GOQii

Blog

  • HOME
  • HEALTHY LIVING
  • FITNESS
  • HEALTHY RECIPES
  • USER STORIES
  • KARMA
  • BUY GOQii

December 20, 2022 By Palak Mittal Leave a Comment

Why Do We Feel Hungrier During Winter?

hungrier during winter

It’s normal to find a nice thick blanket, cozy up to a pillow and snack away on something warm to quell those hunger pangs that don’t seem to end during winter. This is often complemented with sudden weight gain and you’re left wondering where that excess weight came from. Well, there are several reasons for feeling hungrier during winter and we’re about to explore them.

Reasons for Feeling Hungrier During Winter

  1. High metabolism: During winter, our metabolism is quite high as the body tries to keep itself warm due to those teeth sputtering chill. The body produces more heat in order to combat the chill outside which is known as thermogenesis. To carry out this function, it requires extra calories which get burnt during the process, hence need extra food.
  2. Food Produces Heat: In cold weather, our body needs more calories to keep itself warm with the help of some involuntary activities like shivering. Hence, the body craves more food. When these extra calories start burning, it makes the body warm. Here, we need to remember not to satisfy the cravings with high sugar or high-fat foods as they raise blood sugar levels causing weight gain.
  3. Winter Comes With Multiple Choices: It’s the best time of the year for multiple reasons. One of those being food! Vegetables and fruits flood the markets. Plus, a lot of winter recipes are prepared with rich ingredients which induce weight gain. One can’t help but indulge in sweets this season brings. Not feeling hungry is definitely not an option
  4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): As the days are shorter, we generally prefer staying indoors which can lead to Vitamin D deficiency and also lower levels of serotonin (happy hormone which generates because of exposure to daylight). These deficiencies typically causes Seasonal Emotional Disturbance or Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD : a sort of depression related to the shorter days of winter, which affects many of us. It is seen that individuals stricken from SAD crave more carbohydrates, as these facilitate the body’s use of tryptophan (amino acid) which can be converted into serotonin to spike up lower levels in the blood.
  5. Lazy Mornings: It becomes really difficult to get out of your cozy bed during winter mornings to go out for a walk, workout or even work. People prefer lying comfortably in bed, watching a TV show while binging on snacks endlessly. This increase in snacking and lack of physical activity make us gain extra kilos.

 Tips to Avoid Eating More  

  • Whenever you crave for food, try choosing some healthy options like salads, soups, sautéed veggies combined with proteins as these are high in fibre and gives a feeling of fullness.
  • Go out during the day to expose your body to the sun for some vitamin D and to boost your serotonin levels.
  • Perform your regular exercises as it helps in boosting your mood and avoids indulgence in unnecessary snacking.
  • Go out with friends or play with a pet if you are stressed. Don’t look at food as an alternative coping mechanism. 

The bottom line is – eat mindfully and enjoy winters! We hope this article helps you make healthier choices. For more winter tips, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

July 30, 2022 By GOQii 1 Comment

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 

July 20, 2022 By Komal Mehta 9 Comments

What You Can Eat To Beat High Blood Sugar Levels

eat right to beat high blood sugar levelsModeration is key – this holds true for everybody and everything, especially if you are suffering from or trying to manage diabetes. There is no specific diet plan or pattern for Diabetes. It’s the small changes that you make with foods which help you manage your blood sugar better.

The Right Eating Habits To Beat High Blood Sugar Levels

  • Have small but frequent meals: Having small meals will control the sugar spikes. Long gaps between meals can increase as well as drop blood sugar levels. Long gaps also leach out energy and makes you feel tired. Having 4-5 small meals with balanced carbohydrates helps managing blood sugar well.
  • Choose the right carbs: All the grains have carb, be it potato or oats, it’s the quality which matters. Opting for carbs allowing slow release of sugar are best to choose. Carbs with high fiber content like whole wheat flour, Jowar, Ragi, and Oats can help control blood sugar as it will release the sugar slowly and help you control those spikes.
  • Avoid processed foods: We all know refined foods and packaged foods are not that great for our health. With diabetes, it affects blood sugar directly. Refined foods get absorbed very easily as they lack fiber – which can easily increase sugar. Always add lots of vegetables if packaged food is the only option. Rely on portion control for best results!
  • Add more proteins: Protein-rich foods are not readily available to raise blood sugar. You will see the positive impact on blood sugar once you add protein foods with every meal. Having more sprouts salad, paneer bites, or curd raita fills you up as well as stabilizes sugar.
  • Include Fiber: Fiber plays an important role in the digestion of food. Fiber not only delays sugar absorption but also binds cholesterol and reduces the risk of obesity as well as heart ailments. Don’t think twice before adding some raw salads or veggie soups to major meals.
  • Cut down fat: There is nothing wrong if the fat is coming from right sources. All vegetable fats from avocado, seeds, nuts like peanuts, almonds, home-made ghee, etc. are good to go. Just make sure it is in moderation. Good fat helps you manage weight, which has a direct relation with sugar control and in a way, also helps release sugar slowly as fat takes time to digest.
  • Exercise: Even if you control your food habits well, if your muscles aren’t moving, you might not get to see the results you want. Just a 40-minute brisk walk can help increase blood circulation, manage weight and fat metabolism. Every 5% reduction in weight can provide a positive result with diabetes, heart health and overall wellbeing.
  • Cut out the refined sugar: Aim to have as little sugar as possible. Direct form of sugar results in major spikes. Refined sugar, candies, cakes, and pastries, etc. stay for 3 months as the blood RBC is made every 3 months. High HbA1c is associated with long term complication. It is best to try and keep your HbA1c in control by having a good portion control with right choice of food. Cut out on these sweets and go for healthier alternatives like jaggery.

Don’t fall for “diabetes friendly, sugar free products”. Just choose from the natural food to beat high blood sugar levels. It’s not too difficult! Just follow the tips above and you will feel better!

We hope this article helps you beat high blood sugar levels and manage Diabetes effectively. For more articles 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 

Search

Recent Posts

  • 5 Life Hacks to Stay Motivated
  • Lower Blood Pressure Naturally With Dietary Changes
  • 4 Essential Vitamins That You Should Consume This Winter
  • Quick Fixes & Exercises To Prevent Aching Elbows
  • 5 Winter Salads You Need to Try Now!

Stay Updated

Archives

  • February 2023 (9)
  • January 2023 (31)
  • December 2022 (31)
  • November 2022 (30)
  • October 2022 (31)
  • September 2022 (30)
  • August 2022 (31)
  • July 2022 (30)
  • June 2022 (30)
  • May 2022 (31)
  • April 2022 (30)
  • March 2022 (31)
  • February 2022 (24)
  • January 2022 (25)
  • December 2021 (20)
  • November 2021 (19)
  • October 2021 (16)
  • September 2021 (12)
  • August 2021 (15)
  • July 2021 (18)
  • June 2021 (19)
  • May 2021 (17)
  • April 2021 (18)
  • March 2021 (18)
  • February 2021 (11)
  • January 2021 (10)
  • December 2020 (9)
  • November 2020 (5)
  • October 2020 (12)
  • September 2020 (10)
  • August 2020 (7)
  • July 2020 (4)
  • June 2020 (8)
  • May 2020 (12)
  • April 2020 (14)
  • March 2020 (14)
  • February 2020 (6)
  • January 2020 (6)
  • December 2019 (7)
  • November 2019 (10)
  • October 2019 (10)
  • September 2019 (6)
  • August 2019 (10)
  • July 2019 (13)
  • June 2019 (13)
  • May 2019 (12)
  • April 2019 (13)
  • March 2019 (14)
  • February 2019 (14)
  • January 2019 (20)
  • December 2018 (13)
  • November 2018 (9)
  • October 2018 (11)
  • September 2018 (11)
  • August 2018 (23)
  • July 2018 (13)
  • June 2018 (22)
  • May 2018 (16)
  • April 2018 (23)
  • March 2018 (17)
  • February 2018 (13)
  • January 2018 (18)
  • December 2017 (13)
  • November 2017 (25)
  • October 2017 (21)
  • September 2017 (20)
  • August 2017 (7)
  • July 2017 (11)
  • June 2017 (12)
  • May 2017 (14)
  • April 2017 (9)
  • March 2017 (6)
  • February 2017 (7)
  • January 2017 (11)
  • December 2016 (10)
  • November 2016 (8)
  • October 2016 (9)
  • September 2016 (7)
  • August 2016 (12)
  • July 2016 (11)
  • June 2016 (10)
  • May 2016 (12)
  • April 2016 (17)
  • March 2016 (18)
  • February 2016 (8)
  • January 2016 (6)
  • December 2015 (4)
  • November 2015 (9)
  • October 2015 (8)
  • September 2015 (10)
  • August 2015 (13)
  • July 2015 (10)
  • June 2015 (12)
  • May 2015 (9)
  • April 2015 (13)
  • March 2015 (9)
  • February 2015 (6)
  • January 2015 (12)
  • December 2014 (14)
  • November 2014 (11)
  • October 2014 (6)
  • September 2014 (14)
  • August 2014 (14)
  • July 2014 (7)
  • June 2014 (3)
  • May 2014 (8)
  • April 2014 (5)
Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

We’ve always advocated that lifestyle diseases can be managed with a balanced, healthy and holistic lifestyle but can they also help you manage a terminal condition? Our Player Ananda Mukherjee, with help from his GOQii Coach, was able to battle such a … [Read More...]

GOQii Trail Challenge Kamal Chandran

Triumphing Over My Mind, Body & Soul At The GOQii Trail Challenge | Kamal Chandran

Imagine an event where each and every person has a unique tale to tell, despite having taken similar paths or adventures. Have you ever gone through it? We’re about to share the experience of Kamal Chandran, Group Head – HR at GOQii, who participated in the GOQii Trail Challenge, in her own words.   Seeking A […]

Venkatrao Alaparthi Loses 20kg With Guidance From His GOQii Coach

Venkatrao Alaparthi Loses 20kg With Guidance From His GOQii Coach

While earning a good livelihood is important, is it taking more life out of living? Long working hours, being seated most of the time with no physical activity and bad eating habits can take a toll on your health over a period of time. If this sounds relatable, you might have a lot in common […]

Alpesh Patel

How Alpesh Patel Lost 20kg in 9 months | GOQii Health Stories

Habits often determine whether you will or won’t lead a healthy life. Our Player Alpesh Patel realised this when his sedentary lifestyle led to various health issues. He knew it was time to make a positive change. Here’s how he took the decision to write his own #HealthStory by making a positive change in his […]

  • HOME
  • HEALTHY LIVING
  • FITNESS
  • HEALTHY RECIPES
  • USER STORIES
  • KARMA
  • BUY GOQii

Copyright ©2016 GOQii