Latest news with #luke
NDTV
20 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Lifestyle Coach Reveals How Showering After Meals Can Lead To A Range Of Health Issues
Lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho is shedding light on a habit most of us do not think twice about - showering right after a meal. In a recent Instagram video, he explains how this simple act could be interfering with your digestion and overall gut health. According to the lifestyle coach, digestion is more than just your stomach breaking down food. It is an energy-heavy process that relies on proper blood flow, nerve signals and temperature balance in the body. Taking a hot or cold shower right after eating can mess with this delicate system, and potentially lead to issues - especially if you already have digestive sensitivities. In his video, Luke Coutinho explains, "The answer can be explained by a simple understanding of the human body and science. We should leave a gap of at least one and a half to maybe even two and a half hours to have a shower after a meal. The heavier the meal, the longer the gap you want to keep your shower." Watch the full video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) So what exactly happens in the body? Luke Coutinho says, "It's very simple. As we start to eat our food and digest, digestion is a very complex process involving the coordination of blood flow and energy allocation to your gut and the other parts of your digestive organs. Blood flow is extremely important." In the caption, he explains further: "After a meal, blood flow shifts towards your digestive organs to break down food, absorb nutrients, and fuel enzymatic activity. This is when your parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) system is active." Here is the problem - "The moment you have a shower, let's say you have a hot shower after a meal, there is going to be vasodilation and the blood flow is going to move away, not completely, but towards your skin and other peripheral parts of your body." And if you go for a cold shower, the lifestyle coach adds, "There's going to be vasoconstriction, which means that's going to limit the blood flow as well. It's a thermoregulatory response when you have a shower immediately after a meal." He also notes that this narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) can even trigger a stress response. "Either way, digestion is compromised," he says. Luke highlights that this is especially important if you deal with any of the following: IBS Colitis, Crohn's Bloating, gas Acid reflux Constipation Weak digestion He explains, "Your gut already struggles with regulation. A mistimed shower can slow healing and create more inflammation over time." What should you do instead? Luke Coutinho recommends, "Finish your shower before a meal or wait 90-120 mins after eating (longer after heavy meals)," adding that "Many people don't feel the effects right away, but repeated interference with digestion often leads to chronic symptoms we ignore until it's too late." His practical tip: "So plan it in such a way that you finish your shower before your meal, and that way you can keep this long gap without having to worry about this." And for those wondering if it is okay every now and then, he adds, "Other people, you may get away with it once, twice, thrice, that's absolutely fine. The body is built for survival, and we can get away with a shower once in a while after a meal." He wraps it up with this takeaway: "We've seen clients with stubborn gut issues feel better with just this one change. It's not fear. It's science. It's common sense. It's gut intelligence. Start respecting your body's natural processes. You'll begin to notice the difference in your energy, digestion, and mood." Simple advice, backed by logic - and definitely something worth trying out if your digestion has been off lately.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Lifestyle Instructor Shares Top 4 Protein-Packed One-Pot Meals, Ready In Under 30 Minutes
Many people consider sitting down to eat a balanced, home-cooked meal a luxury – especially when juggling work, parenting, travel and an endless to-do list. Fitness coach Luke Coutinho's new line of high-protein one-pot meals is a game-changer for people who are always on the go. These meals are not only quick and easy but also flavourful, nutritionally balanced and ideal for building lean muscle. The best part? Each requires minimal cleanup and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. You can get all the nutrients you need in one pot: protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and vital micronutrients. The meal options include Ragi and Moong Dal Khichdi, Millet and Masoor Dal Pulao, Chicken and Bajra Khichdi, and Egg and Jowar Pulao. 'Simple, quick to prepare, deeply nourishing, and designed to work with your body, not against it,' Luke Coutinho captioned his recent Instagram post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) Benefits of one-pot meals There's more to one-pot meals than just saving time. According to Team Luke, they are an innovative, environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to nourish your body. 1. Balanced macros High-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats are all incorporated into each dish to help regulate blood sugar, provide long-lasting energy and improve satiety. 2. Smart combinations for better absorption Iron-rich dals and millets combined with vitamin C-rich vegetables boost absorption. Millets and pulses together form a complete amino acid profile – great for immunity and muscle recovery. 3. Less cleanup, more time One vessel. Minimal prep. Little to no cleaning. These dishes save you time without compromising on nutrition. Perfect for post-workout recovery, travel prep, or hectic workdays. You can personalise the meals – skip what does not suit you, and add herbs or veggies that do – to create your perfect One-Pot Meal. Luke also emphasises using local, fresh produce to promote nutrient density, better absorption, and to support Indian farmers. This aligns with the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Made in India, Heal in India' missions. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Lifestyle Guru On How To Deal With Food Cravings During Weight Loss
Losing weight isn't just about hitting the gym. It is a mix of things like moving more, tracking your steps, getting good sleep, and eating right. Let's be real, though, cravings can really mess with your progress. A lot of people get stuck worrying about giving up their favourite foods, which makes it tough to stick to a plan. Lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho has shared a simple but powerful trick: portion control. Basically, it means paying attention to how much you are putting on your plate and eating. It is a smart way to keep your calories in check without feeling like you are starving yourself. Keeping an eye on portion sizes can make a big difference when you are trying to shed those extra kilos, and still enjoy the foods you love. Luke Coutinho often hears people say, 'I know what to do, but I just can't do it.' He explained that it is not that they don't want to lose weight, but because they are stuck in a vicious loop of feeling guilty, filling emotional gaps, losing their willpower, experiencing emotional stress, and being afraid to give up their favourite food. Luke Coutinho has shared a smart approach to eating in his recent Instagram post, where you should limit your intake of desserts if you have trouble losing weight because of your fondness for them. "If you have three desserts in a week, each time you have a dessert, have half of it," he said. "If you're having your favourite food, let's say it's a biryani or whatever it is. Have half of it," Luke Coutinho added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) Importance of portion control It is safer than ending things abruptly. It respects your connection to food. It lessens the overload so that consistency can be developed. It enables you to stay mindful while still enjoying your favourite things. It prevents the cycles of binge-restrict that often accompany guilt-driven diets. It helps in readjusting your hunger cues without starving. It is sustainable in daily situations, such as social gatherings, family feasts, and office holidays. It helps you develop self-confidence, which is essential for long-term development. Luke Coutinho added that cutting back on portions is an easy method to start burning fat if you struggle with food. This entails getting enough sleep, managing difficult emotions, and focusing on cardio, weight training, muscle, flexibility, and mobility. According to the lifestyle guru, thousands of people he has worked with did not require strict diets, juice fasts, or complete abstinence from sweets. All they needed was a "compassionate and realistic entry point," such as eating half of what they typically would. In short, controlling your portions makes losing weight easier and helps you enjoy your food without giving it all up. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
01-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nourish Your Vision With These Expert-Approved Healthy Foods And Habits
Do you have tired, dry, and itchy eyes? Anyone who spends a lot of time in front of a screen would answer in the affirmative. Every day, the average adult spends almost seven hours in front of a screen either for work, shopping, streaming or scrolling. It goes without saying that too much screen time can quickly strain the eyes. Aside from limiting screen time, there are other ways to improve your eye health. What is the most effective method? Eating a healthy meal full of nutrients that support the eyes. Fitness coach Luke Coutinho shares specific nutrients and food items to consume that will help you improve your eyesight. In his latest Instagram post, he writes, "Over the last 14 years, we've worked with people across age groups—from kids with screen fatigue to seniors with vision issues—and one thing's clear: what you eat deeply impacts your eye health. We've seen improvements in clients: reduced dryness, better vision, less strain—and sometimes even slowed degeneration when paired with lifestyle changes." Here are the nutrients you should consume for improved eye function and repair:1. Vitamin A – supports night vision2. Lutein & Zeaxanthin – protect from light damage3. Vitamin E, C & Zinc – slow age-related decline4. Omega-3s – reduce dry eyes and support the retina According to Luke Coutinho, the above-mentioned nutrients can be found in foods like spinach (rich in lutein & zeaxanthin), carrots (high in beta-carotene and vitamin A), chia, flax, walnuts, hemp, fatty fish or fish oil, (rich in Omega-3), almonds (excellent source of vitamin E) and Indian Gooseberry (loaded with vitamin C). "Foods like bell peppers, pumpkin seeds and blueberries also support eye health," he added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) Luke Coutinho shares some additional lifestyle factors that matter just as much in maintaining eye health. 1. 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 mins, look 20 ft away for 20 secs 2. Prioritise deep sleep – your eyes repair while you rest 3. Morning sunlight (indirect) supports eye function 4. Palming & eye yoga – improve circulation & reduce fatigue 5. Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors 6. Stay hydrated – prevents dryness 7. Adjust screen brightness – reduce strain at night 8. Avoid smoking & excess alcohol – both increase degeneration risk 9. Control blood sugar & BP – essential for eye vessel health 10. Limit exposure to pollution/UV without protection 11. Cut down screen time and take regular breaks Follow these tips to improve your eye health.
