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Top 5 Brain-Boosting Snacks For A Productive Workday!

brain-boosting snacksWe can’t deny that there are days when you’re a little slow, lethargic or just not focused enough to push through all the work that’s on your plate. Well, don’t worry, it is just a matter of eating the right food! Try these awesome brain-boosting snacks which will improve your memory, focus and concentration while working or even studying!

 Top 5 Brain-Boosting Snacks

  1. Nuts: It’s ironic that while referring to someone we perceive as insanely stupid, we call them a nut. While, on the contrary, nuts actually make us more intelligent. They are the powerhouse of omega-3, omega -6, and Vitamin-E! They improve brain functions and help prevent cognitive decline, especially in older adults. Eating nuts as a snacking option is good for your brain as well as for the heart. Eat a fistful of nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, peanuts) instead of munching unhealthy biscuits, chips, namkeen, etc. during your tea break at home. Do check with your doctor before you do, in case you’re allergic to nuts. 
  2. Pumpkin Seeds: are richer in zinc among other seeds. These seeds include other valuable nutrients like magnesium, copper, and iron which enhance memory and reduce stress. They are the precursor to the good mood chemical called serotonin and contain very powerful antioxidants that protect the brain from free radicals. Toss them with your nuts or sprinkle over salads, soup, smoothies, etc.
  3. Blueberries: are my favourite! They provide numerous health benefits for our brain. They are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich, which helps improve communication among brain cells and improves brain memory. Many studies have suggested that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short-term memory loss. You can also add blueberries in your breakfast cereal, smoothies, etc. 
  4. Whole Eggs: are great for brain power as they are a rich source of several nutrients that are linked with brain health. Many brain-boosting compounds like choline, vitamin B6 and B12 are found in eggs. Hard-boiled eggs or scrambled eggs are a wonderful snack option in the evening for busy workdays. 
  5. Dark Chocolates: are packed with brain-boosting compounds like flavonoids – which boost memory and mood. As a well-known brain food and mood booster, it’s no wonder that people who eat dark chocolate experience increased positive feelings and better performance in mental tasks. Have it any time you feel unhappy, low, depressed or find yourself in between excess work pressure and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones. Remember though – moderation is key!

All the above brain-boosting snacks are not fried. Avoid nuts with salt. These can easily be consumed and are available as well! So let’s boost brain power and make working from home more effective and enjoyable!

If you still want more healthy snacking options, you can explore healthy snacks such as Gourmet Toasted Coconut Chips, Quinoa Puffs and Protein Puffs from the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii App.

Eat healthy, eat right and #BeTheForce

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How Lolita Lasrado Overcame Gastric Issues & Lost Weight With Help From Her GOQii Coach

Lolita Lasrado

Do you avoid eating certain kinds of food because they trigger issues like acidity, bloating, gas or some sort of discomfort? You’re not alone! Our Player Lolita Lasrado suffered from similar issues but was able to overcome them with some lifestyle modifications suggested by her GOQii Coach. Here’s how her health story unfolded.

Dealing With Stomach Issues and Weight Gain

Lolita Lasrado is a 38 year old housewife based in Mangalore. For the longest time, she suffered from gastric issues such as acidity, gas and bloating. She couldn’t eat nuts, potatoes and vegetables such as cabbage due to her gas issues. She only stuck to eating fish curry and rice.

“I had gas and bloating issues for a very very long time. I could hardly eat anything. I had to be careful of what I ate so that it does not create gas issues,” says Lolita. 

Lolita was quite athletic and had been a Shot Put thrower  but couldn’t continue after marriage. Later, she gave birth to 3 boys, which kept her too busy and occupied to think about herself or her health issues. She says, “ I am a busy mom. My time is spent looking after them.”

Taking The First Step Towards Change

Owing to 3 pregnancies and her gut issues, she gained a lot of weight. She weighed 93kg a year ago and had also developed a large tummy which she wanted to reduce, but had no solution for, till one day, her brother-in-law gifted her a GOQii Device.

Initially, she had no idea what the smart tracker and the integrated GOQii App could do but she liked the device because it helped her track her steps daily. She finally subscribed to GOQii’s personalised health coaching in October 2021.  

When she realised that there was actually a personal coach who would guide her, she decided to set a health goal – which was to reduce belly fat and get over her gastric issues. 

Her Coach Bhawna Garg understood her issues and slowly began making changes to her lifestyle. At first, small habits such as eating soaked nuts in the morning, healthy snacks in the evening and roasted jeera with a pinch of hing at bed time, were introduced. Later, ginger, turmeric and lemon tea was also added to her routine. 

“Once I started taking these I started feeling better,” says Lolita. 

Gradually, Coach Bhawna Garg introduced Lolita to portion control in her meals. Rice and wheat was cut down from meals and instead Jowar/Ragi (millet) rotis were introduced. And there was an increase in her protein intake. 

In terms of exercise, her coach asked her to perform plank exercises, starting with 10 seconds to gradually holding it for a longer time. Lolita also began walking on a daily basis, covering approximately 15k steps.

However, despite all these dietary changes, at one point her weight did not budge but she didn’t lose hope. Her Coach started her off on a detox as well as a new workout plan which consisted of strengthening exercises and avoiding rice and wheat for 15 days. This worked and her body began responding. 

What Were The Changes That Lolita Lasrado Experienced?

“When she came on board, she weighed 93kg and her waist size was 38”. She also suffered from gastric issues. The few changes in diet and a few daily habits that I created for her and ensured she followed, helped a lot. Now, her weight has reduced to 78kg and her waist is at 36”. Her acidity and bloating issues are gone for good. She has often told me she feels more energetic and healthy. Working with her has been very easy for me because she is consistent and follows each and every habit I set for her diligently,” says Coach Bhawna Garg. 

This goes to prove that despite issues and hurdles, if guided well and if one follows that guidance and sticks to their health goal, nothing is impossible! Lolita Lasrado continues to write her health story with help from her GOQii Coach and is looking forward to achieving all the health goals she has set for herself. 

Do you relate to this story? Do you want to make a positive lifestyle change too? Then subscribe for GOQii’s personalised health coaching service here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

For more inspiring health stories, check out Healthy Reads. 

#BeTheForce 

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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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9 Diabetes Friendly Grains Beyond Brown Rice

diabetes friendly grainsDiabetes is one of the most prevalent conditions throughout the world. Be it Type 1, Type 2 or Gestational. As soon as we realize that we have Diabetes, we immediately start controlling our sweet tooth in order to keep our sugar consumption under control. But apart from cutting down on sweets and adding less sugar to your tea/coffee, it is also extremely important to understand that we have to limit our calorie intake and add foods which have a low glycemic index to our diet.

Low Glycemic Index foods are those which take a longer time to get digested and therefore, release the sugars in our blood at a slow pace. This, in turn, prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. So if you’ve been replacing your white rice, which has a high glycemic index, with brown rice, there are some other diabetes friendly grains you can explore.

9 Diabetes Friendly Grains You Can Consume

  1. Amarnath: Gluten free, high protein (15-18%), a great source of calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, and many other vitamins and minerals.
    How to cook: Add 2 cups water to 1 cup amaranth grain, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Foxtail millet: Gluten-free, high in dietary fiber, Low Glycemic index, reduces the levels of triglycerides, LDL and VLDL, magnesium present in millets is a co-factor in various enzymes involved in the secretion of insulin and metabolism of glucose in the body
    How to cook:  Pressure cook 1 cup of foxtail millet with 2.5 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt for three whistles. Turn off the flame.
  3. Quinoa: Highest protein content, gluten-free, rich in fiber, iron, and magnesium. It is easy to cook as well.
    How to cook: Pressure cook 1 cup of quinoa with 2.5 cups water for three whistles. Simmer for 5 minutes and turn off the flame.
  4. Kodo Millet: High fiber and energy content and tastes like rice. Kodo Millet contains Copper, deficiency of which impairs sugar tolerance. Research has identified anti-diabetic compounds i.e. Quercetin and Phenolic acids which are present in Kodo Millet.
    How to cook:  Pressure cook 1 cup of Kodo Millet with 2.5 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt for two whistles. Turn off the flame.
  5. Buckwheat: High in magnesium, phytonutrients, and dietary fiber and is gluten-free as well.
    How to cook: Add 2 cups water to 1 cup buckwheat grain, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Little Millet: Low cholesterol, gluten-free, high in protein and dietary fiber.
    How to cook: Pressure cook 1 cup of little millet with 2.5 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt for two whistles. Turn off the flame.
  7. Barnyard Millet: Gluten-free,  has the highest fiber and iron content of all the millets.
    How to cook: Pressure cook 1 cup of Barnyard Millet with 2.5 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt for two whistles. Turn off the flame.
  8. Barley: High in soluble fiber which prevents the carbohydrates from getting absorbed too quickly and raising blood sugar levels. Low glycemic index and high in magnesium as well.
    How to cook: Pressure cook 1 cup of Barley with 3 cups water for about 25 minutes after the first whistle.
  9. Rye: A very good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin B1. It’s a rich source of magnesium too.
    How to cook: Soak 1 cup of rye grain for about 2 hours. Combine the grains with 4 cups of water in a pan, bring to a boil, simmer, close with a lid and cook for about 45 minutes.

There you have it! 9 diabetes friendly grains that are great alternatives to white rice or in case you want to switch from brown rice. Before making any dietary changes, consult a doctor or your nutritionist for further guidance and in case you have any allergies.

We hope this article helps you! Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on managing diabetes, check out Healthy Reads.

For further guidance and motivation by certified experts, join the GOQii Diabetes Care program. It’s India’s only diabetes program that is driven by Smart Science and Personal Coaching to improve Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP), reduce HbA1c levels and let you win gold! You can subscribe here: https://store.goqii.com/diabetescare.

Let’s #DefeatDiabetes and #BeTheForce 

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

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