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Common Reasons For Not Losing Belly Fat

Commons Reasons For Not Losing Belly FatBelly fat is not accumulated in a day or two. It takes several weeks and months of unhealthy eating and lifestyle to build it. When people finally decide to lose belly fat, the first thing they wonder is ‘Why am I not losing belly fat even after exercising so much and cutting down on junk food?’ There are several reasons for it.

Reasons Why You’re Not Losing Belly Fat

Here are a few common reasons why most individuals find it difficult to lose belly fat.

1. Eating Heavy Meals At One Time
Most people struggling with losing belly fat and weight loss are the ones who tend to have too much food at one time. The reason for this is largely either long gaps between the meals or skipping previous meal or if the person consumes food very fast. How is this related to belly fat?

When a person consumes food, it gets broken down to release/provide energy. Firstly, it will fill in the glycogen stores and then the excess calories that are not used up with good physical activity get converted into fats and the most common sites of fat storage is the belly, arms, thighs and buttocks.

When you are having food, only post 20-25 mins of eating, the satiety centers in the brain are activated and you feel full and satisfied. When you eat fast the satiety centers of the brain are not activated and you end up eating more. Small frequent meals and chewing your food thoroughly and eating mindfully is the key to control food portion.

2. Dinner Meals Are High In Carbs & High In Quantity
Due to a hectic schedule, the only meal that we have together with the family turns out to be ‘dinner’ and in turn, it ends up to be the largest meal with a variety of food that the entire family enjoys. Ideally, dinners should be light and should be high in proteins and less in carbs. This is actually vice versa of what is generally practiced.

The reason for the dinners to be light and high in proteins and less in carbs is that post dinner, we are not that active. Hence, there’s no real requirement of all the carbs for energy. The process of recovery of all the muscles that are used up throughout the day, the repairing of all the wear and tear happens during the night and that requires proteins, not carbs.

3. Physical & Mental Stress
This is only with regards to people who are excessively obsessed with exercise to lose belly fat. Excessive exercise leads to physical stress and thus, high cortisol levels. In case of mental stress, you might have noticed that the first thing you would choose is chocolates/ice creams or any comfort foods that are high in sugar or carbs for that matter. At this point of stress, the food gets broken down and is converted to fat and stored in your belly area. Exercise in moderation and keep yourself stress free by indulging in some yoga and meditation or your hobbies.

4. Consumption Of Processed Food
Do you have the habit of reading labels? Do pick one product that you eat the most and read the label today. Most of the processed or ready to eat food products are high in sugar, fat or refined carbs. They are extremely low in fiber as well. Even the fiber enriched product gives less than 2gm of fiber per serving. Read labels and choose wisely. The best solution here is to eat homemade food or you can try some variations to increase fiber intake by incorporating more veggies/fruits along with the main product.

5. Aerated Drinks
Products containing HFCS (High Fructose Corn syrup) or liquid glucose, that are present in all the aerated drinks like Cola, flavored sugar syrups, etc. do not get metabolized and are stored in the belly as fat, which is really tough to get rid off through just activities. Instead, opt for buttermilk, lemon water, coconut water, and fresh lime soda (salted) over the above drinks.

We hope this article helps you make better choices and avoid these common reasons for not losing belly fat.

#BeTheForce

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Healthy Eating: Spinach Paratha

spinach parathaIf you love parathas, roti, or chapati for breakfast, here’s a way to make the first meal of your day a healthy one! This Spinach Paratha recipe is loaded with essential nutrients to fuel your day and improve overall health. Spinach, the star ingredient, is packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit your body in numerous ways. Let’s get started!

What You Will Need

  • Spinach leaves – 200g
  • Gram flour (besan) – 2 tbsp
  • Wheat flour – 1 cup
  • Ajwain (carom seeds) – 1 tsp
  • Green chilli – 1-2
  • Ginger – 1 tsp
  • Oil – 1 tbsp
  • Salt to taste

How to Prepare

  • Step 1: Boil water in a pan and turn off the flame. Add the spinach leaves to the hot water and let them blanch for 1-2 minutes. Remove the leaves and soak them in cold water to retain their vibrant green color.
  • Step 2: In a mixer or blender, make a puree using the blanched spinach leaves, ginger, and green chillies.
  • Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, gram flour, and salt. Mix well, then add the spinach puree, ajwain, and 1 tsp of oil.
  • Step 4: Knead the dough well and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  • Step 5: Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into medium-thick parathas.
  • Step 6: Heat a tawa (griddle) and roast the paratha on both sides, applying a little oil for a crispy texture.
  • Step 7: Serve hot with carrot raita or your favorite chutney.

Highlights of the Spinach Paratha

  • Nutrient-Dense: Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense leafy green vegetables, rich in Vitamin K, which supports bone health and blood clotting.
  • Eye Health: Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that promote eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
  • Reduces Oxidative Stress: The antioxidants in spinach help combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Manages Blood Pressure: Spinach is high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels.
  • Weight Loss-Friendly: Low in calories and high in fiber, spinach parathas are a great addition to a weight-loss diet.

This Spinach Paratha is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to kickstart your day on a healthy note. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for anyone looking to add more greens to their diet. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it in the comments below!

Do you have any other healthy breakfast recipes you love? Share them with us in the comments below! For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or get in touch with your GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalized Health Coaching here.

Eat Healthy and #BeTheForce

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Is Olive Oil Suitable For Indian Cooking?

Olive OilWith newer superfoods making their mark on our plates, olive oil has gained a lot of popularity in India. Indians use oil in everything while searching for the healthiest alternative at the same time. As a result, the markets are flooded with brands and variants of olive oil. The most important question to ask here is: Does it fit in the Indian kitchen? Let’s find out by understanding what you are buying from the market because not all of them are created equally!

Different Types of Olive Oil 

There is no doubt that olive oil is healthy fat obtained by crushing olives using different methods. The catch is that the quality of olive oil sitting in your pantry is determined by the process of extracting the oil from the olives, the varieties, and how/whether they should be used in different cooking methods. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

  1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the highest quality extracted from freshly squeezed juice from olives using stone, wood or steel rollers. It has a very strong flavor, aroma and contains no more than 0.8% acidity. No chemical solvent or industrial refining process is used while producing this variant. In fact, temperatures are kept below 75 degree Fahrenheit during the whole process. Even after packaging, it is mandatory to keep it away from heat and sunlight. So it is clear that to get benefits from this high grade oil, you should not heat it. You can drizzle it over your pasta, salad, soups or use it for making dips.

  2. Virgin Olive Oil: This is also an unrefined variety but slightly lower in quality. Containing 1.5% acidity, it is considerably a subpar option to extra virgin variant. Still, it has a good aroma and is suitable for low temperature sautéing and baking as you are trying to substitute butter or any other saturated fat.

  3. Refined Olive Oil: If you see a bottle with “pure olive oil”, “Lite olive oil” or simply “olive oil” in a supermarket, they are usually Refined olive oils (or are mixed with some other refined oils). They are prepared using olives that are in bad condition or rancid olive oil after treating them with heat and chemicals to remove any unpleasant flavors as well as neutralize free fatty acid content. Being heavily processed, they do not contain any benefits of the extra virgin variant. You can use these for any kind of regular cooking. But don’t expect too much from it in terms of health.

  4. Olive Pomace Oil: Pomace is the word used for the leftover olive pulp after the first extraction which consists of skin, pulp, seeds and stems. The amount of oil present in pomace is so minimal that it cannot be extracted through pressing but only using chemical solvents like hexane and high heat. Clearly it has no benefits but calories. This variant is for people who are attracted by the benefits of olive oil, but are looking for something in their budget.

Are These Variants Suitable For The Indian Kitchen? 

After going over these variants, if you’re wondering which oil is suitable for an Indian pantry, then go back to your grandma’s kitchen. In India itself, we have so many healthy oil options that you don’t need to run after everything that the western world is popularizing . But just like olive oil, you need to choose the least processed or filtered variety of different oils. Some good options for Indian style high heat cooking are filtered or cold pressed varieties of sesame, groundnut, coconut or mustard oil. Also, let’s not forget desi ghee which accompanies “Maa ka pyar” in every traditional meal. Last but not the least, Consumption of any oil should be in moderation while following a balanced diet and regular exercise for good health.

Olive oil can be a part of your Indian kitchen, but it’s important to choose the right type based on your cooking needs. Use extra virgin olive oil for raw applications like salads and dips, virgin olive oil for low-heat cooking, and refined olive oil for regular cooking. However, for high-heat cooking methods like frying and tempering, traditional Indian oils like mustard, coconut, and sesame oil are better suited. Remember, moderation is key, and a balanced diet paired with regular exercise is the foundation of good health.

Have you tried using olive oil in your Indian recipes? Share your experiences in the comments below! For more tips on healthy cooking and nutrition, explore our Healthy Reads or consult a GOQii Coach for Personalised health advice. Subscribe now to start your wellness journey!

#BeTheForce 

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From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

Ananda Mukherjee Health StoryAs 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 conversation, celebrating the strength and uniqueness of each survivor.

Today, we bring you the inspiring survival story of our player ‘Anand Mukherjee’, a testament to courage, determination, and the unwavering human spirit. Anand’s journey is not just a story of battling cancer but a celebration of life, love, and the unique ways in which he turned challenges into triumphs, with help from his GOQii Coach. His story reminds us that while cancer may be a common adversary, every survivor’s path is extraordinary, and their voice deserves to be heard.

We present before you Ananda’s journey and reflect on the power of unity, hope, and the unique story that binds us all in the fight against cancer.

Going From Slender To Overweight 

Ananda Mukherjee had a very poor work-life balance. This coupled with bad eating habits such as drinking several cups of coffee, eating unhealthy and sleeping less really took a toll on his body. “I could never sleep, so I was on sleeping pills,” says Ananda. 

Not being able to sustain such a lifestyle, Ananda Mukherjee quit his job in 2018 but didn’t do much for his health. When COVID struck, he couldn’t exercise or go out – which made his life pretty sedentary. The only positive outcome he says was that he was able to add certificates to the hobbies he indulged in such as Interior Design and Gardening & Landscaping.

In the course of time, before he realized, his weight had increased from 56kg to 83kg. “I was asked by people, what has happened to you?” Ananda says that he was slender from the age of 15 till 45 and his weight had remained the same. So when he gained weight, it was noticed by everyone. 

More Bad News…

In 2021, he was diagnosed with a terminal medical condition that affected his intestine  (Adenocarcinoma in the small intestine i.e. Cancer of the Intestine). The first thing his doctor told him was to quit smoking and get active. His food habits also needed to change. He had to bring some discipline in his life. 

As his medication and radiation treatment began, the side-effects such as weight loss, loss of appetite, digestion issues like gas, bloating, etc. began to show. All of this also affected him mentally and emotionally. He was on antidepressant pills for his anxiety issues as well. 

During this time, he was introduced to GOQii by a friend and from social media. When he did his research, he realized that it’s not just a fitness tracker but a service that offers personalized health coaching as well. He says, “Without any hesitation I decided to get a GOQii and try it”. 

Getting Back On Track With GOQii 

Ananda Mukherjee joined GOQii in September 2021. At the time he joined, he weighed 70kg, his HRA was 43 and his BMI was 25.71. His health goal was to lose fat, gain muscle, improve sleep, get rid of stress and anxiety and control his BP. 

Since he was under radiation therapy, after each radiation session, his health goal would change as per the side effects he faced. He had lost 5kg due to the radiation therapy. His health goals fluctuated between improving oxygen levels, heart rate, getting rid of GI issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, nausea as well as respiratory problems like cough, cold, chest congestion, etc. Along with help from his GOQii Coach Vaishali, he had to manage lifestyle changes accordingly.

Coach Vaishali suggested simple healthy changes in his lifestyle which included eating fruits, drinking lukewarm lemon water in the morning, including lemon zest, and having wheatgrass and aloe vera juice to boost immunity. For protein and omega 3, she suggested dry fruits.

During the course of their journey, she got him away from sugar and smoking. Ananda was asked to engage in his hobbies and meditation to improve his mental and emotional wellbeing as well as remain stress-free. 

Ananda also shared his journey with us in detail as he spoke to our Founder & CEO Vishal Gondal

What Changes Did Ananda Mukherjee Experience? 

When asked about his journey so far, Ananda said, “GOQii has played a huge role. It brought about positivity in my life. My Coach Vaishali just created new habits based on my health goals and helped me follow those habits.” 

His radiation treatment is now complete and he is happy that he is able to sleep without taking any pills. His neighbors and friends are surprised at how fresh and healthy he looks now and his wife has also complimented him.

“I blindly follow what my coach suggests and that has given me results. She has been a mom at times, an elder sister at times and has been able to get me to do things. I am totally off smoking and alcohol and my diet is simple,” he says. 

Ananda has been getting all his exercise lessons and nutrition tidbits from GOQii Play classes. He loves the recipe classes on GOQii Play and has been able to make quite a few dishes at home to avoid eating out.

He jokes with his friends saying, I am just chilling and losing weight and has been advocating GOQii to all of them. He says, “This current life is a tectonic shift in my life.” He is able to get back to his medium sized clothes from having gone upto XL size. 

He says, “A coach is necessary to achieve your goals especially when it is about health. There has to be someone to motivate you to do the right things. I have always believed in mentors and with a coach or a mentor your journey only becomes that much more interesting and easier”. 

Ever since being on GOQii, in almost 9 months’ time, Ananda has been able to get into the Elite category. He is following a healthy lifestyle, enjoying his life and is now a landscape designer and also loves gardening. He walks daily for physical fitness and meditates for mental and emotional wellbeing.

Currently his HRA is 81. He has stopped taking antidepressant and sleeping pills as well. His current weight stands at 67kg.

What Does Coach Vaishali Vibhute Have To Say About Her Player?

Ananda started his journey on Sept 20, 2021. The day he joined as a player, he was very depressed, stressed, feeling low both mentally and physically, emotionally disturbed and overweight. He smoked a lot. When I started coaching, he weighed 70kg, HRA was 43 and BMI was 25.71.

Despite being a fitness freak and having a gym at home, he had stopped exercising when he had quit his banking job, which led to a lot of weight gain. To get him back on track, I gave him a target of completing 3k steps and gradually increased it to 5k. I also gave him a few challenges like doing light weight exercises, and following pre and post workout meals. He completed all these tasks diligently. 

When GOQii launched the SAFE (Sedentary, Active, Fit and Elite) model, I told him I would like to see him in the ELITE category, as he was in the sedentary category. He accepted the challenge as he had a burning desire to achieve his health goals.

It is never easy to achieve a health goal. It requires some sacrifices, discipline, consistency and determination. If you are able to handle these 4 aspects well, nothing can stop you and Ananda has proven this fact! Though it was challenging for him to maintain his weight due to his medical condition, his endless efforts and discipline helped him achieve what he aimed for.

We’re wishing Ananda Mukherjee well on his journey of being healthy and fit! Does his 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  

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