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November 3, 2025 By Urvi Gohil 4 Comments

5 Simple Lifestyle Changes To Manage Hypertension

manage hypertensionBy now, anyone conscious about their health is aware of hypertension. In case you’re unfamiliar, hypertension is simply another name for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the blood vessels. This force depends on vascular resistance and how hard the heart has to work. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and aneurysm.

An optimal blood pressure level is a reading under 120/80 mmHg, while a reading over 140/90 mmHg is generally considered high. It is crucial to keep blood pressure under control, and lifestyle management is the first-line treatment for hypertension.

5 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Hypertension

1. Cut Down on Alcohol & Quit Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily spikes blood pressure, and frequent drinking can lead to long-term increases. Heavy drinkers should gradually reduce their alcohol intake over 1-2 weeks to prevent sudden blood pressure surges.
Similarly, smoking can raise blood pressure immediately after each cigarette. Quitting smoking helps to normalise BP, reduces the risk of heart disease, and significantly improves overall health.

2. Managing Stress Effectively
Your body produces stress hormones when faced with pressure or anxiety, causing your heart to beat faster and blood vessels to narrow—leading to temporary blood pressure spikes. While these return to normal once stress subsides, frequent episodes of high stress can damage blood vessels, the heart, and kidneys.

          How to manage stress:

    • Exercise regularly—30 minutes, 3-5 times a week, helps reduce stress.
    • Try yoga & meditation—Deep breathing and mindfulness can help regulate stress levels.
    • Get enough sleep—Quality rest is essential for keeping BP under control.
    • Maintain social connections—Engaging in enjoyable activities and staying socially active reduces stress.

3. Reduce Sodium Intake:
Even a small reduction in sodium can significantly improve heart health and lower blood pressure by 5-6 mmHg in hypertensive individuals.

          Recommended Daily Sodium Intake:

    • Limit sodium to 2300 mg per day (ideal for general adults)
    • 1500 mg per day is ideal for those with high BP (less than one teaspoon of salt)

          How to reduce sodium:

    • Read food labels and choose low-sodium options
    • Avoid processed & packaged foods (e.g., noodles, soups, crisps, biscuits)
    • Use herbs & spices instead of salt to add flavour
    • Gradually reduce salt intake so your palate adjusts over time

4. Increase Fruit & Vegetable Intake
A diet rich in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and low-fat dairy—while avoiding saturated fats and cholesterol—can lower blood pressure by 11 mmHg.

This approach is called the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet, which emphasises:

  • Fruits & vegetables—Great sources of potassium, which counteracts sodium.
  • Whole grains—Support heart health and lower BP naturally.
  • Low-fat dairy—Helps regulate blood pressure.
  • Beetroot—A powerhouse for reducing BP (add it to smoothies!).

⚠ If you have blood sugar concerns, consult your doctor before consuming beetroot.

5. Exercise Regularly
Making exercise a habit is one of the best ways to naturally lower BP. You don’t need to hit the gym—just ensuring regular movement is enough.

Engage in moderate exercise (e.g., brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming) for 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Even small activities—taking the stairs, stretching, or walking short distances—help maintain heart health. Always consult a doctor or health coach before starting a new fitness routine if you have high BP.

By incorporating these five simple lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage hypertension while improving overall health. Making small but consistent changes in your diet, exercise, and stress management will lead to long-term benefits for your heart and well-being.

Which lifestyle change has worked best for you? Share your experience in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

July 26, 2025 By GOQii Leave a Comment

From Burnout to Balance: How Dr. Ranjit Reclaimed His Health

Dr Ranjit Bhatt has spent years tending to others. A practising doctor in Odisha, his days were packed with patients, surgeries, and emergencies. From the outside, it looked like a life lived in service. But on the inside, something wasn’t right.

“I had no control over my schedule. I’d sleep late, eat at odd hours, snack on high-calorie junk, and barely get any movement except walking up and down the hospital corridors,” he recalls.

The work never stopped. But his body did. At first, it was just fatigue. Then one day, he fainted in the operating theatre. “Not once. Twice, actually. Inside the operating theatre. That moment scared me. It made me stop and ask myself, ‘If I collapse, who’s going to help my patients?’ That thought haunted me.”

That was the turning point. Life had been trying to send him signals. Now it had finally yelled loud enough for him to listen.

A Drawer. A Watch. A Turning Point.

Around the same time in 2019, a Pharma company rep who had visited him gave him a GOQii watch. At first, it sat in a drawer. For six to 8 months, he didn’t use it. “I thought it was just another gadget. I didn’t think it would fit into my routine, or even help, to be honest,” he says with a shrug.

But curiosity eventually won. And, he decided to try it. He wore the band, downloaded the app, and started exploring. To his surprise, it wasn’t just a step counter. It helped him log his meals, track his water intake, monitor his sleep, and reflect on his daily habits. “Suddenly, I had a dashboard of my life,” he says. “I saw how little I moved, how poorly I slept.

All this while, he did not use the coach service. “I was losing weight, but I did not take note of my diet and exercise. I was not sure how to interpret the data that was on my app. I was still missing one piece, human guidance.” Bhatt says.

This is when he activated the code and availed of the coach service since 2021. “At first, I just posted what I ate. But when I started with the coach service, my coach responded to every post. She started giving me small tips. No lectures. Just practical nudges,” he says.

The Power of Coaching

The coach started with his diet. She brought about minor changes by cutting down on processed carbs, added more fibre, and encouraged him to eat at consistent times. These changes help him reduce bloating and improve his digestion. Then came the movement. Nothing fancy. Just walking for 30 minutes a day.

“It sounds simple, right? But when someone walks that journey with you, holds you accountable, and celebrates small wins, that’s when things change.”

And change they did. Over time, he dropped from 82 kilos to 68. His waist trimmed down from 34 inches to 30. His lipid profile tells the same story. Back in September 2023, his total cholesterol was sitting at 228. Today, it’s down to 189. His LDL has fallen from 151 to 131, and his triglycerides have dropped from 160 to 129.

These changes aren’t just numbers. His GOQii Health Risk Assessment score climbed from 75 to 86. His skin started glowing, his energy levels soared, and that constant fatigue? Gone.

“I sleep well now. I wake up with clarity. I no longer crash during the day. Even my patients have noticed me. Some even ask me what I’m doing differently.”

His family sees it too. His friends joke that he looks like he’s turned the clock back.

“Some of them say I look 16,” he laughs. “I tell them, if I can do it, anyone can. You just need to start.”

More Than a Transformation

Now, after seven consistent years with GOQii, Dr Ranjit isn’t just healthier, he’s a different man altogether. One who understands the value of self-care not as an indulgence, but as a responsibility.

“As doctors, we often put ourselves last. But we forget, we are the instrument. If we don’t keep ourselves sharp and well, how can we help others?”

This is more than a fitness transformation. It’s a reminder that change doesn’t always come from grand resolutions. Sometimes, it begins with listening to your own body. Sometimes, it’s as simple as saying yes to something you once ignored.

And sometimes, like in Dr Ranjit’s case, it’s a quiet moment of collapse that forces you to stand up again, this time, stronger and more mindful than ever.

Does the journey of Dr Ranjit Bhatt inspire you to begin yours? Speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

For more inspiring stories, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

July 8, 2025 By GOQii Leave a Comment

From Shimla’s Slopes to Chandigarh’s Sidewalks: Surinder Kaur Bhalla’s Journey from Chaos to Control

Some journeys start with a plan. Others begin with a stumble literally.

Surinder Bhalla, a government professional, born and raised in the scenic hill town of Shimla, had always lived a life of movement. “In Shimla, you walked everywhere,” she reflects. “Walking was never an exercise. It was just life.” But after shifting to Chandigarh, that quiet rhythm changed. Here, everything was mechanised. Walking became optional, even avoidable—relegated to an “exercise” slot, if at all.

But Surinder’s story is not one of stagnation—it’s one of incredible personal transformation.

The Wake-Up Call

Life, for Surinder, used to be a whirlwind starting at 4 a.m., rushed meals, erratic routines, work stress, and hardly any time for self-care. “Everything was on the go. Health took a backseat,” she admits. As a teacher, not very tech-savvy, she had no idea something like GOQii—a health coaching platform—existed.

That changed in 2019 when, after a painful knee injury, her orthopaedic consultation led her to a free three-month GOQii subscription. A blessing in disguise, as she calls it.

It was just in time.

The Right Time, The Right Nudge

The timing was serendipitous. Soon after joining in Dec 2019, COVID-19 hit. While the world came to a standstill, Surinder found stability in her new virtual coach. “The chats, the daily motivation, it kept me anchored,” she recalls. With her coach’s support, she began reworking her routines, improving her eating habits, incorporating daily walks, and experimenting with decoctions, all while cutting through old habits one step at a time.

The changes were subtle at first, but soon added up—better sleep, improved digestion, increased stamina, and something far more profound: self-belief.

From Medications to Mindset

Diagnosed with diabetes in 2013, Surinder had been on medication for years. She consciously chose not to start insulin. With consistency and coaching, her sugar levels stabilised. Today, her medications have drastically reduced, and her diabetes is under control. “My willpower is the strongest it has ever been,” she says proudly.

Friends and colleagues now look at her transformation in disbelief. “They’re shocked when I tell them I’ve had diabetes for 13 years. No one believes my age, or the energy I bring.”

A New Taste of Life

Apart from walking her health journey, Surinder has also rediscovered her joy in cooking. A passionate home chef, she now experiments with healthy, sattvik recipes, adding her unique twists. “I’ve been a sattvik eater for the past 6-7 months. It feels lighter, better,” she shares.

What Keeps Her Going?

“Blessings,” she smiles. “They play a vital role. I feel blessed to have a coach who reminds me daily that I can be better. I don’t do anything out of force—I do it because I want to. I follow my mind, and now my body follows too.”

Her Message to Others

If Surinder’s journey says anything, it’s this: You don’t need a perfect start. You just need the courage to take the first step,  no matter how small, or even how accidental. Sometimes, the most powerful transformations come not when you plan for them, but when life nudges you toward your own better version.

Does her 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

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

June 11, 2025 By Luke Coutinho 2 Comments

Portion Control: The Right Method To Lose Weight

portion controlThe principles of weight gain and loss remain consistent, regardless of emerging theories on molecular science, blood group diets, fad exercise programmes, or restrictive eating plans. Fundamentally, your body utilises only the amount of food it requires for its functions. Any surplus is stored, potentially leading to fat accumulation.

If you’re extremely hungry and your only option is a slice of pizza, it’s acceptable to eat it. Your body will convert it into the energy it needs. However, consuming multiple slices of pizza, accompanied by a portion of pasta and a dessert, may exceed your body’s immediate energy requirements. This brings us to the importance of controlling our food portions. How much food does our body truly need?

Are We Eating More Than Our Bodies Require? 

Awareness is key. Consuming two to three large portions of bread, rice, or any staple carbohydrate at lunch or dinner might simply be out of habit. This pattern may have been established during your younger, more active years with a faster metabolism.

However, as time progresses, our bodies and their metabolic processes evolve. What if your body now requires just one portion of carbohydrates instead of three? What if a small scoop of ice cream suffices instead of a large serving? What if six small meals a day aren’t necessary? Perhaps you can still enjoy your favourite dessert by sharing it, avoiding feelings of deprivation.

Many individuals consume more than their bodies need, especially given the vast array of culinary delights available. Visually appealing dishes and desserts can stimulate our cravings. And that’s perfectly natural—we all appreciate good food.

The challenge arises when we overindulge, leading our bodies to store the excess energy. An expanding waistline is your body’s way of signalling that you’re consuming more than necessary or not engaging in sufficient physical activity to utilise the surplus energy.

While it may take months or even years for abdominal fat to accumulate, we often seek rapid solutions. This desire for instant results can lead to extreme measures that might harm our bodies. Intense workouts can strain our knees and backs, and drastic diets might result in nutrient deficiencies.

Portion control is a challenging yet effective method to lose weight and maintain it. It’s a sustainable lifestyle change that can combat the obesity epidemic. We all face challenges with food, but portion control offers a balanced approach to enjoying our favourite dishes while being kind to our bodies.

Why Do We Need Portion Control? 

The UK market offers various portion control plates designed to guide individuals in serving appropriate food quantities without feeling deprived. These tools can educate both adults and children about suitable portion sizes, fostering a culture of balanced eating.

For instance, the Healthy Portion Plate by Diabetes UK provides a visual guide to balanced eating and is available for purchase online.

By using such plates, families can instil healthy eating habits, ensuring meals are balanced with the right proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vegetables.

Personally, I experimented with a portion control plate for a month. Initially, the servings seemed small, but I soon realised I had been overeating. Starting with a one-cup portion and eventually reducing to half a cup at dinner, I adapted to the change. Now, I consume less and don’t feel hungry afterward.

This approach surpasses the efficacy of weight loss pills, which often prove ineffective. It teaches you to eat appropriately, promoting a sustainable lifestyle shift. Once accustomed to portion control, you’ll naturally apply the same principles when dining out.

Embracing this simple yet effective tool can transform your eating habits and assist in weight management. Moreover, it ensures a balanced intake of essential nutrients.

We hope this article on portion control proves beneficial! To delve deeper into portion control, explore our Healthy Reads or consult a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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