good food Archives

July 21, 2023 By Dr. Pragati Godara Leave a Comment

Importance Of Good Nutrition For The Human Body

Good nutrition and health are inseparable partners that play a pivotal role in our overall well-being. A balanced and nutritious diet is the foundation for a robust immune system, increased energy levels, and enhanced cognitive function.

Choosing nutrient-rich foods abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can strengthen our bodies, ward off illnesses, and promote longevity. Moreover, a healthy diet can help prevent chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, empowering us to lead a fulfilling and active lifestyle.

In this article, we will explore the wonders of good food and health, as they form the cornerstone of a vibrant and enriched life.

The Importance Of Good Nutrition

Here are 5 ways in which good nutrition can help you live a healthy and fulfilling life.

1. Essential Nutrients for Optimal Functioning

Good food provides our bodies with the necessary nutrients required for optimal functioning. These nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy, while proteins are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. Fats play a significant role in hormone production, brain function, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for numerous bodily functions, including immune system support, energy production, bone health, and protection against oxidative stress. Additionally, water is essential for maintaining proper hydration and facilitating various physiological processes.

2. Disease Prevention and Management

Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the body with essential antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber that help combat inflammation, boost the immune system, and protect against cellular damage.

3. Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health. Good food choices, combined with regular physical activity, help manage body weight effectively. A balanced diet with adequate portions ensures that our bodies receive the necessary nutrients without excess calories. High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, provide a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating. In contrast, processed foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and empty calories contribute to weight gain and various associated health problems.

4. Mental Well-being

The impact of good nutrition extends beyond physical health; it also influences mental well-being. Several studies have shown a strong connection between diet and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and magnesium, have been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders.

Conversely, a nutrient-rich diet, including whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats, has been associated with improved mood, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being. Healthy eating habits can also enhance sleep quality, energy levels, and brain performance, thereby promoting a positive mindset and reducing stress.

5. Longevity and Quality of Life

Good food choices and a healthy lifestyle contribute to a longer, healthier life. Studies have consistently shown that individuals who adhere to a nutrient-dense diet have a lower risk of premature death and age-related chronic diseases. The combined effects of proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle factors can improve vitality, increase longevity, and enhance the overall quality of life.

The importance of good food for a healthy body cannot be overstated. A well-balanced and nutritious diet provides the essential nutrients, energy, and protection necessary for optimal bodily functions. It not only prevents diseases and helps manage weight but also supports mental well-being, promotes longevity, and enhances overall quality of life. By making conscious choices to incorporate whole, unprocessed foods into our diets, we empower ourselves to lead healthier, happier lives. Remember, food is not just fuel, it is the foundation of our well-being.

If this article helped you, share it with your friends and family and let us know in the comments below! Find more articles on nutrition here or speak to a GOQii Coach for a deeper understanding of how choosing the right foods can help you. Subscribe to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

March 19, 2023 By Madhu Soni 3 Comments

Healthy Summer Salads to Keep You Cool

The scorching sun is shining brighter than ever! The resulting heat wave can have an impact on our health and appetite. During summers, it is important to watch what we eat. To balance the heat, we have listed a few scrumptious summer salads to help you stay cool!

1. Watermelon Feta Salad

Ingredients:

1 big bowl of Watermelon cubes
½ cup crumbled Feta Cheese or Paneer.
1 medium bowl Cucumber cubes
Handful of Mint leaves
1 tsp Honey and Olive oil
A pinch of rock salt
1 tsp Lemon juice

Method:

For the dressing combine Honey, Lemon juice, Olive oil and rock salt
In a large bowl, take the Watermelon and Cucumber cubes
Add the finely chopped Mint leaves to it along with the dressing
Garnish with Feta Cheese or Paneer
Serve chilled

Healthy Benefits: High water content of Watermelons makes it an ideal fruit during summer. Feta Cheese is comparatively low on calories and is loaded with calcium.

2. Hung Curd Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup Hung Curd
1 cup Chickpeas
½ cup each of Tomato, Cucumber, Onions and Bell Pepper.
Juice of a Lemon
Handful of Coriander and Mint leaves.

Method:

For the dressing, mix the Hung Curd, Lemon Juice, Rock Salt and Pepper
In a bowl, take Chickpeas, add finely chopped Tomatoes, Cucumber, Onions and Bell Pepper
Add the Hung Curd dressing and garnish with Coriander and Mint leaves

Healthy Benefits: Curd is an excellent probiotic. It helps in keeping stomach ailments away during summers. Chickpeas provide the much needed proteins and the veggies add a dash of freshness.

3. Mint Paneer Salad

Ingredients:

200 gm Paneer
1 cup thick Curd
Chopped Cucumber, Tomatoes and Onions
1 cup Lettuce leaves and Salad leaves
Lemon juice and Lemon rind
1 cup Bread Croutons [non fried-tossed on non-stick pan]
Handful Mint leaves
Salt and Pepper
Tandoori masala [store bought]

Method:

For the dressing, whisk half of the curd with mint leaves
Add Lemon juice and Lemon rind to it along with Salt and Pepper
Marinate the Paneer cubes in thick curd along with Tandoori masala
Shallow fry on a non stick pan till golden brown
In a large serving bowl, add roughly chopped Lettuce and Salad leaves
Add chopped Tomatoes, Onions and Cucumber followed by the Mint dressing and mix to coat well
Adjust the seasoning if required. Add the Bread Croutons and Paneer cubes.

Healthy Benefits: This is a perfect summer pot meal to cool you down. It has a good amount of fiber and proteins. The mint leaves aid digestion and take care of skin allergies during this harsh weather.

Hope you enjoy these summer salads! To make them more interesting, try adding these refreshing, low calorie summer drinks to your meal. If you’re looking for more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads.

You can also get these recipes from a GOQii Coach, along with meal plans tailored to your needs. All you need to do is subscribe for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce

June 4, 2019 By Vishal Gondal Leave a Comment

The Urgent Need For Healthy Eating

Ever wondered what constitutes healthy eating? I found my answer in creating new habits by adding beneficial foods and fostering a sense of responsibility to improve my quality of life! I am not talking about fad diets that make short term promises but making the right food choices and building a good relationship with them! Basically, embracing permanent and lasting changes.

Eat Real Food!

Scientific evidence has shown that what you eat can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. It can ward off some forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and obesity. Healthy eating and making the right food choices now is more important than ever.

Lifestyle Diseases on the Rise

Why so? Increasing members of our society are falling prey to lifestyle diseases due to wrong eating habits. Data collected from our very own GOQii IndiaFit Report 2019 indicates that there has been a rise in lifestyle diseases among people below the age of 45 since last year. High blood pressure has increased from 9% to 12%. Users affected by Cholesterol have increased from 10.1% to 14.1%.

Prioritize Your Health

If you prioritize your health, you’ll develop a “wellness state of mind”. The first thing you will begin with is making the healthiest choice when it comes to food and physical activity. Before you begin to make changes in your lifestyle, knowing where you are in your journey towards health and wellness is important. As a preventive healthcare company, we are striving to get people to be active and disease free. Our coaches promote balanced nutrition and healthy eating.

The IndiaFit Report indicates that there are key concerns in the nutrition area. Research indicates that 35% of the users have concerns around acidity and indigestion. 14% of the users are plagued by constipation. Bloating has increased from 8.5% last year to 10%. More than 25% have delayed meal patterns. All of these issues are due to bad eating habits.

Ask yourself the following question: Am I eating a balanced diet that comprises of all food groups to sustain health, energy, and well-being?

Healthy Eating is Not Complicated

While eating right is paramount, eating safe is equally important. We all know ingestion of pesticides can cause some serious issues including diseases like cancer over a period of time. From food grains to vegetables to fruits, everything is grown and ripened with the help of chemicals. Moreover, the concept of organic food is not well understood and most find it expensive.

But, having said that things are changing slowly and steadily. People are getting used to buying organic products from places like Farmer’s Market and few other health and wellness stores. In fact, the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii App offers curated products at a discount. These products are tested by our nutritionists and experts before being available for sale.

Remember eating right is not at all complicated. You don’t need to count calories all day long just eat the right foods and you will automatically start feeling healthy!