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October 30, 2024 By Vandana Juneja Leave a Comment

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle During Diwali: Balancing Tradition and Well-Being

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a joyous and vibrant celebration for many. It’s a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and indulging in an array of delicious sweets and snacks. However, for those committed to a healthy lifestyle, Diwali can present some challenges. The good news is that with some thoughtful planning and a mindful approach, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the festivities while still maintaining your health and well-being goals.

Set Realistic Goals

Before diving into Diwali celebrations, set realistic goals for yourself. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for moderation and balance. Understand that Diwali is a time for enjoyment and occasional indulgence, and that’s perfectly okay. Your goals should be achievable and in alignment with your overall health and fitness journey.

Educate Yourself on Nutrition

Knowledge is a powerful tool when it comes to making informed choices. Learn about the nutritional content of common festive foods and sweets. This understanding will help you practice portion control and make healthier choices during Diwali. For example, be aware that certain sweets are high in sugar and calories, while others may have healthier ingredients.

Plan and Track Your Meals

Planning your meals in advance, especially before attending Diwali gatherings, can be a game-changer. Having a balanced meal before heading to a celebration can help prevent overindulgence. Consider keeping a food diary to stay mindful of your food choices, ensuring you don’t go overboard during the festive season.

Explore Healthy Alternatives

The good news is that you can enjoy Diwali treats without feeling guilty. Many traditional sweets and snacks have healthier alternatives. For instance, you can make sweets with less sugar, healthier fats, and more nutritious ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how delicious and satisfying these healthier options can be.

Stay Active

Physical activity is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Even during the festive season, it’s important to continue with your exercise routine. You can even make it fun and festive. Consider activities like dancing to Diwali music, taking family walks, or participating in Diwali-themed fitness events.

Manage Stress

Diwali can be stressful for many due to various commitments and responsibilities. Stress management is vital for both your mental and physical well-being. Explore stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness to help you stay calm and centered.

Seek Support

Share your health and fitness goals with friends and family who share similar aspirations. Having a support system in place can be a significant motivator. You can lean on each other for guidance and encouragement during the festive season.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves savoring each bite, eating slowly, and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. By paying attention to what your body is telling you, you can avoid overindulging and make healthier food choices.

Reward Yourself

Consider implementing a rewards system for achieving your health and fitness goals during Diwali. Treat yourself to non-food rewards when you meet your targets. This positive reinforcement can be an excellent motivator.

Stay Accountable

Accountability is key to staying on track. Schedule regular check-ins with a fitness professional or a friend who shares your goals—having someone to report your progress to can help you remain committed to your objectives.

Think Long Term

Lastly, remember that your health and fitness journey is not limited to the festive season. Embrace the long-term benefits of a healthy lifestyle, as they contribute to your overall well-being and quality of life.

Diwali is a time to celebrate and enjoy with your loved ones. With the right approach, you can have a fantastic time while staying true to your health and fitness goals. This Diwali, celebrate the festival of lights while also celebrating your commitment to a healthier and happier you, wishing you a joyous and prosperous Diwali!

We hope you have a great Diwali, and these tips help you celebrate a happier, healthier, and guilt-free one. If these tips are beneficial to you, please let us know in the comments below. For more on healthy living, check out Healthy Reads or get additional tips directly from a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

September 10, 2024 By Anusha Subramanian Leave a Comment

The Easiest & Healthiest Way to Get Active!

World Bicycle DayEver wondered why we do what we do? Why we get up at dawn on any given day, including Sundays? The reason is simple for many of us: it’s either for running or cycling. It’s like a ritual and a moment for ourselves. If you’re into running or cycling, you’ll connect well with what I’m saying. It’s an addiction—and a good one to have!

I have always been interested in history and like to delve deep into understanding how a particular concept evolved. As I was researching a bit on cycling, I came across the fact that the concept of cycling was invented by Baron Karl von Drais, a prolific German inventor way back in the year 1817. Interestingly, what he invented was not exactly the bicycle which we know and use. He invented the walking machine that helped him walk in the royal gardens faster. This device had wheels but didn’t have any gears, chains, and pedals. Also, it moved ahead by pushing his feet against the ground. With an improvement in this technology, this crude device was eventually transformed into the modern-day bicycle.

World Bicycle Day

Source: Wikipedia

Riding a bicycle is a good aerobic and cardio activity. If cycling is done on a regular basis, it can deliver lots of health benefits.

This simple form of physical exercise helps in bettering your physical and mental health. It is a low impact form of exercise that helps all ages.

Some Benefits of Riding a Bicycle

  • Improves cardio health by strengthening heart muscles
  • Lowers resting pulse rate
  • Reduces blood fat levels
  • Tones muscles and increases flexibility
  • Uses both upper body muscles such as chest, shoulders, arms, abs and the back as well as leg muscles such as quadriceps (front thighs), hamstrings (rear thighs), glutes, calf muscles and your hip
  • Better blood circulation due to flexibility brings about good joint mobility

Having talked of some of the basic health benefits a simple cycling activity can offer, it also acts as a cheap mode of transport and is environmentally friendly.

In today’s time where we are fraught with terrible environment damages and increased carbon footprint due to many vehicles on the roads, cycling is one way we personally can resort to, to be environmentally conscious. It is reported that Cycling 10 km every day can prevent the emission of at least 1.3 tonnes of greenhouses gases annually.

For beginners who want to take up cycling for regular fitness, start slow as we always say for every other athletic sports such as running. On you first day of cycling, you should not ride for more than 20 minutes. Slowly and steadily get used to the cycle as well as the body movements and then increase the intensity as you go along.

Few Things to Follow When You Take Up Cycling

  • Safety Measures: Safety is the first and foremost thing to adhere to while taking up cycling either for health, as a regular sport or as a mode of transport. Never ride a cycle in the outdoor without a proper cycling helmet. Helmet prevents a head injury in case of an accident.
  • Proper Clothing: It is important to wear well-fitting clothes. Loose clothes may get stuck during cycling and cause serious problems. Especially if you are riding in the outdoors
  • Be Hydrated: Always have plenty of water at hand. Drink water frequently to make up for the possible dehydration caused due to physical activity.
  • Stretching: Stretching your muscles is important because it warms up the body and prepares it for the intense physical activity of cycling.

Cycling is an interesting way to keep you healthy physically, mentally and environmentally.

We hope this blog inspires you to hop on a bicycle and start pedaling your way to better health! Share your cycling experiences with us in the comments below. For more fitness tips, speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

July 30, 2024 By Swati Savla Leave a Comment

Managing Diabetes: Dietary Choices and Lifestyle Adjustments for Controlling Blood Sugar

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. In recent years, the global prevalence of diabetes has surged, with nearly one in ten people affected, making it one of the fastest-growing lifestyle disorders. It’s also a contributor to other health issues such as heart disease, obesity, retinopathy, and nephropathy. However, with lifestyle modifications like improved diet, increased physical activity, stress management, and proper sleep, along with timely medication, it is possible to reverse this condition.

Let us explore some basic food groups and functional foods that can be integrated into daily meals to help prevent blood sugar spikes:

Whole Grains: Oats, millets, brown rice, buckwheat, and quinoa are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, slowing digestion and controlling blood sugar.

First-Class Proteins: Dried beans, lentils, yogurt, non-fat milk, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meats, and especially fatty fish, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, are excellent sources of high-quality protein. These foods not only help you feel fuller for longer, thus reducing carbohydrate consumption during meals, but the Omega-3 fatty acids they contain also help prevent various heart diseases.

 Fruits: All fruits are suitable for consumption, but it is crucial to control portion sizes and consume them at appropriate times of the day, separate from main meals.

Vegetables: Both starchy and non-starchy types, particularly leafy greens, are low in carbohydrates and ideal for controlling overeating and post-meal sugar spikes.

Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, flaxseeds, and cold-pressed oils are heart-healthy and help mitigate complications from diabetes.

Key spices from the kitchen also play a vital role in managing blood sugar levels:

Cinnamon: Commonly used in Indian cooking, just 1/4th teaspoon of cinnamon can enhance insulin release and improve insulin sensitivity.

Garlic: Rich in Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, garlic aids carbohydrate metabolism and acts as a powerful antioxidant to prevent diabetes onset.

Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps reduce the oxidative stress associated with diabetes.

When managing diabetes, consider these three key elements:

Portion Control: Essential in managing intake of the beneficial foods without overindulging.

Type of Food: Adhering to the ‘My Plate’ concept, meals should consist of about 50% fiber (vegetables), 25% proteins, 10-15% fats, and minimal carbohydrates.

Meal Frequency and Timing: Spread your daily intake across two or three main meals to maintain consistent energy levels and prevent blood sugar spikes.

Incorporating the right food choices, engaging in daily physical activity, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule are fundamental strategies for preventing and potentially reversing diabetes.

We hope this article helps you. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s 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.

June 7, 2024 By Neha Morche 3 Comments

Hypertension: Cause for all heart issues

heart-failure2

Heart is one of the most important organs of our body, and keeping it healthy is important. Heart connects the entire body through its vital functions.

What does the heart exactly do? Why is it related to blood pressure?

This small fist like structure works hard to maintain blood flow to our body day and night. Fundamentally, it takes all the impure blood from the body, makes it pure with lots of Oxygen (fresh air), and sends it back. While doing this, it also contracts and relaxes (medically termed it as systolic and diastolic, respectively) in between a single beat. In normal course, if the person is healthy this happens smoothly without much pressure on it. Normal blood pressure levels should be 120/80 mm/hg.

Blood pressure is the culprit to heart issues. It’s natural to increase our blood pressure due to certain unpleasant situations, but if the blood pressure stays elevated for longer periods, then it turns into hypertension.

Causes for increased blood pressure:

  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Obesity
  • Less water intake
  • High salt intake
  • Intake of more processed or bakery food.
  • Junk food or less fibrous food Intake
  • Less activity
  • Less sleep
  • Kidney disorders
  • Heredity
  • High fat food intake

All of these lead to plaque formation in the tiny blood vessels, due to which heart has to put more pressure than usual for a smooth blood flow. When it goes beyond the heart’s limit (it has muscles, after all) it stops pumping blood (which carries water, nutrients, and oxygen) thus it results in heart attack.

The good news is that one can avoid high blood pressure and avert heart attacks by just taking care of our daily meals, activities, water, sleep, stress etc. in short keeping a check on our lifestyle.

We need to improve all micro habits which set into our routine. Once you set yourself a routine, it’s difficult to break it.

Salt is the crucial factor that can lead to high blood pressure. Salt is a combination of sodium and chloride. Daily requirement of sodium is 1500mg to 2300mg, which means we can include approximately 1 teaspoon of salt. Sodium is also found in baking soda, monosodium glutamate (MSG), various seasonings, additives, condiments, meat, fish, poultry, dairy foods, eggs, smoked meats, olives, and pickled foods. High sodium directly contributes to high blood pressure.

Here are some heart friendly food options I have listed down for you

Antioxidants (green tea, red wine)

Fiber and Vitamin K (green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, whole pulses)

Whole Fruits

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats (Almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, tuna, avocado)

Ample amount of water intake.

Doing regular breathing exercises help us increase our Oxygen uptake.

Yoga, meditation or giving time to your hobbies keeps stress at bay.

Staying active through the entire day or indulging in any type of activity or game you enjoy can keep stress levels under check.

Maintaining heart health starts with managing your blood pressure. By making mindful choices in your diet, staying active, managing stress, and staying hydrated, you can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. For more health tips and personalised guidance,speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. Take control of your heart health today!

#BeTheForce

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