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10 Habits Which Are Destroying Your Health

10 bad habits destroying your healthHabits play an important role in our lives. From the time we wake up, till we hit the pillow at night, most of the things that we do during the day are wrapped up in some form of habits. Of these habits, some are towards keeping ourselves healthy and there are some habits which might be unnoticeable, but yet very harmful for us. Let’s take a look at the 10 habits that are destroying your health!

10 Habits That Are Destroying Your Health 

  1. Having fruits along with meals: We do get a good dose of carbohydrates in our regular meals and by adding extra carbohydrates, it will exceed the limit and lead to over intake of carbohydrates. It’s best to eat fruits half an hour before a meal or as mid meals.
  2. Not having our meals on time: We should always have our meals on time. Once you do that, it helps us set up our body clock according to that specific meal time so that digestion and nutrient absorption happens at the same time every day and it won’t go off track.
  3. Skipping breakfast or any other meals: Skipping our meals, especially breakfast, is not a good idea. It may lead to muscle loss, fatigue and irritation, among other health issues, as there might not be any energy and glucose to keep us going during a hectic day.
  4. Having a heavy dinner: The calories and carbs which we have during dinner will not be utilized at night. So when we sleep, all of it is turned into fat and stored in the body. Always keep your dinner light.
  5. Less water intake: may lead to dehydration and that can directly affect our immunity, which in turn can be the cause for many diseases. At least 2 to 3 liters of water in a day is must!
  6. Keeping a long gap between your meals: Keeping long gaps between meals leads to overeating our next meal. It will also slow down our BMR so that we eat more and that is the cause for weight gain.
  7. Chewing your food fast: We should always take at least 20 minutes to complete a meal. Chewing fast will not help in absorption and breakdown of the nutrients in the food that we eat.
  8. Having processed foods: Processed foods which contain sugar, white flour or corn flour, may risk us with water retention in our body and will also increase our salt intake because of the preservatives.
  9. Confusing thirst with hunger: Sometimes when we feel thirsty we may confuse it with hunger and start eating an untimely meal, so it’s best to first feel, recognize and keep yourself hydrated so that we don’t feel hungry because of less water intake.
  10. Overeating: can easily go unnoticed and this can cause problems like weight gain and obesity. This is often regarded as an eating disorder. If you are a binge eater, it’s time to make some changes. Maintaining portion control is the best way to eat mindfully.

So sit back and check if these habits are a part of your lifestyle and change them for the best! If you have difficulty breaking a habit or need that extra dose of motivation, reach out to an expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Dance Your Way To Good Health on International Dance Day!

Dancing

We are all well aware that April 29 is celebrated as International Dance Day. Did you know that it is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Jean George Noverre – the creator of Modern Ballet?

If you’re wondering whether International Dance Day is just another addition to the various days that are being celebrated worldwide, then you’re in for a surprise. Dance and good health are closely knitted. You can, in fact, reap a surplus of health benefits from dancing.

From celebrations to harvest rituals, dance has always been an integral part of the human culture. In India, the legacy of dance dates back to 5000 years. The Hindu mythology speaks volumes of Lord Shiva as Natraja – the Lord of the Dance. The Divine Raslila by Lord Krishna, Radha Rani and the Gopis in Vrindavan or Lord Ganesha’s dance to express joy.

Not just in India, but in any part of the world, dancing has always been a source of delight and ecstasy. It‘s a way to express joys, sorrows and communicate emotions or a story with grace.

As it is International Dance Day, let’s take a look at various dance forms and how they can keep you healthy!

1. Ballet

This graceful dance originated during the Italian Renaissance in the 15th Century. The dance moves slowly at first and then picks up the pace to classical music with dramatic interpretation. Perhaps the main features of this dance are standing on the toes and the arms held out in an extended curve. As a result, these dancers have significant strength in their hamstrings, glutes, calves and feet. The turnout of the leg at the hip socket joint is another key element in Ballet which helps develop strong gluteal muscles. Ballet ensures posture alignment and joint flexibility. Ballet trainees are taught to engage their core to achieve alignment, balance and prevent injuries.

2. Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is a classical solo Temple Dance from Southern India. The dance has impressive gesture and excellent footwork. It is based on Hindu religious themes. This dance form tones the arms, legs and the core. It also increases stamina, flexibility and balance. The steps and eye movements increase concentration and coordination skills. Rolling of the eyes is a good exercise for the eye muscles. It’s a great way to have a healthy heart and stay fit.

3. Belly Dance

The mesmerizing belly dance of the mysterious Middle East is an impressive and expressive dance form! It has admirers and followers all around the world. This dance originated in Egypt and has complex movements of the Torso. Dancing gracefully and fluidly is possible only when you have a strong core. Contrary to its name, Belly Dance also employs the larger and smaller muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, spine, neck, glutes and the upper arm.

4. Zumba

Zumba is the latest fitness craze which has swept youngsters as well as the elderly off their feet! It was accidentally invented when Albert “Beto” Perez, an aerobics instructor forgot to carry his tape and played the available Latin music and infused this dance with aerobics and Eureka! Zumba was born! It provides a great workout for the entire body, engaging each and every muscle group. It‘s a high-intensity cardio exercise which keeps metabolism high. Besides this, Zumba also increases endurance.

5. Salsa

Salsa is a dance and musical style with deep Caribbean and African roots. Although it was popular in Latin America, it has gained popularity in Europe and Asia too! Salsa is a partner dance which features a series of hip movement, twirls and other dance moves. This dance virtually engages all the major muscle groups. The glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves and core area are exercised aggressively in order to perform the various step sequences.

6. Bollywood Dance

If I had to pin down the exact number of dance forms which comprise the Bollywood Dance, it would be as difficult as gauging how many shades of blue makes the sky.

Initially, Bollywood Dance was inspired by classical and folk dances of the various states in India. Over the years, Bollywood Dance has evolved. Now there are professional choreographers who have introduced Disco, Hip-Hop, Freestyle Dancing, Belly Dancing and so on.

Bollywood Dancing is a great aerobic exercise which engages the whole body. It is a fun way to tone up the body as most of the dance movements help strengthen the core and calves. And last but not the least, it’s a great stress buster.

How Does Dancing Help Your Health?

  • It is a great activity for those with cardiovascular disease as it helps increase lung capacity
  • Dance aids in boosting memory and preventing dementia as you grow older
  • It improves flexibility and helps in maintaining body balance and coordination
  • Dancing solo, with a partner or in a group is said to reduce stress. Symptoms of depression are much lower with people who sway to the rhythm
  • It is a popular way to stay fit and active. Most fitness clubs have already included dance in their fitness regime
  • It also improves one’s confidence and self-esteem

Although dance can be performed by anyone, keep a few things in mind:

  • Consult your Doctor if you have any medical conditions or obesity
  • Warm up and stretch before dancing
  • If you are a beginner, don’t push yourself too hard
  • Keep yourself well hydrated
  • Rest in between sessions

Whether you’re a busy person, multi-tasking or a senior citizen, age is just a number when you dance to the music you like! If you want to start dancing for health, tune in to some of our coaches on GOQii Pro and find a good mix of Zumba, Strong by Zumba, Aerobics and Belly Dancing! Download the GOQii app to get started.

Do you know of any other dance form that provides a multitude of health benefits? Share them with us in the comments below!

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Top Foods to Increase Hemoglobin Naturally

hemoglobin

Hemoglobin and Iron are two terms that go hand in hand and there’s a simple understanding behind this. 70% of the body’s iron is found in hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoglobin is the red colored pigment present in red blood cells which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of our body. This released oxygen then permits aerobic respiration to provide energy to power the functions of our body in the process called metabolism. 

That’s not where it’s role ends. It is also a part of other cells which are found in some major organs like lungs, kidneys and the skin. Here, it’s function is that of an antioxidant and regulator of iron metabolism. Finally, it also transports carbon dioxide out of the cells and back to the lungs to be blown out of our body. The expected normal range of Hemoglobin in men is above 13 gm/dL and women is above 12 gm/dL, typically which is not difficult to maintain but still is of major concern if goes below the desired levels, creating a condition called Anemia.

Lack of Folate or B-12, blood loss post surgery, heavy menstrual bleeding or internal bleeding due to ulcers or even inadequate intake are some possible causes of low Hemoglobin levels. All of this explains our symptoms of Anemia like exhaustion, skin paleness, headache to abnormal or rapid heartbeat and chest pain. We’ve read and heard of varied iron supplements which can be taken to replenish extremely low Hemoglobin levels but eating the right kind of foods in the correct combinations can help increase hemoglobin naturally and quickly also. 

What Can You Eat to Increase Hemoglobin? 

When thinking about Hemoglobin, the 1st mineral coming to our mind is Iron but here’s the catch – Iron alone cannot increase your Hb. It has to be in combination with Folate or Vit B12 (depending on the deficiency) and Vit. A & C which act as carriers for it’s better absorption. Combining all the above elements finally gives us this list of foods which can help increase hemoglobin naturally. 

  1. Foods like Shellfish, Sardines, Tuna, Mackerel, Eggs and Meat are high on Heme Iron which is easily absorbed in the body and do not require carriers.
  2. Plant foods like Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Beetroot, Pumpkin Seeds, and legumes like Soybeans, Chickpeas, Peas, etc. can help as well. 
  3. Vit. A & C rich foods like Tomatoes, Carrots, Lemon, Red Peppers, Oranges, Pomegranates, etc. should be used in combination with above mentioned foods.
  4. Fortified cereals also help as they are high in Folate.

While some elements are carriers, some can act as an hindrance. Phytic acid and Calcium are 2 such elements which make Iron absorption harder. Hence, avoid taking Calcium supplements or very high calcium rich foods along with Iron rich foods or supplements. Before making any changes to your diet, do consult a doctor, nutritionist or your dietitian. 

We hope this article to increase hemoglobin naturally helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below! For more useful information on Hemoglobin and other health-related queries, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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Is Lactose Free Milk The Same As Dairy Free Milk?

lactose free milk

Many of you must have heard about lactose intolerance. When somebody has this condition, milk falls in the list of “don’t” for them. It is a very common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar mainly found in milk & most dairy products. What it means is that your body does not have sufficient amounts of the digestive enzyme ‘Lactase’ to break down milk sugar. Lactose free milk is free of these carbs that cause discomfort while providing all the benefits of regular milk.

What is Lactose Free Milk? 

Lactose free milk is commercially produced in such a way that it is free of lactose. For this, 3 methods are used:

  • Addition of lactase enzyme in the milk which pre digests or breaks lactose into simpler sugars. Thereafter, milk is pasteurized to deactivate lactase to increase milk’s shelf life.
  • Passing milk over lactase which is bound to a carrier. Using this method produces the same effect as above, but the enzyme is not present in the milk.
  • Mechanical removal of lactose through membrane fractionation & other ultrafiltration techniques while preserving normal flavor of milk.

With the first two methods, breakdown of lactose into simpler sugars gives milk a sweeter taste (as perceived by your taste receptors). But ultra-pasteurized milk tastes different (cooked flavor) due to heat applied during preparation. 

What Are the Pros and Cons? 

Now that you know what lactose free milk is, you might be wondering if it is good for you. Some reported benefits include: 

  • Prevents symptoms of lactose intolerance
  • Easy to digest
  • A little sweeter than regular milk
  • Good for bones as calcium & Vit D is the same as before. In fact, some manufacturers fortify it with extra calcium & Vit D
  • Low fat versions are good for heart health
  • Complete protein profile

Despite its benefits, there are also some cons to it:

  • Not suitable for people with dairy allergy
  • Not suitable for vegans
  • Technically it is a processed food as it is treated with heat & chemicals to make it safe for use
  • Sometimes sweeteners may be added by manufacturers
  • Presence of simpler sugars due to breakdown of lactose might increase the glycemic index of the product

Difference Between Lactose Free and Dairy Free Milk 

While these two sound similar, they actually aren’t. Despite being different from regular milk, lactose free milk is prepared from regular cow milk. Basically, it’s an animal product which still has proteins like whey & casein in it after removing lactose. On the other hand, dairy free milk is a plant based product, made using nuts, seeds, grains & legumes. These milk options are very popular among vegans or people with dairy allergy (immune system’s reaction to proteins in milk) to replace regular milk in different recipes. There is a wide array of dairy free alternatives available in the market these days such as rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, flax milk & soy milk.

So the final take away from lactose free vs dairy free is that something dairy free is automatically lactose free but not vice versa. Now that you know the difference, your choice will be dependent on your health and body! We hope this information helps you. If you have any queries, leave them in the comments section below! 

For more information and topics like these, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#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 […]