quick to make!

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, grated or processed into rice-like texture
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
  • 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soya sauce or tamarind or Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Method:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened (2-3 minutes).
  • Stir in frozen vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Move vegetables to one side and add shrimp to the empty side.
  • Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through, then mix everything.
  • Push everything to one side and add beaten eggs to the space.
  • Scramble the eggs, then mix them with the vegetables and shrimp.
  • Add grated cauliflower and stir well.
  • Pour in soya sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Health Benefits:

  • Low in Carbs & High in Fibre: Keeps blood sugar levels stable.
  • Rich in Protein: Shrimp and eggs provide essential amino acids.
  • Packed with Nutrients: Contains vitamins and minerals from vegetables.

👉 This Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp is a healthy and delicious alternative to takeout. It’s quick to make and full of flavour!

Nourish, Energise, and Thrive

A well-balanced lunch doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it fuels your body and mind for the rest of the day. With these nutrient-rich, low-carb, and flavourful recipes, you can enjoy a delicious and wholesome midday meal without feeling sluggish or weighed down.

Each of these recipes is easy to prepare, packed with essential nutrients, and designed to keep you feeling satisfied, focused, and energised all afternoon.

💡 What’s your favourite healthy lunch? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Breakfast Delights – Energising Low-Carb Mornings

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day—it sets the tone for your energy levels, focus, and overall well-being. If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, you don’t have to miss out on delicious and satisfying breakfasts.

Whether you prefer something savoury, slightly sweet, or protein-packed, these low-carb breakfast ideas will keep you feeling full and energised without causing a blood sugar spike.

Each recipe is diabetes-friendly, high in healthy fats, protein, and fibre, and perfect for meal prepping or making fresh in the morning.

1. Spinach & Feta Crustless Quiche

This fluffy, protein-rich quiche is packed with iron-rich spinach and calcium-loaded feta cheese, making it a balanced and delicious way to start your day.

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F (175°C) and grease a pie dish or muffin tin with olive oil.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Fold in the chopped spinach and feta cheese.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until set and golden brown on top.
  6. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

2. Coconut Flour Pancakes with Berries

Love pancakes? You don’t have to give them up! These low-carb, gluten-free pancakes are high in fibre and protein, making them a fantastic choice for a healthy morning.

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • Fresh Berries for topping

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the eggs, coconut flour, almond milk, vanilla extract, and baking powder in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Let the batter rest for 3–5 minutes to thicken.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
  4. Pour small portions of batter onto the skillet to form pancakes.
  5. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Serve warm with fresh berries on top.

Avocado & Bacon Breakfast Bowl

This creamy, nutrient-rich breakfast is packed with healthy fats, protein, and fibre, making it a perfectly satisfying low-carb meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Scoop out a small amount from each avocado half to make space for the eggs.
  3. Place the avocados in a baking dish to keep them steady.
  4. Crack an egg into each avocado half.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the eggs are set or to your desired doneness.
  7. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with crispy bacon and parsley, and serve.

With these three delicious low-carb breakfasts, you can kickstart your day feeling full, energised, and ready to go. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making something fresh, these recipes will keep you on track with a diabetes-friendly or low-carb lifestyle.

Which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Hidden Link Between Diabetes and Mental Health – And How to Break the Cycle

A concerned woman holding a glucose meter with a high blood sugar reading, symbolising the connection between diabetes and mental health.Is the fear of diabetes complications weighing you down, leaving you anxious and uncertain about your health?

Living with diabetes can feel like a full-time job. The constant blood sugar checks, meal planning, and insulin management can be overwhelming. However, what often goes unnoticed is how much diabetes affects mental health. Did you know that people with diabetes are 50% more likely to experience depression than those without it? And the connection works both ways—depression can also increase the risk of developing diabetes.

So, what’s the link? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

How Diabetes Affects Your Brain

High blood sugar doesn’t just impact your body—it affects your brain too. The hippocampus, which controls memory and emotions, is particularly vulnerable. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can shrink brain cells, making it harder to focus, think clearly, or remember things.

But that’s not all. It can also trigger mood swings, anxiety, and even lead to depression or dementia. If you’ve been feeling foggy, forgetful, or just “off,” your blood sugar levels might be playing a bigger role than you realise.

Can Depression Lead to Diabetes?

It’s not just diabetes affecting mental health—mental health can impact diabetes too. Depression makes it harder to stay active, eat well, or take care of yourself. This, in turn, can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

To make things even trickier, some antidepressants can cause weight gain, making it harder to manage blood sugar. It’s a vicious cycle—similar to the classic “chicken or egg” dilemma.

The Role of Stress in All of This

Stress is the common thread linking diabetes and depression. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone. While short bursts of cortisol are helpful, chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels and make your body less responsive to insulin.

This is why managing stress is just as important as managing your diet or exercise routine. The good news? There are proven ways to break the diabetes-stress cycle.

How to Take Control of Your Health (Both Physical & Mental)

The key is a mind-body approach—where you care for your mental well-being just as much as your physical health. Here are two effective strategies:

  1. Move More

Exercise is one of the best natural antidepressants out there. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals that boost your mood and lower stress. Plus, exercise improves insulin sensitivity, helping your body use glucose more effectively.

Even 15-30 minutes of movement a day—like walking, dancing, or yoga—can make a huge difference in both diabetes management and mental well-being.

  1. Try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of therapy that helps you reframe negative thoughts. Studies show that when combined with exercise, CBT is more effective than medication alone for improving mental health—and it has long-term benefits.

Here’s a simple CBT trick:

  • If you find yourself thinking, “I’ll never stick to this diet,” try shifting it to, “I might struggle, but I can take it one step at a time.”
  • Small shifts in mindset can reduce stress and help you stay on track.

CBT usually involves 6 to 18 sessions with a therapist, where you’ll set goals, learn healthy coping skills, and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. Over time, this can transform how you approach both diabetes and your overall well-being.

Dealing With Emotional Eating

Ever find yourself reaching for food when you’re stressed, bored, or feeling low? You’re not alone. Emotional eating is common—but recognising triggers is the first step in managing it.

Here’s how to keep it under control:

  • Keep healthy snacks nearby – like nuts, yoghurt, or fruit.
  • Stay hydrated – sometimes thirst feels like hunger.
  • Practise mindful eating – focus on your food, chew slowly, and avoid distractions.
  • Find other stress relievers – try deep breathing, a short walk, or listening to music.

Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre can also help stabilise mood and reduce cravings.

Breaking the Cycle

Living with diabetes can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. By incorporating simple strategies like exercise, CBT, and mindful eating, you can take charge of both your mental and physical health.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress. Small changes, done consistently, can have a huge impact over time.

By addressing both physical and mental health, you can break the diabetes-stress cycle and regain control of your well-being. Whether it’s through movement, therapy, stress management, or better eating habits, the goal is progress—not perfection.

If you’re struggling, reach out for support—you deserve to feel your best.

What has helped you manage stress or mental health while living with diabetes? Share your experience in the comments below!

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Tips To Alleviate & Avoid Back Pain

avoid back painBack pain usually originates from the joints, bones, nerves or muscles. It is one of the most common complaints. Back pain may be felt as mild chronic pain going on for years or just for a few seconds or minutes. It can be felt as continuous dull ache, appearing at intervals as well. Constant, sharp pain is usually found in one place or it radiates to other areas like limbs. It can also present a weak, tingling sensation or numbness.

Few Facts About Back Pain 

  • The spine consists of bones, joints, spinal cord, nerves, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Back pain can originate from any of these or overlying muscles
  • In a majority of cases, back pain is self-limited. Most common back pain symptoms are due to inflammation or trauma which may be mild or severe
  • The two most common conditions that cause back pain are degenerative spinal disc disease and spinal disc herniation
  • Innocent causes of the back pain include ligament tear, muscle strain, ruptured or herniated spinal disks, and irritated joints. Environmental factors that cause or aggravate back pain include arthritis, posture at work, obesity, psychological and physical stress.
  • Some other causes include – lack of core strength that creates too much strain on the back, tight muscles which cause inflammation and tight hip flexors as they extend towards the lower back via the pelvic girdle due to improper posture.

Causes and Tips To Avoid Back Pain 

  • Obesity: is a common cause of back pain. As a heavy body contributes to increased pressure on the spine, maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce your back pain. If you’re seriously overweight, those extra pounds could be straining your spine. Lose some weight and you just might lose the pain. A weight-loss program that includes regular exercise is bound to make your whole body feel better. A nutritious diet, lifestyle modifications and healthy weight can prevent back pain.
  • Poor posture: is a common cause of back pain. Maintain correct postures while standing, sitting and while lifting things. While using a computer or laptop, try to take breaks frequently and practice stretches which will lower your chances of getting back pain. Take regular short breaks in between work. Just getting up from your chair can help break the cycle of clenched muscles.

Tips To Reduce The Pain 

  • Applying a cold compress to the affected area can numb the pain temporarily by desensitizing the underlying nerves. 
  • Heat application through a heating pad, warm bath or hot water bottle can stimulate blood circulation in the area and loosen the tight muscles.
  • Massage therapy could provide short-term relief from acute and chronic back pain.
  • Frequent massages may be costly, but getting a massage once a month can be effective and affordable as well. It is important to select the massage best suited to your problem.
  • Consume a healthy diet consisting of Vitamin D as deficiency and insufficiency can cause or worsen back pain. The correction of it plays an important role in the treatment of chronic back pain. Foods like Fatty fish, liver, egg yolk and mushrooms can improve Vitamin D levels.
  • Avoid high-inflammatory foods such as sugars, trans fats and processed foods to prevent back pain.
  • Train with proper form, regular rehab-strengthening of lower back with exercise such as back extension, superman holds can help strengthen rhomboids to improve posture. 
  • Stretching itself can damage muscle fibers as you’re just tearing them by stretching them instead of contracting them. If you want to stop feeling sore, aggressive stretching is the last thing you’d want to do.

Quick Fix: A foam roller can help in releasing tight muscles. You may look a little weird if you’re the only person in your gym who doesn’t stretch before exercise and prefers to foam roll a sore muscle rather than stretch it out, but your muscles will thank you for it! 

We hope this article helps you alleviate and avoid back pain. If any of the tips above helped you, do share your experience in the comments below! For more tips on improving health and fitness levels, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

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