How to Stay Healthy Without Giving Up the Food You Love. Plus: Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Padel

What the Health

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Wednesday, 2 September 2026 - 55 minutes

This week we're asking whether living a healthier life really means giving up the foods we love and how we can make eating well feel more realistic, enjoyable and sustainable. Claira Hermet is joined by Dr Saima Ajaz, clinical director at Harley Longevity Clinic, to talk about why people of South Asian heritage can be at higher risk of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular problems, and the role genetics and lifestyle play. She tells us why that doesn’t necessarily mean that South Asian food needs to be taken off the menu. She explains how simple changes to portions and preparation can make a difference, without losing the cultural connection that makes food so important.We continue the conversation with chef Mehak Kansal, founder of Bindas Eatery. She tells us about her own health transformation and the process of completely rethinking her relationship with food. She discusses learning to make healthier choices without depriving herself of the flavors of her heritage, the emotional connection to food, and how to become more conscious of what we're eating. Later on in the show, we turn to Padel; the world’s fastest growing sport. Team GB padel player Nikhil Mohindra joins Claira to explain how he went from discovering the sport at his local leisure club to competing at elite level. He also talks to us about why he thinks padel has become such a phenomenon and why its accessibility and emphasis on fun makes it a great way to get moving. He also shares what he's learned about mindset from playing alongside sporting legends including Cristiano Ronaldo and John Terry.Guests: Dr Saima Ajaz, Clinical Director of Harley Longevity ClinicMehak Kansal, founder of Bindas Eatery. You can find her on Instagram hereNikhil Mohindra, Team GB Padel Player. You can find him on Instagram hereProducer: Monica Lillis

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