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Household Chores, your way to health

I visited a village sometime back and was amazed at the physical strength of the women there. While I do not deny that the rural areas have their own set of health issues, but, it cannot be denied that women, due to the physical labour that they are involved in, are much stronger than many urban women.

The act of using a hand mill to grind wheat builds your hand muscles. Many women are farm labourers too and spend their early morning in the field which ensures that they are not Vitamin D deficient. Farm work itself provides exercise to upper and lower body, limbs. And guys, this is hard labour work.

Household chores are considered to be boring and financially worthless but we cannot deny that they are helpful in keeping many of us fit. You will not find many women with a bulging stomach in villages! This does not mean we all become farmers, but kick the laziness now to be healthy!

Dust with a lemon cleaner: Be happier

A citrusy scent is a potent mood booster, according to a 2014 Japanese study. Research shows that spending as little as ten minutes inhaling a citrus fruit can decrease the overall mood disturbance, a measure of tension, anxiety, depression, confusion, fatigue and anger. So carry a citrus flavored soap when you do your dishes. According to Ayurveda, you will be in touch with the water element of existence which is an instant mood elevator.  This is also a great time to practice breathing exercises.

Clean up your garden!

People in the gardens are in touch with the energy of the earth and sun. According to Ayurveda, the energy from these two play a critical role in balancing one’s health. Apart from that, you breathe fresh & the vitamin D is critical for your health.  In recent Swedish study it was found out that people with sedentary life style, spending most of their time indoors are likely to suffer from more cardiovascular diseases. Australian researchers discovered that a chemical released by freshly cut grass makes people feel more relaxed and more joyful.

Grow flowers and vegetables: Lower depression risk

Gardening is known to have reduced depression according to a study done in Norway. People diagnosed with depression spent six hours a week gardening; after a few months, they experienced a notable improvement in their depression symptoms, and their good moods continued for months after the study ended.  Well, you might not be able to have gardens in cities, but get on with your small flower pots, indoor plants, or best, have a volunteer group, adopt a village and help the farmers! 

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Image Credit: http://christsoldiergirlfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chores.jpg

Chopping Vegetables

This extremely boring task is usually diverted to the maids in our houses in India. However, if you have the time, do it yourself with complete mindfulness. Ensure that every slice is of the same size and watch your breath. It is bound to increase your awareness and concentration.

A better sex life

According to a 2015 study from the University of Alberta. “If a partner isn’t pulling their weight in housework, either one will have to pick up the slack, or the chores will remain undone. This will develop tension and bitterness in the relationship, which will transfer into the bedroom,” according to Medical Daily. So all you orthodox men out there, share the chores for some awesome time in bed!

Every household chore is equivalent to an exercise in a gym or in a park.  Did you know 30 minutes of ironing equals 11 minutes of step aerobics.Think of ironing as weight training for the upper body? Make sure that you stand up straight and work your arm muscles hard as you press down. And remember to change hands regularly, so that you don’t end up with one arm more muscular than the other.

For a complete work out, play with your children in your garden, run after them and trust me you won’t go fat! Be happy! Be healthy!

Track these yourself with your GOQii band!

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6 Fitness goals to get you into awesome shape

“Fitness is not about being better than someone else…It’s about being better than you used to be”

The term ‘Fitness’ is very common among people now. Whenever we talk about fitness the only thing which comes to the mind is weight management. But, let me tell you that fitness is not only about weight loss or gain but increased inner strength which gives you extra energy to the body as well as to your soul.

So sharing some fitness goals with all you out there. These goals should help you to remain fit and confident if you spare some time out of your busy schedule.

Here it goes-

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1) Running:

Run 10km: A classic goal for those who want to get into running. Start small initially if you are not into running and then slowly get to the large goal of accomplishing 10Km. Benefits of running are not only physiologic but also psychological. Physiological benefits include cardiovascular fitness, weight loss, and improved upper and lower body strength. The often overlooked mental and emotional benefits include not only the sense of accomplishment after finishing the run but, also the self-confidence gained from reaching such a goal.

2) Yoga:

Yoga requires minimal equipment, provides stretching without stressing the joints, and can improve stress levels and posture. Individuals new to yoga should begin slowly, ideally with an experienced instructor so poses and postures can be corrected and not lead to injuries.

Three good yoga poses to master include:

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(i) Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Improve your body awareness, balance, and posture. Stand with big toes touching. Lift up your toes and let them fan out, then drop back down, creating a solid base. Bring your weight evenly to all parts of your feet. Tighten your quadriceps, allowing your kneecaps to rise. Rotate both thighs inward, tucking in your tailbone. Tighten your belly; widen your collar bones, making sure shoulders are parallel to the pelvis. Keep your neck long, and your shoulder blades down and back.

 

image source: Yoga Basic

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(ii) Warrior Pose: This pose lengthens the front of our bodies. Much of our day is spent sitting; and by stretching the front thigh muscle. It can improve our posture and can help with low back pain.

 

 

 

 

(iii) Bridge Pose: This pose address two areas where women want to improve: the buttocks and inner thigh.

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3) Plyometric moves: Plyometric moves are jumping exercises so adding a hop, skip, and a jump to your workouts boosts fat-burning and uses muscles which you don’t use normally in your daily routine. Do them prior to your workout and after a thorough warm-up. Repeat each for 10 seconds, or five jumps.

TwoPlyometric moves to master include:

(i) Squat Hops: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your hands clasped behind your head. Keeping your weight on your heels, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Pause in the squat position. Then without counter-movement and without the use of your arms, jump as high as possible. When landing, make sure to absorb the impact by pushing your hips back and flexing your knees.

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(ii) Slam Hops: Stand in an upright position with your knees slightly bent and your feet about shoulder-width apart. Flexing your knees to quickly drop your body 10 to 12 inches, rapidly explode upward, forward and to the side. Swing your arms forcefully upward. Upon landing, immediately repeat the jump, but jump forward diagonally in the opposite direction.

 

 

image source: SportPlan

4. Swimming:

Swimming can have a positive impact on body fat, insulin levels, and overall health. If you are swimming for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity three times a week then you will lose more weight, experience improved body-fat distribution, and insulin in the short term.

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  1. Do 25 Push-Ups:

Mastering the ability to perform 25 Push-ups is a very reasonable, realistic, and attainable goal for most women. Benefits include upper-body strength in the chest (pectorals), shoulder girdle (scapular stabilizers), and arms (triceps). Push-Ups require no equipment and can be varied in many ways to train different muscle groups(i.e. a closer grip targets triceps). Aesthetically, Push-Ups develop the pectorals muscles of the chest, which help to prevent breast sagging as the women age.

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  1. Add Sprinting to your routine:

Sprinting is one of the best ways to tone the glutes, and when practised as intervals, sprinting can also speed up calorie burning. Adding sprint training to your running routine has a number of benefits. The initial benefit comes simply from the variation in the workout, which prevents boredom. This type of training should be added gradually to avoid overuse injuries.

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Try this: 30 to 60 seconds of sprinting alternating with 60 seconds of light jogging; repeat for 10 or more minutes. Adjust the intensity of the active phase and length of the rest phase according to your fitness level.

So, think of your workouts as important meetings you have scheduled with yourself and be proud of each step you take towards reaching that goal and the result is for sure “FITNESS” and an ‘Awesome Looking You’

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10 health and diet tips for Women

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March 8th is considered International woman’s day but at GOQii we dedicate this whole month to focus on Women’s health. This month, I want you to sit back and relax and take some time out to focus on your health. I have carved out some easy-to-follow tips that will help you keep up with your health and fitness along with your diet habits.

Here are some of the health and diet tips every woman must follow to remain healthy and fit

  1. Do not cut out any food groups from your diet

If you are dieting, do not think of cutting down on any food groups, be it carbohydrate or fat. Include lean proteins, calcium and other nutritional foods that will help your body function better. All you need to do is to ensure portion control and not go overboard, especially with unhealthy foods. Moderation is the key to a healthy you!

  1. Load up on lots of water

Water is the one solution to all your health problems; it helps flush out the hazardous toxins produced in the body due to poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, et al. Drink lots of water or just add some lemon and honey to make it healthier. Not only will it help keep your body hydrated but also will leave your skin glowing.

  1. Kick-start your day with a healthy and heavy breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; no matter how busy or caught up you are, take out some time to indulge in a good and healthy breakfast full of proteins to keep you energized through the day.

  1. Do not obsess over dieting

One must not obsess over dieting. It is okay to accept your body as it is; what is important is to ensure eating healthy and keeping yourself physically fit. Focus on building your stamina and engage in exercises.

  1. Feed your skin with healthy and natural ingredients

It shouldn’t be only your overall health but also your skin that needs some attention. For once, toss your chemical-laden commercial skincare products and use natural kitchen ingredients instead. They will help you get a gleaming skin.

  1. Do not forget to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise

 It is not just your diet that will ensure a healthy body, but also some physical activity or exercise. It is not necessary to spend two hours at the gym, but just 30 minutes of your favourite outdoor sport, gaming, running, walking, et al can help you out.

  1. Get yourself checked every six months

In order to take care of others in the family, we neglect minute health problems we generally go through. Take some time out and get your body checked for any suspicious growth or anything that you think should be flagged before it gets too late. Go in for a comprehensive health check up once in a year.

  1. Do not stop yourself from indulging

Keeping yourself healthy does not mean you forget munching on your favourite foods. Indulge in these foods once in a while to make yourself and your tummy happy and going. Do make sure you don’t overeat only to ruin your diet.

  1. Stop stressing! Include bright coloured foods to up your mood and get going

Nowadays, stress has become synonymous with us humans and one cannot avoid considering the many pressures in personal and professional lives. Load up on de-stressing foods and include more bright coloured fruits and vegetables in your diet that will help liven up your mood instantly.

  1. Avoid smoking and alcohol

While occasional drinking is fine, making it a lifestyle habit is extremely dangerous. Not only do smoking and drinking cut short your lifespan, but also make you look a lot older and dull.

Follow these basic health and diet tips to lead a positive, fit and enduring life!

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Best Home Remedies for Ailments

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In my career as a nutritionist, I have come across three main issues that most people suffer from and these are Diabetes, Hypothyroid, and Acidity.

The reason for these issues to develop is only one—Unhealthy Lifestyle. But, unfortunately, while most are aware of this close to 90% are unable to make lifestyle changes and thus end up getting medicines as recommended by their doctors.

Popping pills seem easier than to bring about a lifestyle change and arrest the issue at the initial stages. Things get difficult when the results are not as expected and are slow. This is precisely when one starts searching for some natural remedies from natural foods.

I am listing down certain good home remedies which actually use natural food and cure your issues, help you get fit with proper healthy lifestyle.

Best home remedies for treating diabetes

  1. Mix 1/2tsp Turmeric + 1tsp Aamla (Gooseberry) powder+1/2tbsp Methi (Fenugreek) seeds powder in a half glass of water and take daily morning on empty stomach. (good for retinopathy)
  2. 1tbsp Methi (Fenugreek) seeds soaked overnight in ½ cup water and chew it next day in the morning empty stomach.
  3. Dry seed powder of Jamun (Balck Berry) fruits have to be used -1tsp twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water
  4. Take 40-80ml of decoction of banyan tree bark. Boil 20gm of bark in 4 cups of water, reduce till 1 cup and then drink daily.
  5. Using Tejpatta (Bay Leaf) in food helps to bring sugar levels under control.
  6. Juice of Karela (Bitter gourd) -20ml daily should be taken in morning. Bittergourd help diabetics with insulin secretion, glucose oxidation and other processes.
  7. Soak Ladyfingers (Okra) in water overnight and then drink that water on an empty stomach to control diabetes.
  8. Paneer Ka Phool” is also known as Rennet, is a kind of Indian flower very effective to control diabetes. You have to put 8-10 pieces of flower in a glass of water and soak it the whole night. In the morning squeeze the flower & filter it & and then have it. Its taste is not so good but effective. Regular use will give you the best results. First, try only 5 flowers, then gradually increase to 8-12.

Home remedies for thyroid

  1. Use cold pressed coconut oil as it contains medium chain TG, which improves thyroid function.
  2. Take 2 tbsp of Apple Cider vinegar, mix little honey and drink this solution daily.
  3. Omega 3 rich compounds like fish oil, fish oil supplements, flaxseeds, chia seeds reduce thyroid.
  4. Licorice Herb: The use of Licorice herb helps to promote balance within the thyroid gland and also promote more energy levels in the body –keeping fatigue at bay. It contains triterpenoid glycyrrhetinic acid which may aid in stopping the growth of more invasive thyroid cancer cells.
  5. Evening Primrose oil: This herb is full of Amino acids and these acids are critical for optimal thyroid health. They aid in improving thyroid function and alleviate the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, such as heavy menstrual periods and hair loss. Just a tablespoon a day is the general recommendation to decrease inflammation and promote thyroid health.
  6. Ginseng: This herb helps to improve underactive thyroid and it can also address the fatigue that is associated with it. It is best to take one dose prior to lunch and another prior to breakfast–about 100-200mg each time.
  7. Black walnut: This contains a high dose of iodine which is helpful for an underactive thyroid. You can have one –two of this nut.

Home remedies for acidity

  1. Mix one tsp of baking soda in a glass of fresh water and drink.
  2. After a meal pops up a piece of chewing gum for 30 min to relieve heartburn.
  • Natural antacid—full ripen banana acts as a buffer against acid reflux
  1. Sipping a cup of ginger water lukewarm, soothes your tummy and acts as an acid buffer.
  2. Being alkaline in nature, chewing 1 tsp of good quality yellow mustard helps to relieve acidity.
  3. Chamomile tea flavoured with honey or lemon is a very good remedy.
  • 1tbsp of Apple cider vinegar with a glass of water acts as a great antacid.

NOTE: These all remedies can be used with your current medications.

Let’s bring our natural food remedy into practice and keep levels under control along with practising a healthy lifestyle.

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