It has become difficult for many of us to slow down and embrace a slow life. Our busy lifestyles have made us sedentary and given us the repercussions. No matter how much we try, we often fail to follow a healthy lifestyle. Exercise physiologist and lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho was invited by iSpark to give a nutrition awareness workshop and launch ‘Stop the Junk’ campaign in the city. iSpark is a holistic centre focusing on activities for the development of body, mind and soul for children.
In an interview with DC, he speaks about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in today’s fast-paced world. A few years ago, people were not greatly bothered about the lifestyle changes and diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. But now, everyone is keen on working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We quizzed him on whether it is a fad or it’s the new ‘in’ thing. He says, “It is true and really happening. People are realising that diseases and obesity are actually killing people and medication is not really effective when it comes to curing and healing. Plus, it’s very expensive to rely on healthcare. So, making lifestyle changes is the more inexpensive option and the right way to prevent and cure diseases.”
He is also of the opinion that Gen-Y is fast and they expect everything to happen fast, thanks to technology and social media. “Unfortunately there are no quick fixes or shortcuts when it comes to health. So, everything linked to health needs to be aligned with the laws of nature,” he says with a smile.
Luke, who co-authored the globally acclaimed book The Great Indian Diet with actress Shilpa Shetty, feels it’s high time we bring back our grandmothers’ recipes. He stresses on the importance of going back to the old, traditional way of cooking with home-made masalas and homegrown produce — “There is a lot of wisdom in traditional and natural medicine, home remedies, and recipes since they’re close to nature.” Luke states.
He encourages and helps people steer away from conventional medicine. Luke is of the belief that we need a system that works beyond the one that brings people into clinics. — “Invest in immunity, which is the body’s first and last line of defence. One should follow the four pillars of health — balanced nutrition, adequate exercise, quality sleep, and emotional detoxification,” Luke adds.
When asked about how he chooses to de-stress when pressure is high, he revealed his lifestyle mantra with a smile, “I do meditation, yoga, pranayama, exercise, eating clean and natural food, and quality sleep. I also love to spend time on the beach, travel, read, and share experiences with family.”
