Adhya S - I Cook Easy, Healthy & Tasty Recipes (Chef & Content Creator, 1.1 Million Followers)

"Health is a lifestyle, not a quick fix, so rather than focusing on short-term goals, aim for sustainable habits"

1. Let’s hear the backstory. How does a girl with an MBA in finance and a thriving IT career become the certified nutrition coach everyone’s obsessed with?

It’s funny, even I can’t quite believe how far I’ve come—but I’m grateful for the journey. I’ve always been on the heavier side, and while I lost some weight in college, things shifted when I got married and moved to a new city. That’s when I realized just how much of a foodie I am! Eating out, trying new cuisines, and bonding over meals became a big part of my life—but it eventually led to health issues like thyroid problems and PCOS.

In 2018, I decided to take control of my health and made a major change, losing over 10 kgs. At first, the idea of eating healthy sounded bizarre to me—I always associated it with bland salads. But when I realized it was so much more than that, I started experimenting with recipes that were not only healthy but also tasty and balanced. As I shared my creations online, people started reaching out for advice, which inspired me to get certified as a nutrition coach. I’m now able to blend my passion for food with a focus on health, and I’m excited to help others do the same.

2. For someone starting their health journey, where should they begin? 

It’s crucial to start slow and not be too hard on yourself. Health is a lifestyle, not a quick fix, so rather than focusing on short-term goals, aim for sustainable habits. Here’s where I’d recommend beginning:

1. Home-cooked meals: Start by prioritizing home-cooked food. It gives you control over what you're eating and helps you avoid processed options.

2. Balanced plate: Aim to balance your meals with protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your body fueled and satisfied.

3. Hydration: Keep track of your water intake—hydration is often overlooked, but it's key for energy and overall health.

4. Movement: Find small ways to move more—whether it's taking the stairs, walking to work, or setting aside 10 minutes a day for stretching and relaxation.

5. Quality sleep: Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Rest is when your body repairs and recharges.

I think, taking small, consistent steps will help you build a strong foundation for a healthier lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Everyone’s talking about India becoming the diabetes capital. How can young adults adapt their eating habits to prevent or manage it while still enjoying their meals?

The rise in diabetes cases is indeed concerning, but the good news is that with the right lifestyle changes, it’s possible to manage or even prevent it. One of the first things to be mindful of is packaged snacks and drinks. If they’re unavoidable, make it a habit to read the labels carefully—check the calories per serving, sugar content, quality of fats, and which ingredients are most prominent. Being informed can help you make better choices. Another key factor is learning the art of balance. Start by balancing your meals to prevent insulin spikes, which can lead to overeating or unnecessary cravings later on. Lastly, portion control is crucial—especially when it comes to high-carb or high-sugar foods. Being mindful of your portions can make a big difference in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Small, mindful changes can go a long way in preventing or managing diabetes while still enjoying your food!

4. You’ve turned a small plot into a farm paradise. Any tips for starting a mini farm in a tiny space, like a balcony or backyard?

Though I’ve lived in Chennai and Bangalore, and my husband, Rohit, spent his childhood in Delhi and Nagpur, both of us have roots in Kerala. In Kerala, every home typically has a small patch of land where people grow essentials like mangoes, jackfruit, pepper, and other daily staples. When we moved to Bangalore, we wanted a place where we could unwind and breathe fresh air away from the city hustle, so we decided to get a small plot just an hour away from home.

Over the last four years, we've transformed a barren land into a thriving mini farm. We now have a variety of fruit trees like soursop, mango, water apple, star fruit, banana, chiku, guava, and even passionfruit—and our little olive tree, inspired by a trip to Jordan, is growing beautifully! For anyone looking to start a small garden in their backyard, I’d recommend starting with easy-to-grow herbs like mint, coriander, and vegetables like tomatoes and spinach (palak). When it comes to fruit trees, try grafted varieties—they fruit and flower much faster, and they don’t take up as much space since they don’t grow into large trees. With patience and care, even the smallest space can become a productive and peaceful green oasis

5. What's next on your bucket list? Any big projects or dreams in the pipeline for your health and wellness journey ?

I have two main goals in mind right now. First, I want to expand my reach and help more people on their health journeys. Balancing my part-time IT job with coaching and managing my Instagram has been a lot, so I currently take on a limited number of clients, mostly through referrals. But in the coming year, I hope to grow my team and be able to offer more personalized coaching to a larger audience.

The second big project is something many of my followers have asked for—a recipe book! It’s been on my mind for a while, and I’m excited to work on it this year. I hope to create a resource that combines healthy, balanced meals with practical tips to make eatingwell enjoyable and sustainable.

Bio: 

I create vibrant, wholesome content on Instagram through my page, Auraartofhealthyliving, where I share simple, seasonal recipes that make healthy eating enjoyable and accessible. I aim to show how nutritious meals can seamlessly fit into any lifestyle. As a nutrition coach, I guide people to better health and weight loss, focusing on balance, sustainability, and the joy of food.

In addition to my work in the wellness space, I’m a part-time data operator consultant for a U.S.-based startup. I’m also a passionate traveller, constantly inspired by the local cuisines and cultural traditions I encounter. These experiences fuel mycreativity, helping me bring global flavours and fresh ideas to every dish I create.

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Interviewed by: Tamanna Parvin 

Edited by: Mishika Goel