GOQii

Blog

By 2 Comments

Can You Workout On An Empty Stomach?

empty stomachUp until a few years back, it was considered a very risky practice to eat before swimming. Fortunately, this theory has been proven wrong. For any activity, be it swimming, cycling, running/jogging or strength training, on an empty stomach the fat does burn at a faster rate but the energy reserves will only last for a short span of time. Lesser energy = less intense training. Hence, the workout will also last for a short period and there might also be a greater risk of strains and other injuries due to exercise related fatigue. Working out on an empty stomach also increases the chances of overeating post workout, thus, all the benefits of the workout will be lost.

Why You Shouldn’t Workout On An Empty Stomach 

The main reason for having something before a workout is to make sure there is constant energy from the start to the end of the workout. The body does not need a large meal, it can even be a small carb rich snack to kick start the metabolism.

Carbs are easily digestible and quickly provide energy. Proteins and Fats also provide energy, but not as quickly and as much as carbs. Hence, the best thing to have is a carb source. If it’s a large meal, it has to be taken 2-4 hours prior to the workout. If it’s a small snack, it can be taken 15-30 mins before the activity.

Some examples of a small pre-workout snacks are:

  • Banana or any other fruit
  • 2 dates along with some nuts
  • Fresh fruit juice
  • Vegetable salad (small bowl of non-gaseous veggies)
  • 2 Slices of bread with peanut butter

Post workout, muscles are tired and fatigued and need some proteins as well as some carbs. Here, proteins will help in repairing the worn and torn tissues and strengthening muscles, whereas carbs will help replenish the energy reserves. One can choose to have a meal if it’s meal time or opt for some snacks post workout. But, we should always make sure there is at least one source of protein in the meal. 

Some examples of post workout snack include:

  • A glass of skimmed milk
  • Boiled egg whites
  • Boiled grams/Chana chaat/ Chole/Rajma
  • Sprouts
  • Oatmeal
  • Sattu drink
  • Besan cheela
  • Boiled/Grilled chicken or Fish
  • Yogurt (sugar and fat free) with choice of fruits and nuts

In conclusion, intake of food before and after workout is favourable to maintain better health and fitness. However, there are no specific rules for sports nutrition. If your goal is extensive weight loss and working out on an empty stomach works for you, then do what’s best and listen to your body. Also, make sure that you’re hydrated.

For proper guidance on nutrition and fitness, subscribe for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. To read more on workouts and fitness, click here. 

If this article helped you, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

#BeTheForce 

By 3 Comments

Healthy Eating: Sweet Potato and Chickpea Tikkis

sweet potato and chickpea tikkiAre you yearning for a quick snack while ensuring that what you eat is healthy? As always, a potato tikki is your best option but let’s add a protein twist to this basic recipe. Let’s learn how to make delicious sweet potato & chickpea tikkis. Once you try this recipe out, there’s no going back! 

What You Will Need 

  • Boiled chickpeas – 1 cup (soak it for 8 hours and then pressure cook)
  • Sweet potato – 1 medium sized 
  • Carrot – 1 medium (grated) 
  • Coriander – 1 cup finely chopped
  • Flax seed powder – 1 tbsp 
  • Lemon juice – 1tbsp 
  • Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp 
  • Green chilly – 1 finely chopped
  • Chili powder – 1 tsp 
  • Salt as per taste 
  • Oil for roasting the tikkis 

How To Prepare 

  1. Strain the boiled chickpeas to remove the excess water and blend in a mixer. It should be a dry, coarse paste.
  2. In a mixing bowl, grate the sweet potato and add the chickpea paste along with grated carrot, flax seeds powder and coriander. Give it a gentle mix.
  3. Add the spices, green chilli, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt and chili powder. Use your hands and mix well.
  4. Apply some oil on your palms and make small flat tikkis.
  5. Brush some oil on the pan and roast the tikkis. After they turn golden brown and crisp on one side, flip them over and cook till golden brown.
  6. Your Sweet Potato & Chickpea Tikkis are ready! Enjoy them with a curd dip.

Note: You can use these tikkis to make your burger healthy instead of traditional aloo tikki.

Highlights of the Sweet Potato & Chickpea Tikkis 

  • It’s the best protein-rich snack to go for as it gives you satiety, taste and a lot of nourishment.
  • Sweet potato is a powerhouse of many nutrients like b vitamins, vitamin c, calcium, iron, selenium, etc.
  • Chickpeas help you to maintain a healthy lipid profile as they are rich in fiber, phytochemicals, folate and protein. 

We hope you enjoy this Sweet Potato & Chickpea Tikkis recipe. Do try it out and leave your feedback in the comments below. For more healthy recipes, click here or you can ask a GOQii Coach directly, and get the right nutritional advice for you, by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here. 

#BeTheForce 

By 1 Comment

Should You Eat Eggs During Summer?

should you eat eggs during summerIf you are wondering, should you have eggs during summer, then the answer is YES! It is absolutely fine to have eggs during summer, but moderation is the key. There are a lot of misconceptions on this topic and you must have definitely heard that eating eggs during summer may increase the body heat.

When you eat a protein-rich diet, your body will produce more heat to digest food and thus, burn more calories. So, having too many eggs can affect the digestive system. Although there are many theories about egg consumption. Let us look at some facts that can explain all the questions about eggs.

Nutrients in Eggs and their Benefits

  1. Good source of complete protein which helps in strong muscles and also for weight management by keeping you full for longer.
  2. Rich in iron content which increases energy and boosts your immunity.
  3. Vitamin D which helps in strengthening bones, prevents the risk of osteoporosis and helps in regulating your insulin levels.
  4. It promotes healthy eyesight. Antioxidants in eggs, lutein and zeaxanthin, helps in preventing cataract and macular degeneration.
  5. Rich in Vitamin B12 for healthy nerves and blood cells and preventing anemia.
  6. Rich in Vitamin E  which is good for skin and hair.
  7. Selenium helps prevent free radical damage, keeps your immune system healthy.
  8. Rich in Vitamin A, which you all know, is good for eye health.
  9. Rich in Choline, a nutrient for brain development and function.

So many nutrients in one food, no doubt why they are called ‘Superfood’. 

How Many Eggs Can You Eat During Summer?

For a healthy person, having a maximum of 2 eggs a day is absolutely fine. If you are a person who eats non-veg daily, then keep the intake to one per day. As said above, eating more eggs during summer can lead to stomach discomfort. People who are sensitive, and have digestive issues have to be careful and reduce it further, maybe an egg twice a week, as per their body capacity. So, have it in moderation, and get the most benefits from eggs during summer!

We hope this article helps you! Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more topics and tips for the summer, click here or speak to a GOQii Coach directly by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

By 2 Comments

Can Running Lead To Muscle Loss?

running lead to muscle loss

Running is excellent cardio workout and a popular form of exercise. It is a simple way to stay active, improve stamina, build stronger bones and lose extra pounds. Running does not have great prerequisites, just determination and the correct technique can help you get started. It is a proven way to lose body fat, but can running also lead to muscle loss? There are some myths around this area of running. Let us look into the possibilities and know what happens to your body when you run. 

Does Running Lead To Muscle Loss? 

Running is an endurance activity which means it uses the aerobic energy system to generate energy. Glycogen and fat stores are majorly used to provide energy during the run duration. The switch between glycogen and fat uses some amino acids for short term energy use. In case of a low fuel store or adequate energy availability, muscles are broken down for energy. If you continue running in this state, your muscle mass decreases, causing fatigue, muscle injury and dehydration. 

What Can You Do To Prevent It? 

  • Balance your diet: Diet should be well balanced in carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Plenty of vegetables and fruits should be included to get the nutrients for muscle building. 
  • Plan on pre and post run meals: Having a pre-workout meal can support your energy during a run and keep your glycogen levels up to the mark. Muscles continue to breakdown after an exercise, so a good post workout meal aids recovery. Having foods high in carbohydrates and proteins will prevent muscle breakdown and promote muscle building. 
  • Focus on protein intake: It is recommended to have 0.8-1g of protein for beginners and 1.2 to 1.5g per kg of body weight for seasoned runners. Having protein in post workout meals will promote muscle protein synthesis.
  • Incorporate strength and resistance training along with running, to improve your muscle mass. High intensity running, like sprinting, improves muscle mass and should be incorporated in the training. Weight training with a good diet will increase your muscle mass and muscle endurance capacity. 
  • Stay hydrated to prevent muscle cramps and injuries: Make it a point to keep on drinking water every 10-15 mins to keep up with the fluids lost while sweating. You can also add electrolytes, coconut water or sweet lime water, if you’re planning for a half marathon or more. 

Preventing muscle loss is definitely avoidable by following correct training and a good diet! We hope this article helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below! For more on muscles and fitness, check out Healthy Reads or book a live, interactive, online session, conducted by certified experts on GOQii PRO through the GOQii App. 

#BeTheForce 

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 condition. Here’s how his inspirational Health Story unfolded. Going From Slender To Overweight  […]

The Right Guidance With Gradual Change – Rishikesh Ayre User Journey

Do you want to make a positive lifestyle change but don’t know how? Does it take every ounce of motivation for you to move? Do you need a nudge in the right direction? These are all valid questions and you’re not alone. Sometimes, we want to begin something new but don’t know where to start. […]

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 […]