Healthy To A Hundred: Varsha Khatri of Illuminated Health On 5 Things You Need To Live A Long, Healthy, & Happy Life

An Interview With Savio P. Clemente

Communicate your needs — I am very clear to my husband about what I need from him to allow me to have my self-care time. Due to work and the responsibilities of having kids, unless I communicate my needs, my husband will not know what it is that I need. This can be easier said than done, but whether its your partner, a parent, friend, or anyone else in your life that you depend on, be honest and have an open conversation about where you need that support. You can also reach out to support groups or see if there are external resources available to help you. Believe me when I say that you do not have to do everything yourself. Do not be afraid to ask for help and support.

The term Blue Zones has been used to describe places where people live long and healthy lives. What exactly does it take to live a long and healthy life? What is the science and the secret behind longevity and life extension? In this series, we are talking to medical experts, wellness experts, and longevity experts to share “5 Things You Need To Live A Long, Healthy, & Happy Life”. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Varsha Khatri

Varsha Khatri helps her clients achieve their health goals by combining the science of nutrition and health with the knowledge of Ayurveda. She is a qualified Nutritionist, Senior Yoga Teacher, an Ayurveda Consultant, and a Health Educator. She is the author of Think Healthy Choose Healthy. Within her business Illuminated Health (https://www.illuminatedhealth.com), she specialises in digestive health, food allergies/intolerances, preventive health, and self-care. Along with seeing clients one-to-one, Varsha also runs group coaching programmes and online courses.

Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?

I’ve always had a passion for health and wellbeing. When I was teenager, my family and I were in a car accident and my mom was left with a debilitating nerve pinch. After months of agony and poor odds of surgery even working, she tried yoga and within six weeks she was better. I saw first hand what alternative healing modalities can do for someone’s life and this shifted my entire paradigm. Thus, as a senior in high school, I started looking into alternative forms of healing and how I can help others heal in a natural way. This was back when natural remedies were still frowned upon and only hippies meditated. I had my work cut out for me as I was a teenager going against the curve. I did not mind though, I was happy to follow the path that felt right and I loved the idea of helping people feel better through food and home remedies. That passion and commitment led to me where I am today.

Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from that?

Treat every client as if you are seeing their illness for the first time. Especially when it comes to the intake of a new client, I have to be open to all possibilities. No two stories are ever the same and although two clients may have the same disease, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, they may both need different approaches. I never assume I know what needs to be done before I meet the client. This would, in my eyes, limit the possibilities. I bring experience to the table though and by not jumping to conclusions, I can create a plan for my client that is adapted to their needs. When I prepare for a consultation, I may map out a few possible options, but there are times, in which none of those options are viable, so a new route must be considered. My key lesson or takeaway is always keeping an open mind while being adaptable.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I have had many great mentors and colleagues over the years. I am also appreciative of all the networking groups and organisations that I am a part of. However, the one person I can attribute my success to is my husband, Stan Khatri. It was with his support that I started my business and in the beginning when it got tough, he motivated me to plough through even though I wanted to give up. I remember offering and showing up to teach classes and workshops but no one would show up. I kept persevering as Stan kept telling me to follow my dream because dreams do turn to reality if you pursue it. And a decade later, I have a strong following and never have to worry about no one showing up to any workshop or class that I host. He gives me the strength and courage to tackle every obstacle and he is also the sounding board.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Integrity — I do whole-heartedly believe that genuinely honest and humble people can get ahead. I am always honest with my clients and followers. I do not sugar coat anything and I am not afraid to give my honest opinion. Even if this means sometimes sharing what the client needs to hear and not just what they want to hear. One aspect of my work that my clients and followers appreciate is how much respect I have for both eastern and western medicine. I believe each have their purpose and that you cannot be “holistic” unless you accept and respect that all modalities of healing have their purpose.

Resourceful — I love reading and doing the research. I am always learning more about nutrition and Ayurveda as well as other modalities of healing. I do not have the answers to everything and therefore, when I am presented with a case in which I feel that I lack the expertise, I will go out there and do the research thoroughly so that I can be a helpful clinician. I am a great researcher and as my friends would say, I have a knack for finding the right answers. I just seem to know the right places to look or have the connections to get the assistance that I need.

Simplicity — In a world where health seems so complex, I like to simplify it. I have found that the more complex the recommendations, the less likely clients will follow through. Therefore, I do attempt to keep the recommendations I give as clear and simple as possible. Even with health education and the masterclasses that I lead; I always aim for simplicity. With complex cases, the simpler the recommendations the better the outcome. As I have also discovered that the rigidness of strict plans often leads to higher amount of stress. And as we all know, stress is one of the leading causes of disease. One of the best ways to keep stress under control is to keep it simple.

Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview about health and longevity. To begin, can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority in the fields of health, wellness, and longevity? In your opinion, what is your unique contribution to the world of wellness?

This question links back to my previous answer in that my unique contribution to the world of wellness is simplicity. I have a number of qualifications in the field of health and wellness. Within the scope of my clinical practice as well as through all the various services I offer, my ultimate goal is prevention of disease. Yes, not all diseases can be averted, but there are so many that can be prevented including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The best anti-ageing remedies ultimately link back to drinking plenty of water, eating a diet rich in fibre, moving your body, and keeping stress levels low. It are these basic principles that work most effectively but people often shy away from it because we are conditioned to believe that we must take “x” product or drink “y” shake or be on “z” diet. There is no single product that will accomplish what the basics of healthy eating and living will do. My goal is to simplify prevention of disease through health education and empowering individuals to make healthier choices. I help my clients make the choices that allow them to feel their best because when you have your health, you’ve got the strength and energy to do it all.

Seekers throughout history have traveled great distances and embarked on mythical quests in search of the “elixir of life,” a mythical potion said to cure all diseases and give eternal youth. Has your search for health, vitality, and longevity taken you on any interesting paths or journeys? We’d love to hear the story.

I actually do not believe that there is a magical potion that will cure all diseases. However, my journey of health, vitality and longevity has certainly been an exciting one. I grew up in the middle-upper class suburbs of San Diego. I had top notch grades and everyone expected me to go to university somewhere like UCLA or USC. However, I chose to go to Maharishi International University (MIU) where I could get an accredited degree in Ayurveda and learn to meditate. Let’s just say many people at the time thought that I was crazy. However, I had the support from my family so I followed my dreams.

I have always believed that there is more to life than stress, hustle, money, and the usual day-to-day. With my heavy course load in high school, I was always stressed. I suffered from constipation (didn’t know at the time that it was constipation), my shoulders always ached from the stress of getting good grades, I was always tired, had terrible acne and had really painful periods. As a teenager, I also lacked confidence and had extremely low self-esteem.

But then I went to MIU and learned Transcendental Meditation. I learned about Ayurveda and the importance of digestive health, thereby correcting my own gut issues which helped my periods tremendously improve as well. I became happier and more confident. I made dietary and lifestyle changes that supported my healing.

From then on, I realised that as long as I took care of myself and was proactive about my own health, then everything was fine. Since then, within the last couple of decades, I have experienced that the times my health suffers the most is when I do not prioritise my own health. The ultimate elixir of life is self-care. No one can take better care of you than yourself. And no one is more responsible for your happiness than yourself.

Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Things You Need To Live A Long & Healthy Life”? (Please share a story or an example for each)

Based upon my years of working with clients and my own health, here is what I believe to be the 5 things you need to live a long and healthy life.

1. Learn about yourself — What I mean here is that take the time to listen to your mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Take the time to learn about yourself, ie what makes you happy, what makes you sad, what leads you to comfort eat, what makes you feel better, who do you like to be around or who do you want to stay away from? These can be tough questions to ask, but the best way to progress your journey of health is by getting to know yourself better. As you cultivate this inner experience known as having self-awareness, you create the ability to learn the difference of when you feel that you are experiencing balanced health versus imbalanced health. Be mindful of your experiences and what makes you feel healthy and happy.
2. Prioritise sleep and rest — In the era of binge watching Netflix, sleep is often on the back burner. Sleep is the time when the mind and body has the chance to relax and recover from the day. Sleep is also the time when the body can heal itself. We have all experienced how much older you look and even feel when your eyes have those bags under them. We have all also experienced how much more the mind feels foggy when you simply do not get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep every night is essential for long-term health. Lack of sleep can lead to a variety of health problems including slow metabolism, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and even depression.
3. Move your body often — Exercise is key but so is staying active throughout the day. It is not enough to get up from your desk for 30 minutes a day to go for a run. Having a sedentary job or lifestyle still increases your risk for developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore, take regular breaks and even stretch breaks can be helpful for circulation and stress management. Aim to move a bit every hour. This will help to reduce stress levels and allow your mind to feel more fresh. Try some seated yoga stretches, go for a water cooler break, take a couple laps around your living room, or simply step outside and breathe in some fresh air. All of these can allow your mind and body to relax so that you can feel at ease.
4. Eat a rainbow of colours throughout the week — This will ensure you are consuming a variety of nutrients to keep your body healthy and strong. Ideally you want to eat the rainbow daily, but if you find it too challenging to eat all the colours of the rainbow in a day, aim for at least two to three different colours. Then slowly build from there. The bottom line is to forget about calories and portion sizes. The best thing you can do for your health is to think ‘rainbow’ when it comes to your meals. Do your best to ensure that every meal is as colourful as you can make it — the more colour, the healthier it will be.
5. Keep your digestion strong — You can have the best diet in the world but without a healthy digestion to absorb and utilise the nutrients, it does you no good. Digestive health is often ignored until symptoms arise. To support having a healthy digestion, having a balanced diet and lifestyle is key including effectively managing stress. Gut health also supports immune health, energy levels, hormones, sleep, and every other aspect of your health. If you are experiencing chronic bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, acid reflux or any other signs of indigestion, then it means that your gut needs attention because one of the key aspects of preventing disease is ensuring that you can absorb the nutrients that you are consuming.

Can you suggest a few things needed to live a life filled with happiness, joy, and meaning?

1. Priortise self-care — I have two young children — currently aged 6 and 3. I also have a full-time business. Regardless of how busy I get, I always carve time out for myself as that helps me be more present for my family, friends, and my clients. Self-care looks and feels different to everyone. My self-care varies from day to day and really depends on my mood or what’s going on in life at the time. For example, some days, it is ensuring I get to the gym to do my workout while listening to a podcast. Other days, self-care is colouring, crocheting, doing yoga, meditating, or going for a massage. This is not selfish, but rather an act of self-love.
2. Communicate your needs — I am very clear to my husband about what I need from him to allow me to have my self-care time. Due to work and the responsibilities of having kids, unless I communicate my needs, my husband will not know what it is that I need. This can be easier said than done, but whether its your partner, a parent, friend, or anyone else in your life that you depend on, be honest and have an open conversation about where you need that support. You can also reach out to support groups or see if there are external resources available to help you. Believe me when I say that you do not have to do everything yourself. Do not be afraid to ask for help and support.
3. Do what makes you happy. — Do not depend on others to make you happy. If you want a gift, buy it for yourself or be clear and ask for it. If you want to go on holiday, take the steps to make that happen yourself. Nothing can make you happier than doing something for yourself. Finding true happiness is about looking within and one of the best ways to find it is by engaging in daily gratitude.
4. A few years back, I did the 100 Happy Days Challenge and it totally transformed my life. It was all about finding one thing a day that makes you happy and this process allowed me to open up to the world of gratitude. If you are looking for external validation for your happiness, then I would highly recommend that you start with a daily gratitude practice. Just note down one thing every day that you are thankful for and you will soon see the warmth your own life brings to you.

Some argue that longevity is genetic, while others say that living a long life is simply a choice. What are your thoughts on this nature vs. nurture debate? Which is more important?

Sure, nature and nurture have influence over our health. But ultimately, I do feel that it all boils down to choice. They say that experience changes the brain and the more proactive we are about our health, the better chance we have of living a long and healthier life. It comes down to finding the right balance in that you also find happiness within being healthy.

Life sometimes takes us on paths that are challenging. How have you managed to bounce back from setbacks in order to cultivate physical, mental, and emotional health?

I have managed setbacks by being proactive about my health. It is about being aware and able to recognise how you are feeling. After the birth of my second child, I experienced postpartum depression (PPD). Although I am a senior yoga teacher, been meditating for years and take good care of myself overall, I couldn’t prevent PPD. Therefore, when I recognised that I may have it, I reached out to my doctor and I ended up seeing a therapist who helped me overcome my depression.

If you are healthy, I recommend cultivating self-awareness and being able to look within yourself to recognise when you are feeling balanced versus imbalanced. If you feel that you are ill or are in need of healing, don’t give up and keep the search going until you find what you need to help yourself.

Health is not something that you can ignore just because you feel well. It is something that you need to take care of, just like a relationship or your car. If your car was low on fuel, you would not go on a long-drive and wait until the tank is empty to fill it up. Likewise, if you got an alert on your car dashboard, you would take it to your mechanic to get it checked out. Our bodies are always speaking to us, but the main question here is are you listening to it?

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?

“Destiny begins with choices made today” is the quote that I live by. My math teacher in high school stated this on the first day and it has stuck with me ever since.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Preventing disease. I envision a future in which prevention is emphasised over cure. I see a world in which just because someone “feels healthy” does not mean that they ignore their health but rather continue to focus on continuing to stay healthy. I would love to see people seek help for their ailments at the first sign rather than waiting until they feel their absolute worst. Prevention of disease lies within the realm of self-care and taking responsibility over your own health and happiness.

What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?

They can visit my website www.illuminatedhealth.com, where I have a blog as well as access to free resources or they can follow me on instagram and facebook. My handle is @illuminatedhealth

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.

About The Interviewer: Savio P. Clemente coaches cancer survivors to overcome the confusion and gain the clarity needed to get busy living in mind, body, and spirit. He inspires health and wellness seekers to find meaning in the “why” and to cultivate resilience in their mindset. Savio is a Board Certified wellness coach (NBC-HWC, ACC), stage 3 cancer survivor, podcaster, writer, and founder of The Human Resolve LLC.

Savio pens a weekly newsletter at thehumanresolve.com where he delves into secrets from living smarter to feeding your “three brains” — head 🧠, heart 💓, and gut 🤰 — in hopes of connecting the dots to those sticky parts in our nature that matter.

He has been featured on Fox News, and has collaborated with Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, Food Network, WW, and Bloomberg. His mission is to offer clients, listeners, and viewers alike tangible takeaways in living a truly healthy, wealthy, and wise lifestyle.

Savio lives in the suburbs of Westchester County, New York and continues to follow his boundless curiosity. He hopes to one day live out a childhood fantasy and explore outer space.