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From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

Ananda Mukherjee Health StoryAs we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation, celebrating the strength and uniqueness of each survivor.

Today, we bring you the inspiring survival story of our player ‘Anand Mukherjee’, a testament to courage, determination, and the unwavering human spirit. Anand’s journey is not just a story of battling cancer but a celebration of life, love, and the unique ways in which he turned challenges into triumphs, with help from his GOQii Coach. His story reminds us that while cancer may be a common adversary, every survivor’s path is extraordinary, and their voice deserves to be heard.

We present before you Ananda’s journey and reflect on the power of unity, hope, and the unique story that binds us all in the fight against cancer.

Going From Slender To Overweight 

Ananda Mukherjee had a very poor work-life balance. This coupled with bad eating habits such as drinking several cups of coffee, eating unhealthy and sleeping less really took a toll on his body. “I could never sleep, so I was on sleeping pills,” says Ananda. 

Not being able to sustain such a lifestyle, Ananda Mukherjee quit his job in 2018 but didn’t do much for his health. When COVID struck, he couldn’t exercise or go out – which made his life pretty sedentary. The only positive outcome he says was that he was able to add certificates to the hobbies he indulged in such as Interior Design and Gardening & Landscaping.

In the course of time, before he realized, his weight had increased from 56kg to 83kg. “I was asked by people, what has happened to you?” Ananda says that he was slender from the age of 15 till 45 and his weight had remained the same. So when he gained weight, it was noticed by everyone. 

More Bad News…

In 2021, he was diagnosed with a terminal medical condition that affected his intestine  (Adenocarcinoma in the small intestine i.e. Cancer of the Intestine). The first thing his doctor told him was to quit smoking and get active. His food habits also needed to change. He had to bring some discipline in his life. 

As his medication and radiation treatment began, the side-effects such as weight loss, loss of appetite, digestion issues like gas, bloating, etc. began to show. All of this also affected him mentally and emotionally. He was on antidepressant pills for his anxiety issues as well. 

During this time, he was introduced to GOQii by a friend and from social media. When he did his research, he realized that it’s not just a fitness tracker but a service that offers personalized health coaching as well. He says, “Without any hesitation I decided to get a GOQii and try it”. 

Getting Back On Track With GOQii 

Ananda Mukherjee joined GOQii in September 2021. At the time he joined, he weighed 70kg, his HRA was 43 and his BMI was 25.71. His health goal was to lose fat, gain muscle, improve sleep, get rid of stress and anxiety and control his BP. 

Since he was under radiation therapy, after each radiation session, his health goal would change as per the side effects he faced. He had lost 5kg due to the radiation therapy. His health goals fluctuated between improving oxygen levels, heart rate, getting rid of GI issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, nausea as well as respiratory problems like cough, cold, chest congestion, etc. Along with help from his GOQii Coach Vaishali, he had to manage lifestyle changes accordingly.

Coach Vaishali suggested simple healthy changes in his lifestyle which included eating fruits, drinking lukewarm lemon water in the morning, including lemon zest, and having wheatgrass and aloe vera juice to boost immunity. For protein and omega 3, she suggested dry fruits.

During the course of their journey, she got him away from sugar and smoking. Ananda was asked to engage in his hobbies and meditation to improve his mental and emotional wellbeing as well as remain stress-free. 

Ananda also shared his journey with us in detail as he spoke to our Founder & CEO Vishal Gondal

What Changes Did Ananda Mukherjee Experience? 

When asked about his journey so far, Ananda said, “GOQii has played a huge role. It brought about positivity in my life. My Coach Vaishali just created new habits based on my health goals and helped me follow those habits.” 

His radiation treatment is now complete and he is happy that he is able to sleep without taking any pills. His neighbors and friends are surprised at how fresh and healthy he looks now and his wife has also complimented him.

“I blindly follow what my coach suggests and that has given me results. She has been a mom at times, an elder sister at times and has been able to get me to do things. I am totally off smoking and alcohol and my diet is simple,” he says. 

Ananda has been getting all his exercise lessons and nutrition tidbits from GOQii Play classes. He loves the recipe classes on GOQii Play and has been able to make quite a few dishes at home to avoid eating out.

He jokes with his friends saying, I am just chilling and losing weight and has been advocating GOQii to all of them. He says, “This current life is a tectonic shift in my life.” He is able to get back to his medium sized clothes from having gone upto XL size. 

He says, “A coach is necessary to achieve your goals especially when it is about health. There has to be someone to motivate you to do the right things. I have always believed in mentors and with a coach or a mentor your journey only becomes that much more interesting and easier”. 

Ever since being on GOQii, in almost 9 months’ time, Ananda has been able to get into the Elite category. He is following a healthy lifestyle, enjoying his life and is now a landscape designer and also loves gardening. He walks daily for physical fitness and meditates for mental and emotional wellbeing.

Currently his HRA is 81. He has stopped taking antidepressant and sleeping pills as well. His current weight stands at 67kg.

What Does Coach Vaishali Vibhute Have To Say About Her Player?

Ananda started his journey on Sept 20, 2021. The day he joined as a player, he was very depressed, stressed, feeling low both mentally and physically, emotionally disturbed and overweight. He smoked a lot. When I started coaching, he weighed 70kg, HRA was 43 and BMI was 25.71.

Despite being a fitness freak and having a gym at home, he had stopped exercising when he had quit his banking job, which led to a lot of weight gain. To get him back on track, I gave him a target of completing 3k steps and gradually increased it to 5k. I also gave him a few challenges like doing light weight exercises, and following pre and post workout meals. He completed all these tasks diligently. 

When GOQii launched the SAFE (Sedentary, Active, Fit and Elite) model, I told him I would like to see him in the ELITE category, as he was in the sedentary category. He accepted the challenge as he had a burning desire to achieve his health goals.

It is never easy to achieve a health goal. It requires some sacrifices, discipline, consistency and determination. If you are able to handle these 4 aspects well, nothing can stop you and Ananda has proven this fact! Though it was challenging for him to maintain his weight due to his medical condition, his endless efforts and discipline helped him achieve what he aimed for.

We’re wishing Ananda Mukherjee well on his journey of being healthy and fit! Does his Health Story inspire you? Do you want to make a radical lifestyle shift as well? Subscribe for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching and start now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

For more inspiring Health Stories, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce  

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Mayur Sutar’s Journey to a Healthier Life

Mayur Sutar Health TransformationAt 26, Mayur Sutar was deeply entrenched in the corporate whirlwind. His days were a blur of quick, unsatisfying meals, fitful sleep, and relentless deadlines. This vicious cycle was draining him, fueling a constant state of fatigue and frustration. Health had become a forgotten chapter in the book of his life.

In every story, however, there’s a pivotal moment that can change everything. For Mayur, it was a profound epiphany amid the chaos. He realized he wasn’t just compromising his health, but also losing the vibrant spirit that once drove him. This realization ignited a desire to take charge and steer his life towards a healthier horizon.

A pivotal moment came in his life 4 years ago when his father gifted him a GOQii Smart Watch, affectionately known as his ‘Gift of Health.’ This device became more than just a tool; it was his ally on the path to rejuvenation.

Reflecting on his previous lifestyle, Mayur admitted, “My days were a balancing act gone awry. Fast food, sporadic sleep, and endless soda were my fuel. I was always tired, stressed, and stuck in a rut.” His life mirrored the relentless pace of his job—convenient meals, minimal hydration, and disrupted sleep.

But the shift toward change was gradual yet impactful. Constant fatigue lingered like a shadow, and the man in the mirror became unrecognizable, tipping the scales at 85 kgs. Despite gym efforts, he felt trapped in a loop of exhaustion and low productivity. In his quest for transformation, Mayur turned to GOQii, seeking the motivation and support he needed to revamp his life.

The Turning Point: A Journey with GOQii

With GOQii guiding him, Mayur didn’t just tweak his habits; he transformed them, each healthier choice bringing him closer to the energy and zest he yearned to reclaim.

Mayur was paired with Megha Mahajan, a GOQii Coach whose expertise in nutrition and fitness proved invaluable. “Megha wasn’t just a coach; she was my lifestyle strategist,” Mayur remarks with a smile. Together, they began rewriting his story.

Transforming Lifestyle, Step by Step

Their collaboration started with his diet. “Megha introduced me to whole foods and balanced meals, stressing the importance of hydration and regular nourishment.” Under her guidance, Mayur’s meals became a vibrant array of nutrients, as pleasing to the eye as they were beneficial for his body.

Exercise routines followed, with Megha integrating a dynamic mix of strength training and cardio. “The workouts were tailored to keep me engaged and push my boundaries,” Mayur explains.

A significant transformation was also seen in his sleep habits. “Megha recommended practicing Yoga Nidra, taking warm showers before bed, and disconnecting from gadgets in the evening. These small shifts had a profound effect on improving my sleep quality,” he notes.

That’s not all; Mayur also adopted habits that bolstered his emotional health. He recalls, “In 2023, when my coach Megha asked about my New Year’s resolution, I expressed my desire to try meditation. Despite previous struggles with consistency, we incorporated meditation into my daily routine. Since then, it has become an essential tool for managing stress, and I’ve noticed improvements in focus, emotional balance, and an overall sense of calm.”

Enriching Life Beyond Health

Additionally, Megha recommended developing a habit of reading books last year, which Mayur says has significantly enriched his life. This new habit has broadened his knowledge, sharpened his focus, and provided a relaxing way to decompress.

The Results: A Transformed Life

Today, Mayur is a rejuvenated man. “I’ve not only shed weight but also gained incredible energy and positivity. I’ve lost 10 kgs and feel revitalized and in control,” he shares enthusiastically. His transformation has inspired friends and family, who now often seek his advice, moved by his dedication and results. “It’s more than just looking better. It’s about feeling amazing and knowing you’re on the right path,” he adds.

Mayur’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of personalized coaching and the critical importance of taking that first step towards a healthier life. With GOQii’s guidance, Mayur not only reached his health goals but also set new ones, continually advancing on his journey of wellness and proving that in the quest for health, every step truly counts.

Ready to start your own health transformation? Join GOQii today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you. With personalised health coaching, smart health tools, and a supportive community, your wellness journey is just a click away. Explore GOQii’s plans now!

For more inspiring stories and health tips, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce

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Eat healthy while eating out this holiday week

healthy-eating

“I am following a strict diet all 5 days a week, but on weekends all my efforts go down the drain as I sometimes dine out with my family on weekends”.

“I was having lunch with my friends, hence ate outside”.

“I had dinner meeting with the clients at XYZ restaurant”. “It was my farewell party, so had to take my colleagues out to this new eatery opened in town”.

Each one of us has one such story to tell, while eating out. While most of us are getting conscious about the food choices we make or watching our portions, but we can’t follow that all time, while eating out. So, can we ever eat out without guilt and compromising our diet? The answer is “Yes!”

This is our Republic Day contribution. Eat Out but Eat Healthy. Take a look at how you can make this possible.

We generally overlook the menu at the restaurant or sometimes we just order what we like. But, on that menu card, we miss out on some healthy and nutritious meal, which will not disturb our healthy meal patterns.

However, this does not mean that you should be indulging in eating out all the time. It’s Republic Day though, let’s be free from our everyday strict diet, shall we?

So, what we can eat while eating out?

Make a healthy start with healthy starters:

1) Soups: Make a wiser choice between clear soup and creamy soup. Tum yum, Wanton, Mexican tomato soup are something to look out for.

2) Salad: Be careful with those fattening salad dressings. While ordering salad, make sure you get complete benefit of that salad. Load yourself with salad like Greek salad, Cous Cous salad, Vinaigrette based salad like fruits ‘N’ nut salad or salad which are lightly tossed in olive oil.

3) Appetizers: Beware of deep fried stuff while choosing appetizers. Best way is to follow GPRS rule! Rule is simple, G = Grilled, P = Poached, R = Roasted and S = Sauteed. Next time, see to it that your tempting appetizers fall in the above category.

Make a healthy move with a Main Course

Clay Oven Pizza: This is one such food, you can make as healthy as possible or it can be a complete disaster if made with wrong choices. Go for the thin crust wheat base. Make it wholesome by opting for healthy toppings like Sun dried tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, grilled chicken or seafood. Avoid bacon, pepperoni, sausages as topping to avoid excess saturation of calories. Ask the chef to add minimal cheese on your pizza.

Japanese, Thai and Mediterranean cuisine: Good news for Japanese, Thai and Mediterranean food lovers. These cuisines are considered as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. They are perfect blend of healthy food like beans, nuts, fruits, olive oil, whole grains (Mediterranean). Bamboo shoots, seasoned broth, shiitake mushrooms, sea vegetables like seaweed, make the Japanese cuisine, one of the best cuisine in the world. (But watch out for rice portions as it can cause spike in the blood sugar).

Tandoor Items: How can Indian cuisine be behind in the race for healthiest cuisine, when we have one of the healthy cooking method– Tandoor! Any tandoor dishes are way healthy than the dishes floating with butter or oil on the top. You will have a wide spread of variety in this section, right from tandoori roti (without butter) to tandoori mushrooms, baby corn to tandoori chicken or fish.

So, next time when you visit any restaurant or having brunch at friend’s place, your demand for healthy eating will be fulfilled with the wise choices you make!! Enjoy healthy eating out!

If you found these tips valuable and have more questions or thoughts to share, drop a comment below! To explore more insights on maintaining a healthy diet, check out Healthy Reads, and for further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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Top 10 Foods Which Will Help You Gain Muscles Naturally

too much sugarIf you are looking to build muscles, overtraining is not the way to go! Instead, try foods which will help you gain muscles naturally as well as help you shed excess fat. In order to maximize your results from a workout, you must focus on your diet as both nutrition and physical activities are critical if you want to gain muscles.

Why Do You Need Muscles? 

Muscles are not only important for being in shape but it has other functions and benefits too. For instance: 

  • Muscles increase metabolic rate
  • They make everyday chores easier
  • Muscles reduce the risk of many chronic diseases
  • Muscle gain builds and strengthens your bones and tendons, which can help prevent broken bones, tendon sprain and tears

Top 10 Foods Which Will Help You Gain Muscles Naturally 

These foods will make your fitness journey more adaptable and diverse in terms of choices:

  1. Eggs: High Protein foods are very important for gaining muscles and eggs are grade one quality protein with essential vitamins.
  2. Chicken Breast: The lean protein in chicken is an excellent source of amino acids. Each 3-ounce (85 gram) contains about 26 grams of high quality protein. They are also packed with Vitamin B, which may be particularly important, if you are active.
  3. Salmon and Tuna: are great choices for muscle building and overall health. They provide large amounts of Omega- 3 fatty acids, which support muscle gain.
  4. Soyabean: Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Soyabean for promoting fat loss while preserving muscle mass and supporting body mass gain. It is a complete source of protein for vegetarians and a particularly good source of Vitamin K, Iron and Phosphorus. Make sure you buy non-GMO Soyabeans as they are dense in nutrients, have not encountered pesticides and do not contain antibiotics.  
  5. Lentils and Beans: are the secret weapons you need when you want to gain muscles naturally. They are rich in protein and low in fat. They are affordable, widely available and are loaded with Fiber, Vitamin B, Magnesium and Iron – all of which are perfect for muscle gain. Black Lentils, Green Lentils, Split Peas, Navy Beans, Chickpeas, Black Beans, Kidney Beans are some high protein varieties of lentils and beans. You can try soaking and sprouting your lentils and beans as it neutralizes phytic acid and facilitates the bioavailability of nutrients like VitaminB, Vitamin C and the Fiber along with enhancing it’s flavour.
  6. Bengal Gram Flour (Sattu): is the flour of roasted Bengal Gram Dal. It is very rich in protein, dietary fiber and minerals like Calcium, Iron and Manganese. It can be an excellent replacement for market protein powders to fulfil the requirement of protein after an intense workout session. You can mix it in a glass of water, buttermilk, milk and can even blend it with your smoothies.
  7. Nuts: are high in protein and essential fats. They make the perfect snack option for muscle gain. Try a fistful mix trail of Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, Pistachios and Peanuts for building and maintaining muscles.
  8. Quinoa: Not only is it rich in Protein and Fiber, it is also high in Magnesium and Iron – which helps promote protein synthesis. It contains all nine amino acids essential for building muscle and it is gluten-free as well. It’s the perfect food to rely on during your muscle building program.
  9. Healthy Fats: In general, fats make up 20-35% of our total calories for overall health and muscle gain. We need to focus on healthy sources of fats, including Canola oil, Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive oil, Cold Pressed Coconut oil, Avocados, Groundnut oil and oil from nuts and seeds. We know that the very thought of consuming fat makes some of you shudder, but good fats are essential for muscle growth.
  10. A2 Milk and Milk Products: A2 Milk may be a smart choice for those who want to build muscle mass. It contains high quality and easily absorbable Protein, Carbohydrates and Micronutrients (Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin B) which are crucial for gaining muscles. You can include products made of A2 milk like Paneer/Curd/Ghee/Butter, but remember that moderation is the key, so don’t over do it.

To reach your goal of gaining muscles, focus on the right sets of exercise and eat more protein-packed foods as listed above. However, it is also important to consume Carbohydrates (Complex) and Fats (Healthy Fats) to provide fuel for exercise and physical activity.

We hope this articles helps you gain muscles naturally with nutrition! Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on fitness and muscle building, check out Healthy Reads or workout with our experts through a live, interactive session on GOQii Pro within the GOQii App. Book a class now! 

#BeTheForce 

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]