First things first, what is the Ivory Podcast?
“Is ageing gracefully really within our control?”
That’s the question at the heart of The Ivory Podcast. Most health podcasts in India seem to skip over a pretty important group. Yep, we’re talking about the young-at-heart crowd – the ones who’ve celebrated more birthdays than the rest of us.
We bring together a diverse mix of guests, including health coaches, nutritionists, psychologists, doctors, and business professionals. They share insights and truths about the ageing process. It’s not just talk; it’s about understanding what really happens as we grow older. So, join us on the Ivory Podcast. It’s like sitting down for a cup of tea with friends who know a thing or two about growing older gracefully and taking care of our brain health. This week, we sat down with Neha Ranglani, an integrative health coach and functional medicine specialist.
Neha Ranglani, Integrative Health Coach
Here is a little bit of what the Ivory team thinks about her:
The smallest change can spark the greatest transformation, and your guidance has shown us the way to lasting wellness.
With Gratitude,
Team Ivory
Now, here is a little bit of what you should know about her work:
She focuses on empowering her clients to build sustainable habits by addressing all aspects of well-being—nutrition, lifestyle, emotions, and mental health. Her practice emphasizes personalized care, guiding individuals toward healthier living through small, actionable steps. Neha’s expertise spans various areas, including stress management, plant-based nutrition, and resilience building, helping her clients lead balanced, vibrant lives.
Let’s start 11 questions with Neha:
Q1: Neha, what led you to shift from traditional nutrition to a holistic approach?
Neha: I started as a typical nutritionist, giving advice but rarely following it myself. Over time, I realized that food was just one piece of the puzzle. I noticed clients losing weight and improving sleep, mood, and emotional stability. That’s when I shifted my focus toward a more integrative approach, considering lifestyle, emotions, and habits beyond just nutrition.
Q2: Can you share a client story that deeply impacted your practice?
Neha: One client, who weighed 150 kg, came to me with low self-esteem and health issues. In a year, he lost 70 kg, but more importantly, he transformed his mindset—becoming disciplined and consistent. During the pandemic, he walked 10,000 steps daily inside his house. This experience reaffirmed my belief that transformation begins with small steps.
Q3: How do you manage clients struggling with stress and sleep issues?
Neha: I emphasize breathwork, meditation, and daily check-ins. I ask clients to set an alarm every two hours to assess how they feel and regulate stress throughout the day. For better sleep, I recommend morning sun exposure to align their circadian rhythm and discourage late-night TV or social media, which disrupt sleep cycles.
Q4: What role do supplements play in your health programs?
Neha: Supplements are useful but need to be used strategically. I focus on essentials like vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and omega-3, especially for clients over 40. However, supplements can’t replace healthy eating. Many people misuse them, following trends without addressing their real needs or consulting professionals.
Q5: Can plant-based nutrition support muscle building effectively?
Neha: Absolutely! A plant-based diet reduces inflammation and supports gut health. Many athletes, like Djokovic, have adopted plant-based lifestyles and seen their performance improve. Muscle growth is not just about protein—it’s about nutrient absorption, gut health, and inflammation management.
Q6: How do you help clients change deeply ingrained habits?
Neha: I break big changes into small, manageable steps. For instance, if clients sleep at 3 a.m., I ask them to aim for 2:15 a.m. for a week. Gradual progress feels achievable and builds momentum. Celebrating small wins encourages consistency and reinforces positive behaviour over time.
Q7: What’s a common nutrition myth you often encounter?
Neha: The biggest myth is that weight loss is purely about “calories in versus calories out.” Your body doesn’t understand numbers—it responds to nutrients, hormones, and emotions. Stress, poor sleep, and trauma also affect weight. Sustainable weight management requires a balanced approach to health, not just calorie reduction.
Q8: What’s your take on the rise of wellness products and supplements?
Neha: The wellness market has grown rapidly, but not all products are beneficial. Some are excellent, while others are just marketing hype. I always tell my clients to read labels carefully and choose high-quality products. Personal responsibility is crucial—what we buy shapes the industry.
Q9: How do celebrities influence health choices, and what responsibility do they have?
Neha: Celebrities significantly impact public choices, but many endorse products they don’t use. It’s disappointing to see them promote unhealthy items just for money. We need more public figures to align with wellness brands. That’s how we can shift towards a healthier society.
Q10: How do you tailor your physiotherapy approach to individual needs?
Neha: Blue Zones teach us that health is more than just diet. Their residents prioritize relationships, emotional well-being, and community engagement. They move throughout the day and practice functional fitness. Adopting a holistic lifestyle like theirs can enhance both physical and mental health.
Q11: Is there a connection between diabetes and a frozen shoulder?
Neha: Motivation builds through small successes. I tell clients to start with achievable changes—like improving sleep or reducing stress—and let those wins fuel their journey. Resilience grows over time as people realize they are stronger than their past behaviours and beliefs. It’s all about making progress, not perfection.
We’ve summarised this engaging podcast into a Q&A format to highlight the key insights for you. But if you’d like to experience the full conversation, you can listen to the entire episode here.
The Takeaway
Our conversation with Neha Ranglani highlights the importance of viewing health through a holistic lens. From stress management to plant-based diets, Neha’s insights remind us that small, consistent steps can lead to lasting transformation. Her approach encourages people to embrace resilience, stay informed, and build healthy habits aligning with their needs.
Neha’s compassionate approach shows that wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. As she says, “It’s always the little steps. It’s never the long jumps.” Whether starting with a small dietary change or improving your sleep, it all adds up in the journey towards better health.
Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on The Ivory Podcast. Until then, stay sharp and stay active!
