GOQii

Blog

By 4 Comments

How Digvijay Singh Reversed Chronic BP Issues & Lost Weight With GOQii

Digvijay Singh

Do you feel that no matter what you do, you’re unable to lose weight? You go for walks, meditate and even eat right but that scale doesn’t budge while lifestyle diseases plague you. Our Player Digvijay Singh was stuck in a similar predicament. 

Life Before GOQii 

Digvijay Singh, a 63 year old retired public sector professional from Nagpur, was always conscious about his health and lifestyle. He took regular walks and even practiced Pranayama but no matter what he did, he could not lose weight. He weighed around 90kg and suffered from chronic blood pressure issues. 

Introduction to GOQii & Making Lifestyle Changes 

During his anniversary in 2016, his daughters gifted him a GOQii device with 3 months of subscription. When he joined, his goal was to reduce weight and control his BP issues. While initially he faced difficulty, there was progress. 

Between 2016-2019, he says that his progress was quite slow. His BP was still high at 140/90 and cholesterol levels were out of range. To help him achieve his goal, his GOQii Coach introduced a few lifestyle changes which included: 

  • Normal walks, interval walks and strength training 
  • Consuming apple cider vinegar and salads to his meals 
  • Early dinner 
  • No processed foods 

Eventually, Digvijay Singh’s cholesterol levels and BP both came down to a normal range. His weight has reduced and has remained constant since then. He has been able to lose 12kg and go from 84 to 72 kg within 8 months. 

Digvijay Singh is happy with the fact that his GOQii journey that started 5 years back, is still continuing. He says that with his GOQii Coach’s advice, his lifestyle has completely changed. He further stated, “Basically what GOQii did was that it disciplined me”. 

His daughters say that he is an inspiration. He is disciplined and follows what his GOQii Coach says. His eating habits have also changed. They said that they are glad about how his health has improved, he has been able to control his BP and looks fitter than before! They said, “Now the entire family (extended) knows about GOQii because of Dada and it is his best gift to anyone he thinks needs it”. 

To understand Digvijay Singh’s journey, check out this session of GOQii Health Talks, where he and his family spoke to our Founder & CEO Vishal Gondal.

What Does Coach Monika Raj Have To Say About Digvijay Singh? 

Digvijay has been a great learner! He always follows the habits I set for him. When we first started, his blood pressure was high at 140/90 and cholesterol levels were out of range. Then slowly, we started with minor lifestyle modifications. In a span of time, his fat percentage ranging from 35% to 40%, came down to 25%. 

We started with walks that ranged from normal walking to interval walks and then strength training. He was so consistent in walking that I had to stop him and make his regime for just 5 days a week so that  he could rest and recover well. Since then  he has been able to maintain it well.

We added salads to his meals and made sure his dinner was light. I also asked him to consume Apple Cider Vinegar before lunch and dinner, less salt in meals and completely avoid processed foods among a few other changes. 

For the past 5 years, he has never missed salads in his meals and has never missed crossing 10k steps. I am really overwhelmed and motivated to see his efforts and consistency.  

Does this story inspire you? Did it sound relatable? Want to make a lifestyle change? If yes, then speak to your GOQii Coach today by subscribing for personalized coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

To read more inspiring stories, check out Healthy Reads. 

#BeTheForce 

By 1 Comment

Amaranth: The Healthy Supergrain That No One Knows

AmaranthIn India, this supergrain is called Rajgira (royal grain) or Ramdana (grain given by Lord Ram), for its amazing utility and health benefits. In English, it is known as Kingseed or Amaranth (derived from a word which means ‘never ending’ in Sanskrit). All these names are quite accurate. Read on to know more about this wonderful grain!

What is Amaranth?

Amaranth is a weed which seems like a cereal. Hence, it is known as a pseudo-cereal. It is a small, round, light colored grain having a crunchy texture which can be eaten raw or in any other form just like wheat or rice.

It was first grown in Peru 8,000 years ago by the Aztec civilization. Today, it is grown all over the world, including India. It gained most of it popularity in the last 50 years when it was studied in the US for its health benefits.

What are the Benefits Derived from Amaranth?

Amaranth is truly a class apart from other grains and cereals. It has the highest energy per 100gm among all grains. When compared to wheat, it has twice the amount or more of minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Potassium in the cooked form while also having more of Proteins, Healthy Unsaturated Fats and B Vitamins.

Amaranth is also gluten free, which makes it suitable for the gluten intolerant. It is a more nutritious option than other substitutes like Sorghum (Jowar) and Finger Millet (Ragi).

Amaranth is one of the best plant sources of protein (14gm protein per 100gm). The protein content is almost similar to animal sources like cheese which makes it a must in vegan and vegetarian diets. It is rich in Lysine – an essential amino acid which is very rare in other vegetarian protein sources.

Amaranth also has the distinction of being the only grain having Vitamin C in it. The grain also has fairly high amounts of Albumin which is hard to find in plant foods. Moreover, one serving of uncooked Rajgira can give 105% of the total RDA of Manganese which is needed for normal brain and nerve functioning among other things in the body.

Apart from all these nutritional benefits, it has therapeutic benefits too. Rutin, a compound found in Amaranth gives relief from high blood pressure. Other constituents of this wonderful grain can also protect one from several forms of cancers. Being rich in fiber and free of gluten, it also aids people suffering from stomach issues.

How Do You Eat It?

It can be eaten either raw or in other forms like roasting, boiling, etc. Just like wheat, it can be made into a flour which can be used to make flatbread (rotis) too.

One must note that it has some compounds which inhibit the absorption of a few nutrients only when eaten in the raw form. When cooked in any form, these compounds are eliminated and it can be eaten without any worries.

Another big advantage of Amaranth is that it can also be eaten during fasting as it is not a cereal unlike wheat or rice. Being low in calories, high in proteins, vitamins and other vital minerals, it is substantially better than other options.

So go ahead and eat some Amaranth. You can even make flatbreads and use this superfood in your daily life! If you found this article useful, share it with friends and family! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

For more on nutrition, click here or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

By 1 Comment

Healthy Eating: French Beans Khichdi

French Beans Khichdi

If you are on your weight loss journey, you must have heard the advice of keeping your dinner light, low in carbs and high in protein and fiber. But do you feel that this simple tip is actually one of the most difficult to follow? As the entire day goes chasing work, after a tiring day, dinner feels like the only meal we can eat with all the time in the world and actually indulge in. Even if we decide to eat healthy, there are very few meals that support the low carb and high protein idea, especially for vegans. So, I want to share one of my favorite recipes, which is not just good when you are chasing your weight loss goals, but is also diabetes friendly, vegan and gluten-free. Let’s learn how to prepare the delicious French Beans Khichdi! 

What You Will Need 

  • Yellow moong dal – ¼ cup, soaked for 2 hours 
  • French beans – ½ cup, chopped
  • Carrot – ½, grated 
  • Onion – 1 medium sized 
  • Green chilly – ½ tsp, chopped 
  • Ginger – ½ tsp, grated 
  • Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp 
  • Garam masala – ¼ tsp 
  • Ghee – 1 tsp
  • Cumin seeds – ¼ tsp 
  • Lemon juice – ½ tsp 
  • Green coriander – 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Roasted sesame seeds – 1 tsp 
  • Hing – 1 pinch 
  • Salt to taste 

How to Prepare 

  1. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. As the seeds start crackling, add hing powder, onion & sauté for 2 minutes. 
  2. Drain soaked dal and add it to the same pan. Sauté with onion for 2 more minutes. 
  3. Now, add ½ cup water, salt, turmeric powder, green chilly, ginger ,garam masala, beans & carrot. Mix everything & cover the pan. Let it steam cook for around 10 minutes and stir 1-2 times in between.
  4. After 10 minutes, turn the flame off and let it team in the hot pan for another 5 minutes. 
  5. Take the lid off and add lemon juice, fresh coriander and sesame seeds over it. Mix everything together and your French Beans Khichdi is ready! 

Highlights of the French Beans Khichdi Recipe 

  • Being Low in carbs & high in fiber, protein & good fats, it is a good dinner option for people suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, thyroid, PCOD or even high uric acid levels.
  • It is weight loss friendly as it is low in calories but still very filling.
  • It is gluten & lactose free, so people who are allergic to gluten or are lactose intolerant can also enjoy it.

Do give this healthy, delicious and simple French Beans Khichdi recipe a try and let us know your feedback in the comments below! For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

By 1 Comment

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 with our Player Venkatrao Alaparthi.

Successful But Sedentary

Venkatrao Alaparthi, 46, is a Food Science Specialist having studied Dairy Science, and is currently working with Amul in Gujarat. Due to the nature of his work, he remains seated before his desk for long hours. For most of his work life, he has been sedentary without any exercise regime or proper eating habits.

As he wasn’t doing any regular exercise, the bare minimum being when he walked from his home to the factory, it led to severe weight gain. “I was consistently inconsistent in pursuing a health regime. I had no medical condition or medical issues but, I was obese due to a sedentary lifestyle and irregular patterns of eating,” says Venkatrao. As he is from South India, 90% of his diet consisted of carbs.

His work also involved touring. On one of his tours with his colleagues, Venkatrao Alaparthi realised how unfit he was as he couldn’t walk much. “I was sad that I was obese,” he says. As he was tired all the time, he couldn’t enjoy the visit as much. His 8 year old daughter pointed out saying, “you have a huge stomach” and his wife also told him how inconsistent he was while trying to lose weight on his own. 

“My wife has been getting me to take care of my health for the last 10 years, and I have been inconsistent in being able to maintain a good lifestyle and my health,” says Venkatrao. 

Due to all these factors, he decided that he would have to do something about his health. While researching the best way to lead a healthy lifestyle, he came across a GOQii Ad on social media. “GOQii & Fit India were my motivation to lead a healthy life. I decided to get the band and try it out,” he said.

Making Healthier Choices To Lose Weight

Venkatrao Alaparthi joined GOQii on Jan 30, 2022. He set his goal to lose weight. At the time, he weighed 91kg. After their initial conversation, GOQii Coach Parul Massey realised that he didn’t have any severe medical conditions and was only obese. She deemed that they had to work on weight loss slowly, in a healthier manner. 

“I asked him to start with 30 minutes of normal morning walk, reduce portions of rice from his daily diet and replace it with a protein-rich diet, jeera and lemon water on an empty stomach. He started following these habits daily,” says Coach Parul Massey

During the first week, Venkatrao Alaparthi found it difficult to walk for 30 minutes even at normal pace. But, he did not lose hope and continued doing it by slowly increasing his time to 45 mins after 10 days. In a month’s time, he began noticing some difference.

His diet had changed to include lots of proteins and vegetables for fibre. He also began including eggs, sprouts, and flax seeds, etc to his breakfast. In the second month of coaching, Coach Parul added a few more habits such as having nuts and seeds. 

Did These Changes Pay Off? 

After 2 months of following these minor tweaks in habits and changing his lifestyle, he lost 5kg. After months of making changes and following the course set by his GOQii Coach Parul Massey, Venkatrao Alaparthi lost 20kg. He is quite fit and active now. He even had to change his wardrobe due to his successful weight loss journey.

Currently, he clocks in over 20k steps daily. “I could not walk 3km and today, I can easily do 10km,” says Venkatrao Alaparthi. Apart from walking, he also plays badminton 3 times a week. For yoga and strength training, he subscribes to GOQii PRO classes within the GOQii App. 

His wife and his daughter are quite happy with the change he has made to his lifestyle and the weight he has lost. His wife says, “I am happy that you are more consistent now”. Venkatrao Alaparthi has been an Elite GOQii Player for 272 days and is among the top 6% of active players. He is still going strong with an active subscription, consistent changes, and guidance from his coach, Parul Massey. 

Do you want to make a lifestyle change and reduce weight too? Speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

For more inspiring stories, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce 

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As 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 […]