Search Results for: portion control

April 12, 2025 By GOQii Leave a Comment

The Importance of Keeping a Food Diary for Diabetes Control

Managing diabetes goes beyond just watching your sugar intake—it requires a deeper understanding of how different foods affect your blood sugar levels. One of the most effective and simple tools to gain this insight is keeping a food diary.

By consistently tracking what you eat and drink, you become more aware of your habits, make better dietary choices, and stay committed to a low-carb lifestyle. Whether your goal is to stabilise blood glucose levels or reverse type 2 diabetes, a food diary can be a true game-changer.

Why Keep a Food Diary?

Increases Awareness
A food diary helps you become more mindful of your eating patterns. When you pause to write down or record your meals, it strengthens the connection between what you eat and how you feel—mentally and physically.

Identifies Hidden Carbs
Packaged or processed foods often contain hidden sugars or carbs that can spike blood sugar levels. Logging your food intake allows you to spot these culprits, helping you make more informed, low-carb choices.

Tracks Carb Intake
If you’re following a low-carb diet (60–130g per day), keeping count matters. A food diary ensures you stay within your daily carb targets, making it easier to keep your glucose levels in check.

Reveals Patterns and Triggers
A food diary can highlight emotional eating, late-night snacking, or certain foods that cause unexpected glucose spikes. By recognising these patterns, you’re better equipped to manage cravings or avoid setbacks.

Measures Progress
Seeing how your food choices affect your energy, mood, and glucose readings over time can be incredibly motivating. It’s proof that your effort is working—even if the changes are slow and steady.

Boosts Accountability
Knowing you’ll be logging your meals encourages better choices. Whether you’re tracking meals for yourself or sharing them with a health professional, food diaries bring a sense of ownership to your journey.

How to Maintain a Food Diary

It doesn’t need to be complicated. Choose a method that suits your lifestyle and comfort:

✍️ Handwritten Journal – Use a simple notebook to jot down what you eat, when you eat, and portion sizes. It’s a classic but effective approach.
📲 Nutrigenius on the GOQii App – Snap a photo of your meal and upload it directly. This visual log is quick, intuitive, and allows your coach to give you targeted guidance based on what you’re actually eating.

The key is consistency, not perfection. Whether you prefer pen and paper or digital tracking, stick with what works for you.

Following a low-carb diet is one of the most effective strategies for managing—and in many cases, reversing—type 2 diabetes. But success depends on staying aware and accountable, and that’s where a food diary truly shines.

By tracking your meals, identifying patterns, and monitoring your progress, you gain control over your health in a very real, empowering way. Remember—small steps every day add up to big changes over time.

So grab your journal or open the app. Every meal you track is a step towards a healthier, more balanced you.

#BeTheForce

May 20, 2023 By GOQii Leave a Comment

How Ahmad Najib Controlled His Diabetes & Lost Weight With GOQii

It’s a well-established fact that unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity and an overall unhealthy lifestyle can lead to many health issues. To begin with, it is the biggest cause of being overweight, which comes with other issues such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and even diabetes. While well known, people tend to overlook these aspects. Our Player Ahmad Najib had also found himself in this predicament and when things started to slip, he decided he needed to change his lifestyle. How did he bring about this change? Read on to find out.

Before Joining GOQii

“My lifestyle was all over the place. There was no routine, I ate an unhealthy diet and ate whenever I wanted and ate whatever I wanted. I never even exercised,” says Ahmad Najib. Owing to his poor eating habits and lack of physical activity, his weight shot up to 108kg.

His HbA1c levels were as high as 6.7. After his regular yearly checkup, he found that his triglyceride and cholesterol levels were high as well. The problem with sugar and being overweight is hereditary in his family. Keeping this in mind, Ahmad Najib wanted to change his lifestyle for the better.

One day while checking the internet for a solution along with a friend, he came across GOQii. After going through the features, he was attracted by the 3 month coaching subscription and decided this was the way to go!

Interacting With The Coach & Adopting Healthy Habits

When he began his coaching subscription, he said that he really liked the way the instructions were simplified for him and the communication was easy. “The interaction was so smooth and easy that I could follow everything my coach shared with me,” he said. The flow of information was continuous between him and his coach.

6 months before beginning his journey with GOQii, Ahmad Najib said that he had completely cut off from sweets and oily food due to his Diabetes issue. But the daily workout he was doing wasn’t helping him at all. His weight would not budge.

After speaking with his GOQii Coach Farhat Khan, he got a better understanding of his diet and what he should be eating as well as avoiding. His coach suggested some fruits he could eat – which he says benefited him immensely. She also helped him clear any doubts he had regarding his meals and helped him balance them.

He was asked to stay off maida and wheat chapatis. These were replaced with jowar or bajra rotis. He was also instructed to stay off junk food and eating out. Apart from this, Coach Farhat Khan also introduced him to portion control. She also asked him to take frequent walks – which included walking for 5-7 minutes post a meal. His workout routines were also shuffled frequently.

Even during the holy month of Ramzan, Ahmad Najib did his best to follow the morning routine, exercises and diet suggested by his coach and avoided eating oily food or ordering in. He says that he has completely stopped eating out.

How Did These Changes Impact Ahmad Najib?

The biggest change he witnessed was that his weight was reduced from 108kg to 91kg. Furthermore, his HbA1c levels have reduced from 6.7 to 5.5. “I don’t need tablets for high sugar anymore,” he says. Even his triglycerides and cholesterol levels are now under control.

His Coach Farhat Khan says, “His fat loss is amazing, sugar readings are now under control and his fitness and stamina have also improved.” She further added that, “Ahmad is really dedicated. He never said ‘ye nahin kar paunga’, and was always ready for the tasks given to him – whether it was physical or diet related.” Before, he couldn’t walk even half a km in one go but now, he can cover 3km without feeling tired.

Looking at his transformation, the people he meets wonder how he pulled it off. With the changes he saw within himself, he recommended GOQii to 2-3 of his acquaintances. He also gifted a GOQii Smartwatch to his sister who has benefited greatly from it. She too lost weight by following instructions from her GOQii Coach.

Overall, he says it’s been a life-changing experience! Currently, along with his coach, he plans on reducing another 8-9kg.

Was this story inspiring? Do you or someone you know wants to make a lifestyle change? Share this article with them and subscribe for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

You can find more inspiring health stories here.

#BeTheForce

October 26, 2019 By GOQii 1 Comment

If You Must Take Control, Control Your Health! | Sakuntala Rao User Story

At some point in life, you can’t help but wonder that as you get older, things change. Life passes you by in such a blur that most times you’re unable to take control. Health issues begin to surface as medication and doctor visits become more common. While things seem bleak in this fixated downward spiral, there are individuals who think otherwise! At the age of 60, our player Sakuntala Rao can proudly say that life didn’t pass her by. She’s living it, breathing it and enjoying it to the fullest with good health… but was it always like this?

Early Life and Health Issues

Hailing from Bangalore, Sakuntala Rao had two major concerns – sleep issues and fluctuating weight. Albeit, she was aware of the reasons for both her concerns but was unable to find a viable solution. She attributes her sleep issues to high levels of stress. Being a control freak, she used to get worked up when things didn’t go the way she wanted. She had trouble falling asleep and used to wake up in the middle of the night unable to go back to sleep. Less sleep hours and disturbed sleep were regular occurrences.

On the other hand, her weight was something she had always struggled with. This was due to her travel routine for work, her diet which was completely erratic, marred with junk food, untimely eating, and zero portion control. As she puts it, her eating habits were all over the place.

To add to this, she was under medication for hyperthyroidism for 14 years before she underwent Radioactive Iodine Therapy which reversed her condition the wrong way. She developed hypothyroidism since most of the gland was destroyed during the procedure. This again contributed to hormonal imbalance leading to weight gain.

She often tried fad diets from time to time. Though she lost a little weight, she would gain it back in a month or two. Her daily routine was also devoid of any physical activity. After her retirement in 2017, she got herself a personal trainer to help her get active. She decided she wanted to focus more on health and fitness. That’s where GOQii came in!

Joining GOQii and Making a Lifestyle Change

In 2018, her husband got her a GOQii tracker as a gift. She explored the app, learned about the coaching mechanism, live video coaching by experts and blogs which motivated her to stick with GOQii. She was assigned a GOQii Coach when she signed up. Her goal was to just get fit which, with help from her Coach, got narrowed down to her two major issues – improving sleep and weight loss.

The first habit set by her GOQii Coach was an early dinner. She was also asked to perform Pranayama as demonstrated by GOQii Play Coach Ronak Gajjar. Sakuntala Rao was also given a few links to meditation which she was asked to listen to after Pranayama. She was also asked to stay away from her phone for at least an hour before bed.

All of this together, with the realization that she cannot control everything and that she needs to let go at times, helped her calm down. This reduced her stress greatly and thus, improved her sleep quality.

She wasn’t asked to change much in her diet as she had already started eating healthy. Only a few tweaks were made. For instance, including protein in each meal. She also began intermittent fasting on the 16/8 pattern – Her last meal being dinner at 6 pm and she breaks her fast at 10 am the next morning. The first thing she drinks is a glass of warm water followed by Ajwain (soaked overnight) and pink salt followed by nuts.

Her lunch consists of 2 rotis, some curry, and a large bowl of salad which consists of carrots, cucumber, radish, avocado, capsicum and some seeds mixed with curd. She consumes a cup of coffee and eats a fruit before that. Dinner consists of one roti, some curry, soup and salad.

Currently, she has set her goal as reaching a weight of 60kg in order to fall under the normal BMI range and maintaining that level.

Experiencing the Change

Sakuntala Rao says that her sleep has improved significantly. She is now able to sleep for an average of 7 hours and doesn’t wake up in the middle of the night. Her weight has reduced from 79kg in July 2018 to 70g when she last checked. She feels that progress has been difficult but consistent. She thanks her GOQii Coach for being persistent and following up with her, ensuring she keeps on track.

Now, she believes that mental health is just as important as physical health, especially after the age of 60 with people talking about Dementia and Alzheimer’s everywhere. She has enrolled herself for a dancing class as a hobby and she is also associated with a group called Silver Talkies. They cater to people over the age of 55 and get them involved in various social activities. The group has also planned a dance performance for early November in support of a social cause.

Her current physical activities include functional workouts 4 days a week, walking for at least 4 days and attending dance class 2 days a week. She attempted swimming but gave up as she couldn’t overcome her Aquaphobia (fear of water).

What Sakuntala Rao Thinks of GOQii

Sakuntala Rao praises her GOQii Coach for helping her make such a positive lifestyle change. She said her Coach was very prompt in her responses, be it a comment or a problem. She is very pleased with the fact that her Coach personalizes her entire routine keeping her age in mind. She also shares a lot of information which is educational and useful.

Has this story inspired you to make a change? If anything, it tells us that even if we can’t control everything, we can certainly control our health and the choices we make. Want to share your story with us? Fill this form and we’ll reach out to you.

Keep inspiring, stay motivated and #BeTheForce

July 24, 2026 By Urvi Gohil 2 Comments

Healthy Eating: Crispy Monsoon Corn Tikkis

The Big Question: Can you enjoy crispy monsoon snacks without compromising your health goals?There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of roasted corn during the rainy season. Whether it’s a steaming boiled cob or a smoky street-side bhutta, sweet corn has long been one of the highlights of the monsoon. But along with the rains come intense cravings for deep-fried pakodas, cutlets, and other indulgent snacks.

The good news? You don’t have to give up the crunch to make a healthier choice. These pan-roasted Corn Tikkis deliver the exact same satisfying texture and comforting flavours while using wholesome ingredients and significantly less oil than traditional deep-fried versions.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Corn Tikkis

These tikkis are not only delicious but also packed with ingredients that contribute to a balanced diet:

Supports Eye Health: Sweet corn contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two naturally occurring carotenoids that help support eye health and may contribute to protecting vision as we age.
Provides Dietary Fibre: Corn and added vegetables contribute dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and promotes satiety, helping you stay fuller for longer.
Adds Colour and Nutrients: Capsicum, carrots, and fresh coriander add colour, flavour, and a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall immune health.
A Healthier Way to Enjoy Comfort Food: Instead of deep-frying, these tikkis are pan-roasted using minimal oil, helping reduce the overall fat content while still achieving a perfect, crisp exterior.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Makes: 8 tikkis
Serves: 4

Ingredients

The Base

1 cup boiled sweet corn kernels (coarsely ground)
2 tbsp whole boiled corn kernels
½ cup mashed boiled potatoes
2 tbsp wheat rusk powder (for coating)
1 tsp oil (for roasting)

The Vegetables

2 tbsp finely chopped capsicum
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
2 tbsp grated carrot
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

The Flavouring

1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tsp green chilli paste (adjust to taste)
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp coriander-cumin powder
½ tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
Chaat masala (optional)

Method

Step 1: Cook the Corn Mixture – Heat a teaspoon of oil in a non-stick pan. Add the ginger paste and sauté briefly. Add the coarsely ground corn and cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until most of the moisture evaporates. This helps prevent the tikkis from becoming soft or breaking during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture – In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, whole corn kernels, cooked corn mixture, capsicum, onion, carrot, and fresh coriander. Mix well.

Step 3: Season – Add the green chilli paste, red chilli powder, coriander-cumin powder, garam masala, salt, and chaat masala. Mix thoroughly until everything comes together into a soft, pliable dough.

Step 4: Shape the Tikkis – Lightly grease your palms. Shape the mixture into evenly sized round tikkis (cutlets). Roll each one gently in the wheat rusk powder for a light, crispy coating.

Step 5: Pan Roast – Heat a non-stick tawa or pan and brush it lightly with oil. Cook each tikki for about 4–5 minutes per side over medium heat until golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Serve – Serve hot with fresh mint chutney, a mint-yoghurt dip, or coriander chutney. (Skip sugary ketchup if you’re trying to keep added sugar low!)

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – 2 Tikkis)

Calories: ~170 kcal
Protein: ~5 g
Carbohydrates: ~28 g
Fat: ~4 g
Fibre: ~4–5 g

(Values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Healthy Variations & Swaps

Want to customise the recipe? Try these easy swaps:

Replace Potatoes With:

Sweet potato
Boiled raw banana
Mashed pumpkin

Add More Protein: These additions make the tikkis more filling while increasing the protein content:

Crumbled paneer or Tofu
Cooked quinoa
Boiled chickpeas (lightly mashed)

Gluten-Free Version: Replace the wheat rusk powder with:

Oats powder (certified gluten-free, if required)
Roasted poha (flattened rice) powder
Rice flakes powder

Air Fryer & Oven Methods:

Air Fryer: Cook at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through.
Oven: Bake at 180°C for 18–20 minutes, flipping once for even browning.

Storage Tips

Perfect for quick weekday snacks!

Refrigerate uncooked tikkis for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Freeze shaped tikkis for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before pan-roasting.

Healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up the foods you enjoy. Simple swaps—like pan-roasting instead of deep-frying, adding colourful vegetables, and choosing wholesome ingredients—can make traditional favourites more nutritious without compromising on taste. These crispy Corn Tikkis are proof that comfort food and healthy eating can go hand in hand.

Pro Tip: Cravings are easier to manage when you plan ahead. Track your meals on the GOQii App and connect with your GOQii Personalised Health Coach for customised snack ideas, healthier recipes, and nutrition guidance that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is sweet corn good for weight management?

Yes. Sweet corn provides fibre that promotes fullness and contains important vitamins and minerals. Since it is a starchy vegetable, portion size remains important as part of a balanced diet.

Can I prepare these tikkis in advance?

Yes. Shape the tikkis and refrigerate them for up to two days before cooking. They also freeze well for up to one month.

Why are my tikkis falling apart?

The mixture may contain excess moisture. Cook the corn thoroughly before mixing to evaporate the water. If needed, add a tablespoon of roasted besan (chickpea flour) or oats powder to improve binding.

Can people with diabetes eat these Corn Tikkis?

Yes, in moderation. Since sweet corn contains carbohydrates, portion control is important. Pair the tikkis with a protein-rich accompaniment such as yoghurt or paneer and avoid sugary sauces. Individual dietary needs vary, so consult your healthcare provider or dietitian for personalised advice.

Eat Healthy and #BeTheForce

Disclaimer: This recipe is intended for educational purposes only. Nutritional needs vary from person to person. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other medical conditions requiring specialised dietary advice, consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.