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Don'T Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight
‘Rujuta has not just changed my body but also my mind and soul. She is the best thing to have happened to my life!’ Kareena Kapoor
Want to know how Kareena Kapoor managed to achieve the perfect figure? Let Rujuta Diwekar tell you how. India’s top celebrity fitness guru has worked with the who’s who of Bollywood including Kareena, Karishma, Saif, Lisa and Sonali. Now she lets you in on her secret—you can eat anything you want just as long as you plan for it. No crash dieting, no carb deprivation, no unbidden cravings. Rujuta teaches you the three simple steps to dieting heaven: learn about your body, create the right plan for it, and slowly adjust your food habits. What’s more, she even lets you in on Bebo’s secret, in a special chapter on how exactly our favourite heroine got that phenomenally fit bikini bod for Tashan.
So whether you’re apple or pear-shaped, soon you’ll be eating all you want—including those irresistible parathas—and still shedding those kilos. Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight is the ultimate diet for daily life. It’s worked for the stars—now make it work for you.
Want to know how Kareena Kapoor managed to achieve the perfect figure? Let Rujuta Diwekar tell you how. India’s top celebrity fitness guru has worked with the who’s who of Bollywood including Kareena, Karishma, Saif, Lisa and Sonali. Now she lets you in on her secret—you can eat anything you want just as long as you plan for it. No crash dieting, no carb deprivation, no unbidden cravings. Rujuta teaches you the three simple steps to dieting heaven: learn about your body, create the right plan for it, and slowly adjust your food habits. What’s more, she even lets you in on Bebo’s secret, in a special chapter on how exactly our favourite heroine got that phenomenally fit bikini bod for Tashan.
So whether you’re apple or pear-shaped, soon you’ll be eating all you want—including those irresistible parathas—and still shedding those kilos. Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight is the ultimate diet for daily life. It’s worked for the stars—now make it work for you.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
1627 people are currently reading
11547 people want to read
About the author
Rujuta Diwekar
52 books602 followersWinner of the 'Nutrition Award' from ASIAN INSTITUTE OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, Rujuta is amongst the most qualified and sought after sports science and nutrition expert in the country and the only nutritionist to have associate membership from SPORTS DIETITIANS, AUSTRALIA. In the plethora of diet fads and fears, her voice rings loud and clear, urging us to use our common sense and un-complicate the act of eating. Having worked with people from all walks of life, of all age groups and varying fitness levels, she has fine-tuned her methods to fit the lifestyle of the urban Indian.
Her two books and the film 'INDIAN FOOD WISDOM' have been on top of the best-selling charts for more than 5 years now. Her third book on exercise 'DON'T LOSE OUT, WORK OUT' is out in the market now.
Her two books and the film 'INDIAN FOOD WISDOM' have been on top of the best-selling charts for more than 5 years now. Her third book on exercise 'DON'T LOSE OUT, WORK OUT' is out in the market now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews
November 26, 2013
This book truly transformed my life. As you can read here, how I lost 15kgs I was a skeptic, when I first encountered this book at the Blossom Book House, my favorite book store in Bangalore. After browsing the first couple of pages I got it, and rarely have I been happier that I got a book.
The four key precepts that Rujuta lays out, namely
a> have six meals a day, while keeping each meal finite (two handfuls)
b> focus on the nutrients rather than just calories of your meals
c> eat local food (& what your family has always eaten) wherever you are
d> the right diet has to be accompanied by exercise
when added with (grand)mom's admonition to eat mindfully (no tv, reading or texting while eating) and to talk to your body and not to trip too much if you occasionally get off track works like a charm.
For those not wanting to use the link above, I lost nearly 20 kgs (44 lbs) over six months and have not starved or felt miserable at a single meal. Like all good books I didn't have to read it in one sitting and often I go back to read it periodically. The fact that it is written by an Indian, familiar with Indian food of all sorts makes it particularly useful for anyone in India. Run out and get this book!
The four key precepts that Rujuta lays out, namely
a> have six meals a day, while keeping each meal finite (two handfuls)
b> focus on the nutrients rather than just calories of your meals
c> eat local food (& what your family has always eaten) wherever you are
d> the right diet has to be accompanied by exercise
when added with (grand)mom's admonition to eat mindfully (no tv, reading or texting while eating) and to talk to your body and not to trip too much if you occasionally get off track works like a charm.
For those not wanting to use the link above, I lost nearly 20 kgs (44 lbs) over six months and have not starved or felt miserable at a single meal. Like all good books I didn't have to read it in one sitting and often I go back to read it periodically. The fact that it is written by an Indian, familiar with Indian food of all sorts makes it particularly useful for anyone in India. Run out and get this book!
July 7, 2012
It was a wonder book. I had lost 18 kgs in the past 5 months and on retrospection I feel I followed most of the things mentioned by the author, though not frequent 2 hourly meals. For the past 2 days, I have adopted this technique too - ie, a heavy breakfast followed by 2 hourly meals till sunset, and then nothing else. But am a little apprehensive whether it will work for me or make me gain weight. Have to wait and watch. I thoroughly loved reading the book, and felt happy that for once, there is someone who is urging people to eat properly and not to starve themselves or punish themselves. I feel all who want to lead a healthy life should read this book.
February 8, 2019
I believe the title of the book ‘Don’t lose your mind, lose your weight’ might be a little misleading. It should’ve been along the lines of ‘Don’t lose your mind, adopt a healthy lifestyle’ or something like that. Losing weight is just an added bonus you get along with fulfilling the main goal of improving physical and mental health by following two steps- eating healthy and working out regularly. But then again, it’s not as attention-grabbing as the former!
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a good book on nutrition, this one’s totally worth your time. It’s short and precise when it comes to explaining all the important points regarding diet i.e there’s no such a thing as a diet if it’s something you can go ‘on and off’ of. When it comes to weight loss, she burst all the myths and tackled a lot of misinformation surrounding the craze of crash diets, detoxes, juice cleanses, sugar-free products, exotic products, low-fat, low-carb, high-protein diet etc.
The author seems well experienced and she put forward her points clearly, backing it up with scientific explanations, drawing some those explanations from Ayurveda. I liked that way she broke down the stigma around certain foods like how certain food gets vilified for all the wrong reasons, which most of the time, is just a marketing gimmick. She promoted the idea of knowing and accepting your body and treating it with utmost love and respect.
She explains all the functions of important nutrients that our body needs and the benefits of exercise. People who want to start a healthy lifestyle can really benefit from it as the author has listed all the different food sources along with the right way, the right time to eat them to get the maximum benefit. This book is not just about explaining when and what to eat but also how to get in touch with your body and mind. I liked the way she explained the nutritious value of Indian food that we already eat so there’s no need to replace it with other exotic foods. It’s good to follow the principle of- ‘Eat local, think global’.
I’ve been on my ‘fitness journey’ which is just another fancy term for eating right and working out regularly, as I got a little overweight due to an unhealthy lifestyle. I lost 9kg in less than a year but that achievement pales in comparison to how good and comfortable I feel in my body. What I followed was more or less of what this book suggests. It all comes down to being aware of your health and listening to your body. I did nothing drastic but made a few changes that I can follow my whole life. When you get a good understanding of it, you don’t need to hire a professional to help you with the ‘diet’.
Before starting my fitness journey, I did a lot of research on my own. The internet’s a lovely place! It’s kind of embarrassing to admit now that all of what I learned during my ‘journey’ is just common sense and nothing else. Yet, I wasn’t aware of it before, even though I knew about it in a way. It’s the same with most people. But, it’s never too late to mend your ways. This book was written in 2009 and I’d like to think we’re hopefully in a better place now. Apart from that, it was very useful and I’m definitely going to try to implement better ways to cheat and the practice of mindful eating.
I definitely recommend reading it.
Read on blog
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a good book on nutrition, this one’s totally worth your time. It’s short and precise when it comes to explaining all the important points regarding diet i.e there’s no such a thing as a diet if it’s something you can go ‘on and off’ of. When it comes to weight loss, she burst all the myths and tackled a lot of misinformation surrounding the craze of crash diets, detoxes, juice cleanses, sugar-free products, exotic products, low-fat, low-carb, high-protein diet etc.
The author seems well experienced and she put forward her points clearly, backing it up with scientific explanations, drawing some those explanations from Ayurveda. I liked that way she broke down the stigma around certain foods like how certain food gets vilified for all the wrong reasons, which most of the time, is just a marketing gimmick. She promoted the idea of knowing and accepting your body and treating it with utmost love and respect.
She explains all the functions of important nutrients that our body needs and the benefits of exercise. People who want to start a healthy lifestyle can really benefit from it as the author has listed all the different food sources along with the right way, the right time to eat them to get the maximum benefit. This book is not just about explaining when and what to eat but also how to get in touch with your body and mind. I liked the way she explained the nutritious value of Indian food that we already eat so there’s no need to replace it with other exotic foods. It’s good to follow the principle of- ‘Eat local, think global’.
I’ve been on my ‘fitness journey’ which is just another fancy term for eating right and working out regularly, as I got a little overweight due to an unhealthy lifestyle. I lost 9kg in less than a year but that achievement pales in comparison to how good and comfortable I feel in my body. What I followed was more or less of what this book suggests. It all comes down to being aware of your health and listening to your body. I did nothing drastic but made a few changes that I can follow my whole life. When you get a good understanding of it, you don’t need to hire a professional to help you with the ‘diet’.
Before starting my fitness journey, I did a lot of research on my own. The internet’s a lovely place! It’s kind of embarrassing to admit now that all of what I learned during my ‘journey’ is just common sense and nothing else. Yet, I wasn’t aware of it before, even though I knew about it in a way. It’s the same with most people. But, it’s never too late to mend your ways. This book was written in 2009 and I’d like to think we’re hopefully in a better place now. Apart from that, it was very useful and I’m definitely going to try to implement better ways to cheat and the practice of mindful eating.
I definitely recommend reading it.
Read on blog
August 28, 2023
Taking Hindi as 3rd language in school and preparing for the Hindi prachar sabha exams have finally paid off! I thought its only use was to help me decipher the daily 'national' newspapers, but it helped me understand the umpteen Hindi words peppered across this book.
Most of the book is common sense, what I learnt in school and/or what my mom tells me - eat right at the right time, eat 'real' food, have the local cuisine, never skip breakfast, don't be nocturnal, tune in and listen to your body, etc. Still, its good to be reassured when the whole world tells you otherwise. I particularly liked the section about diet myths.
I did learn a few new things from this book. Will I follow the 4 principles or consult a dietician? Maybe not. However, I will make some lifestyle changes - wake up early in the morning, reduce caffeine and eat traditional Tamil cuisine as much as possible (that's my local food).
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is that I can now have my cheese guilt-free. Not that I was ever worried about it, but caring health-freak friends insisting that I avoid cheese every time I pick it does make me weary. Earlier, I used to say, "I don't care how many calories it has. I like it, I eat it. It is also good for health." Now I can lecture them on how no food is fattening by itself, you just have to know when to have it.
I'd recommend this book for people interested in nutrition. I have no idea about the weight loss promise. If you don't understand Hindi, the book could get a little annoying.
Most of the book is common sense, what I learnt in school and/or what my mom tells me - eat right at the right time, eat 'real' food, have the local cuisine, never skip breakfast, don't be nocturnal, tune in and listen to your body, etc. Still, its good to be reassured when the whole world tells you otherwise. I particularly liked the section about diet myths.
I did learn a few new things from this book. Will I follow the 4 principles or consult a dietician? Maybe not. However, I will make some lifestyle changes - wake up early in the morning, reduce caffeine and eat traditional Tamil cuisine as much as possible (that's my local food).
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is that I can now have my cheese guilt-free. Not that I was ever worried about it, but caring health-freak friends insisting that I avoid cheese every time I pick it does make me weary. Earlier, I used to say, "I don't care how many calories it has. I like it, I eat it. It is also good for health." Now I can lecture them on how no food is fattening by itself, you just have to know when to have it.
I'd recommend this book for people interested in nutrition. I have no idea about the weight loss promise. If you don't understand Hindi, the book could get a little annoying.
May 24, 2017
So I had a tough time reviewing this book. I read Indian Superfoods by the same author and was super impressed. Impressed enough to immediately order her first and arguably most famous book. However I was soon to be extremely disappointed. The actual facts in this book could probably be condensed into one page. The rest of the book is filled with anecdotes and stories from her various celebrity clients. Yes Rujuta, we get it, you're the nutritionist for Kareena, Anil Ambani, etc etc, thanks for mentioning it a zillion times.
All of this would have probably made for a 3 star rating, however, there are several instances in which she contradicts what she says in Indian Superfoods which for me was super annoying. Even more so because in Indian Superfoods, she mentions how different diets contradict each other, but I never expected contradictions from one dietitian ! For example:
1. In Indian superfoods she is totally against brown rice taking about how its excess fibre prohibits nutrient absorbtion, however in this book she only recommends brown rice
2. In Indian Superfoods, she mentions that mango is an exception to fruits that can be eaten with a meal. However in this book, she specifically uses the example of mango to talk about why not to eat fruits with a meal.
It is such contradictions that have made people confused about nutrition in general and lead them to follow the sort of fads she mentions in the book. What is sad is that she is one of the propagators of the same confusion she pretends to be so against.
All of this would have probably made for a 3 star rating, however, there are several instances in which she contradicts what she says in Indian Superfoods which for me was super annoying. Even more so because in Indian Superfoods, she mentions how different diets contradict each other, but I never expected contradictions from one dietitian ! For example:
1. In Indian superfoods she is totally against brown rice taking about how its excess fibre prohibits nutrient absorbtion, however in this book she only recommends brown rice
2. In Indian Superfoods, she mentions that mango is an exception to fruits that can be eaten with a meal. However in this book, she specifically uses the example of mango to talk about why not to eat fruits with a meal.
It is such contradictions that have made people confused about nutrition in general and lead them to follow the sort of fads she mentions in the book. What is sad is that she is one of the propagators of the same confusion she pretends to be so against.
November 28, 2013
Ever since Kareena-Shahid starrer ‘Jab We Met’ released and Kareena’s Size Zero became the talk of the town, Rujuta Diwekar and her too good to be true diet technique became popular overnight. Rujuta’s diet and the best example which is Kareena’s Size Zero was there for everybody to see and believe. And believe they did.
Rujuta quickly caught on the pulse and published a book which explains her diet techniques. Her thoughts on how our lifestyle and food habits have evolved from the days of our uncivilized days to the modern human beings that we are today. The first few chapters on why and how we eat was an eye-opener. There are so many things which we do wrongly, knowingly or unknowingly, but it hits you like lightning when it is laid out in black and white.
Rujuta goes on to tell us what her ‘perfect diet is’
1. Eat your first meal within 30 minutes of waking up. It should be ideally 10 minutes, but 30 minutes it acceptable too.
2. Place your meails 2 hours apart.
3. Do not eat to the extent that your stomach feels full. Rather, reduce your serving to half or 3/4th to what you are used to.
4. Eat slowly without any distractions. Chew slowly, savoring the taste and texture. Sit cross-legged while eating, if you can.
5. Exercise atleast 3 days a week.
6. Eat local, think global. I loved her theory here.
7. If you want to eat sweets, eat it as a meal in itself, preferably in the morning.
8. If you want to eat deep fried food, prepare it at home, instead of buying. Eat it as a meal in itself.
9. Avoid artificial sweeteners. Eat fruits rather than drinking juice. Don’t cut vegetables in advance. Eat vegetables and fruits as whole, when possible.
I have been trying to follow this diet since two weeks. I already see a visible difference, in terms of inches and kilos. There is no surprise there. Rujuta’s diet is exactly what our ancestors have been telling us. Early to bed and early to rise. Stop eating after the sun sets. Don’t read or watch TV while eating and so on. It is a shame it takes a Kareena Kapoor in her Size Zero avatar to make us realize how valuable our ancestor’s wisdom is.
Rujuta harps on about her connection with the elite world, be it Kareena or Ambani. She has dedicated a full chapter/appendix on how she transformed Kareena. I understand she is gloating over her clientele, but this was something the reader doesn’t care about. I mean, they are reading the book because they already know how Rujuta changed Kareena, isn’t it? Bebo’s name must have been mentioned a few dozen times atleast, which gets a bit too much. I wish Rujuta depends on her knowledge and capability more than her client’s popularity.
Out of curiosity, I visited Rujuta’s website to get more information on her services. The rates, oh my god, the rates are exorbitant. Forget affording Rujuta herself, I can’t afford her so called team. It is very clear she is least interested in working with the middle class people. I am sure she is looking forward to adding a few more big names to her clientele list. Nothing wrong with it, by the way.
I know Rujuta has another book out for us women and I am looking forward to read it to see what is new in that book which Rujuta has not already covered in this one.
Rujuta quickly caught on the pulse and published a book which explains her diet techniques. Her thoughts on how our lifestyle and food habits have evolved from the days of our uncivilized days to the modern human beings that we are today. The first few chapters on why and how we eat was an eye-opener. There are so many things which we do wrongly, knowingly or unknowingly, but it hits you like lightning when it is laid out in black and white.
Rujuta goes on to tell us what her ‘perfect diet is’
1. Eat your first meal within 30 minutes of waking up. It should be ideally 10 minutes, but 30 minutes it acceptable too.
2. Place your meails 2 hours apart.
3. Do not eat to the extent that your stomach feels full. Rather, reduce your serving to half or 3/4th to what you are used to.
4. Eat slowly without any distractions. Chew slowly, savoring the taste and texture. Sit cross-legged while eating, if you can.
5. Exercise atleast 3 days a week.
6. Eat local, think global. I loved her theory here.
7. If you want to eat sweets, eat it as a meal in itself, preferably in the morning.
8. If you want to eat deep fried food, prepare it at home, instead of buying. Eat it as a meal in itself.
9. Avoid artificial sweeteners. Eat fruits rather than drinking juice. Don’t cut vegetables in advance. Eat vegetables and fruits as whole, when possible.
I have been trying to follow this diet since two weeks. I already see a visible difference, in terms of inches and kilos. There is no surprise there. Rujuta’s diet is exactly what our ancestors have been telling us. Early to bed and early to rise. Stop eating after the sun sets. Don’t read or watch TV while eating and so on. It is a shame it takes a Kareena Kapoor in her Size Zero avatar to make us realize how valuable our ancestor’s wisdom is.
Rujuta harps on about her connection with the elite world, be it Kareena or Ambani. She has dedicated a full chapter/appendix on how she transformed Kareena. I understand she is gloating over her clientele, but this was something the reader doesn’t care about. I mean, they are reading the book because they already know how Rujuta changed Kareena, isn’t it? Bebo’s name must have been mentioned a few dozen times atleast, which gets a bit too much. I wish Rujuta depends on her knowledge and capability more than her client’s popularity.
Out of curiosity, I visited Rujuta’s website to get more information on her services. The rates, oh my god, the rates are exorbitant. Forget affording Rujuta herself, I can’t afford her so called team. It is very clear she is least interested in working with the middle class people. I am sure she is looking forward to adding a few more big names to her clientele list. Nothing wrong with it, by the way.
I know Rujuta has another book out for us women and I am looking forward to read it to see what is new in that book which Rujuta has not already covered in this one.
February 8, 2019
Let me first tell you few mantras discussed by the author in the book
1 No food with nutrients is bad or fattening and this includes ghee, butter, oil, cheese, fruits rich in calories etc. You just need to eat it at the right time and the right amount.
2 Good news for people with sweet tooth. They can eat their sweets or desserts but as a meal and not with the meal or first thing in the morning. Only once in a week. Same thing goes for deep-fried food.
3 Don't drink your fruits, eat them.
4 Eat your food in calm state of mind. Relish your food with all your five senses in a cross legged position. The food will digest well.
5 Diet doesn't mean to starve and deprive yourself. Don't blindly follow the extreme diet plans which will only bring long term harm to your body. Your body needs fat, carbs and protein to function properly.
6 Eat your first meal within 30 mins of waking up and finish your dinner within 2 hrs of sunset.
7 Don’t take your coffee or tea on empty stomach or first thing in the morning.
8 Let your body know that you will be indulging in the party or in a restaurant. Your body will be prepared for the onslaught.
9 Take up a hobby, pursue your passion, lead a fulfilling life and eat a wholesome diet.
10 Most important, eat small meals every two hour to burn the fat weight of your body and not the lean weight of the body which is the weight of bones and muscles.
Last but not the least, do take a protein rich food after exercise or workout. Protein helps in repairing wear and tear of muscle tissues. Absence of which you will not feel like exercising next day.
I will highly recommend you to read this book once before plunging yourself in any weight loss program.
1 No food with nutrients is bad or fattening and this includes ghee, butter, oil, cheese, fruits rich in calories etc. You just need to eat it at the right time and the right amount.
2 Good news for people with sweet tooth. They can eat their sweets or desserts but as a meal and not with the meal or first thing in the morning. Only once in a week. Same thing goes for deep-fried food.
3 Don't drink your fruits, eat them.
4 Eat your food in calm state of mind. Relish your food with all your five senses in a cross legged position. The food will digest well.
5 Diet doesn't mean to starve and deprive yourself. Don't blindly follow the extreme diet plans which will only bring long term harm to your body. Your body needs fat, carbs and protein to function properly.
6 Eat your first meal within 30 mins of waking up and finish your dinner within 2 hrs of sunset.
7 Don’t take your coffee or tea on empty stomach or first thing in the morning.
8 Let your body know that you will be indulging in the party or in a restaurant. Your body will be prepared for the onslaught.
9 Take up a hobby, pursue your passion, lead a fulfilling life and eat a wholesome diet.
10 Most important, eat small meals every two hour to burn the fat weight of your body and not the lean weight of the body which is the weight of bones and muscles.
Last but not the least, do take a protein rich food after exercise or workout. Protein helps in repairing wear and tear of muscle tissues. Absence of which you will not feel like exercising next day.
I will highly recommend you to read this book once before plunging yourself in any weight loss program.
March 28, 2018
The Author has clearly explained how we eat our foods in an odd way and get fat. I think this is a game changer and every person should read it to lead a better and healthy life.
August 24, 2020
Disclaimer: Star rating subject to change after implementation.
I have been trying to approach reading with an open mind, where I assimilate all the knowledge inside it, but choose carefully what is applicable for me, research ferociously, and make an informed incorporation into my own life.
Earlier, I used to either accept or reject books fully, in an all-or-nothing approach. I had a very low tolerance for author's who irritated me with some ill-crafted logic for some sentences, and dismissed the entire book.
Now, I'm trying to pick the best parts of any book to see if it can still add value to my life.
With this book, I've decided to try out a few things, since I still have quite a bit of weight to lose. I'm keeping an open mind, I told you!
So, for the next 60 I will be measuring my progress by including the following tips on top of my strength training, hydration, 10k steps routine I already have:
1. Eat proportional to activity level through the day. Since I workout in the morning, I will have a king's breakfast haha, and a peasants dinner, 2 hours before sleeping.
2. Eat every 2 hours (small, healthy snacks) to keep your metabolism engaged. Like, a fruit would be an entire "meal" and she suggests having around 6 "meals" a day. Okay, done, I almost do this anyway, I actually call it snacking. But sure. I'll try it.
3. Eat mithai (once a month) not as an accompaniment or after dinner/lunch, since it is high GI, and might get converted to fat if eaten after the body has already gotten it's required calories for energy. Eat it as a meal by itself. Again, definition of meal is actually interchangeable with "snack". Because, if you eat it as a meal, and maybe earlier on in the day, the body will utilise it as energy and not store it as fat. Sounds fair. I'll keep it in mind.
4. Protein or other high GI foods if at all you wish to, after workout.
5. Embrace ghee, it is a healthy fat. 1-2tsp a day.
And of course, there's a lot on micronutrient balance as well, but that's a little out of scope for me, at this particular time. I will pick it up once I lose the excess fat. One thing at a time, one day at a time :)
I have been trying to approach reading with an open mind, where I assimilate all the knowledge inside it, but choose carefully what is applicable for me, research ferociously, and make an informed incorporation into my own life.
Earlier, I used to either accept or reject books fully, in an all-or-nothing approach. I had a very low tolerance for author's who irritated me with some ill-crafted logic for some sentences, and dismissed the entire book.
Now, I'm trying to pick the best parts of any book to see if it can still add value to my life.
With this book, I've decided to try out a few things, since I still have quite a bit of weight to lose. I'm keeping an open mind, I told you!
So, for the next 60 I will be measuring my progress by including the following tips on top of my strength training, hydration, 10k steps routine I already have:
1. Eat proportional to activity level through the day. Since I workout in the morning, I will have a king's breakfast haha, and a peasants dinner, 2 hours before sleeping.
2. Eat every 2 hours (small, healthy snacks) to keep your metabolism engaged. Like, a fruit would be an entire "meal" and she suggests having around 6 "meals" a day. Okay, done, I almost do this anyway, I actually call it snacking. But sure. I'll try it.
3. Eat mithai (once a month) not as an accompaniment or after dinner/lunch, since it is high GI, and might get converted to fat if eaten after the body has already gotten it's required calories for energy. Eat it as a meal by itself. Again, definition of meal is actually interchangeable with "snack". Because, if you eat it as a meal, and maybe earlier on in the day, the body will utilise it as energy and not store it as fat. Sounds fair. I'll keep it in mind.
4. Protein or other high GI foods if at all you wish to, after workout.
5. Embrace ghee, it is a healthy fat. 1-2tsp a day.
And of course, there's a lot on micronutrient balance as well, but that's a little out of scope for me, at this particular time. I will pick it up once I lose the excess fat. One thing at a time, one day at a time :)
March 21, 2019
There are diet books that make you feel good when you read them, and there are those which are effective at helping you lose weight and keep those kilos off. Diwekar like all successful self help gurus begins by attacking every established “truth” which people like to believe in. Such as “carbs” are bad, “Fats are bad” etc. However while her book has several truths in it, it is unfortunately a book which is unlikely to help you lose weight though it would leave you feeling happy and enlightened.
I have three major gripes with the book.
Firstly, to follow Diwekar’s advice one would need an army of servants to just cook and pack food. Nor is finding time to eat 6 meals feasible for most people. Yes there are examples like the one of the corporate jet setter who followed her advice successfully . But heck if we had that kind of self-discipline we would not be in the shape we are in, right?
Secondly Diwekar suggests “cheats” for almost every food. As anyone who has been on a diet knows “cheats” are a slippery slope. If you had the discipline to “cheat” at specific times and occasions as she recommends you would not be here in the first place.
Thirdly, apart from the 4 principles there are so many rules and exceptions that it would be impossible to retain them for most people. Most people have the capacity to follow 4 or 5 major principles. Go beyond that and you only have confused people doing what they want and thinking they are following something scientific.
Wait! There is a minor third gripe- The unnecessary name dropping of film stars and the horrible Hinglish which fills the book. This while is not a major concern is highly irritating
All in all Diwekar’s book does have a lot of truth in it and will leave you feeling wonderful and optimistic. But I doubt if it would actually be possible to lose weight following the advice in this book except for the iron willed- the numbers of whom among chubby folks should be minuscule.
Want to lose weight? And Stay there? Go Keto! Live Keto! It is a far more effective lifestyle change which is also doable.
I have three major gripes with the book.
Firstly, to follow Diwekar’s advice one would need an army of servants to just cook and pack food. Nor is finding time to eat 6 meals feasible for most people. Yes there are examples like the one of the corporate jet setter who followed her advice successfully . But heck if we had that kind of self-discipline we would not be in the shape we are in, right?
Secondly Diwekar suggests “cheats” for almost every food. As anyone who has been on a diet knows “cheats” are a slippery slope. If you had the discipline to “cheat” at specific times and occasions as she recommends you would not be here in the first place.
Thirdly, apart from the 4 principles there are so many rules and exceptions that it would be impossible to retain them for most people. Most people have the capacity to follow 4 or 5 major principles. Go beyond that and you only have confused people doing what they want and thinking they are following something scientific.
Wait! There is a minor third gripe- The unnecessary name dropping of film stars and the horrible Hinglish which fills the book. This while is not a major concern is highly irritating
All in all Diwekar’s book does have a lot of truth in it and will leave you feeling wonderful and optimistic. But I doubt if it would actually be possible to lose weight following the advice in this book except for the iron willed- the numbers of whom among chubby folks should be minuscule.
Want to lose weight? And Stay there? Go Keto! Live Keto! It is a far more effective lifestyle change which is also doable.
January 6, 2020
Eat right the Indian way!
May 12, 2020
I really like this book. This title depicts both humour and reality. People do loose their mind while dieting instead of loosing their weight. I like how Rujuta Diwekar focuses on making us healthy and fit, and not just loose our weight. It is a must read as, everybody needs to know the importance of eating right and staying healthy.
April 7, 2022
A good guide to healthy eating and better nutrition!
July 11, 2017
I chanced upon Rujuta Diwekar's sit-downs with Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor (links below), and picked up this book to round off their discussion on eating healthy by eating common-sense foods. To summarize, she asks us to eat wholesome, unprocessed local foods (with a good nod to traditional food), to listen to our bodies on how much to eat (depending on our activity level, local climate and physical constitution), to think nutrients and not calories, to eat every two hours (and sleep two hours after the last meal), to exercise regularly, and other extensional advice.
A lot of her actionable advice is sensible, and I am inspired to make many of the changes she recommended.
Having said that, I found the book difficult to read because it was peppered with analogies and real life examples that were written in poor taste. It took a considerable amount of effort and internal moral tussle to tune them out and focus on her dietary advice.
Also, some of her explanations for why some foods are good for us are questionable. I have trouble stomaching statements that mix scientific information with ayurvedic wisdom.
Overall, it has inspired me to make changes, but I am inclined to take her advice with a grain of salt.
Here's her talk with Alia Bhatt: https://youtu.be/Q9oLuzW15jU
Here's her talk with Kareena Kapoor: https://youtu.be/vCNYEecvr_E
A lot of her actionable advice is sensible, and I am inspired to make many of the changes she recommended.
Having said that, I found the book difficult to read because it was peppered with analogies and real life examples that were written in poor taste. It took a considerable amount of effort and internal moral tussle to tune them out and focus on her dietary advice.
Also, some of her explanations for why some foods are good for us are questionable. I have trouble stomaching statements that mix scientific information with ayurvedic wisdom.
Overall, it has inspired me to make changes, but I am inclined to take her advice with a grain of salt.
Here's her talk with Alia Bhatt: https://youtu.be/Q9oLuzW15jU
Here's her talk with Kareena Kapoor: https://youtu.be/vCNYEecvr_E
October 3, 2021
I read this right after The 12-week Fitness Project, and I recommend these two to be read together. While 12-week Fitness Project gives you 12 habits to inculcate, this book gives you details about various food groups, nutrients etc, and four guidelines to follow. It also gives you a cheat sheet because Rujuta understands that the most important thing about food is that you must enjoy eating it. So she will not ask you to not eat mithai, but to eat it the first thing in the morning or right after working out.
The book is about what food you can have when, and how you should eat your food. This is a good base to get your basics right, and you can develop your own diet plan based on this. As someone told me recently: you cannot outrun a bad diet. While following all of what Rujuta says will take time and a lot of discipline, I find it doable. I find that I can commit to this because I do not have to give up anything I love, just change the way I have it. For me, the most important thing is that a diet should be sustainable. You should be able to commit to it for the rest of your life, and I think Rujuta makes it easy for me to do just that.
The book is about what food you can have when, and how you should eat your food. This is a good base to get your basics right, and you can develop your own diet plan based on this. As someone told me recently: you cannot outrun a bad diet. While following all of what Rujuta says will take time and a lot of discipline, I find it doable. I find that I can commit to this because I do not have to give up anything I love, just change the way I have it. For me, the most important thing is that a diet should be sustainable. You should be able to commit to it for the rest of your life, and I think Rujuta makes it easy for me to do just that.
June 13, 2021
Rujuta is one nutritionist who makes some sense. She explains the theory behind each advise she gives, which are all so meaningful.
Who doesn't love a dietician who
-tells you to eat every 2 hours to lose weight
- tells you not to avoid fried food, pickles, special sweets and snacks during festivals
- doesn't give a long list of food items which are not found locally and are very expensive
- doesn't suggest drastic changes in lifestyle.
-thrashes all the quick-fix diets that are not sustainable.
I don't say that this book changed my life. It didn't. But this book gave me an understanding of mindful diet.
I am always a cynic. And I don't believe that Kareena Kapoor changed her figure from super curvy in the movie Don to size zero in Tashan, just by following the principles given in this book.
There are lot of Hindi phrases used in the book. It might be difficult for non-Hindi speakers to understand.
This book is recommended for all who want to adopt a a healthy lifestyle, and in the process may manage to lose some weight.
Who doesn't love a dietician who
-tells you to eat every 2 hours to lose weight
- tells you not to avoid fried food, pickles, special sweets and snacks during festivals
- doesn't give a long list of food items which are not found locally and are very expensive
- doesn't suggest drastic changes in lifestyle.
-thrashes all the quick-fix diets that are not sustainable.
I don't say that this book changed my life. It didn't. But this book gave me an understanding of mindful diet.
I am always a cynic. And I don't believe that Kareena Kapoor changed her figure from super curvy in the movie Don to size zero in Tashan, just by following the principles given in this book.
There are lot of Hindi phrases used in the book. It might be difficult for non-Hindi speakers to understand.
This book is recommended for all who want to adopt a a healthy lifestyle, and in the process may manage to lose some weight.
September 11, 2018
Reduced the rating to 2 stars from 4 stars -
After reading a book written by a doctor, I feel everything written in this book is wrong and those who follow this author will be at a loss. Nothing is scientific here.
——
Most of the info In this book is common sense which I knew, but couldn’t follow because of hectic schedule. The only turn off was the mumbaiya Hindi inserted throughout the book, along with references to Bollywood and stars. Also the author goes overboard with her praising for Indian food, while looking down upon foreign cuisines - everything eaten in other countries isn’t unhealthy either. Other than that, liked the tips that she gave and hope to follow some of them to see if I can see the results for myself. Will update this review later on with my findings. 4 stars for now.
After reading a book written by a doctor, I feel everything written in this book is wrong and those who follow this author will be at a loss. Nothing is scientific here.
——
Most of the info In this book is common sense which I knew, but couldn’t follow because of hectic schedule. The only turn off was the mumbaiya Hindi inserted throughout the book, along with references to Bollywood and stars. Also the author goes overboard with her praising for Indian food, while looking down upon foreign cuisines - everything eaten in other countries isn’t unhealthy either. Other than that, liked the tips that she gave and hope to follow some of them to see if I can see the results for myself. Will update this review later on with my findings. 4 stars for now.
January 2, 2022
First and foremost thing, this book is written in the language popularly known as "Hinglish", which I did not know, otherwise wouldn't have picked it up in the first place.
Second thing, this book is so full of stereotypical examples with too little information to give away.
Third, The writer has tried to make it interesting by literally manu scripting the conversations she has with her clients, and thought that might hold the audience, but there was no information to grab at the end.
Just one line kept repeating itself, you can still loose weight, while eating all that you desire, but don't overdo junk food. Really? Aren't we all smart enough to know that already, what was the need to buying this book to know this piece of information.
One word, Avoid. This book is not meant for readers who likes to read quality writing. Period.
Second thing, this book is so full of stereotypical examples with too little information to give away.
Third, The writer has tried to make it interesting by literally manu scripting the conversations she has with her clients, and thought that might hold the audience, but there was no information to grab at the end.
Just one line kept repeating itself, you can still loose weight, while eating all that you desire, but don't overdo junk food. Really? Aren't we all smart enough to know that already, what was the need to buying this book to know this piece of information.
One word, Avoid. This book is not meant for readers who likes to read quality writing. Period.
May 26, 2018
We know more about our cars(mobiles in my case) than our body- this is the line which caught my attention in this book.It is the ugly truth of our generation. This book will show you many dark sides of fad dieting which are trending on youtube and also make you aware that to be slim you dont actually have to "diet". Just eat correct at correct time. I would recommend this book to everyone who have ever been on a diet or want to diet as it bring clarity to your notion of diet. Just two words for this book- Lucid and Enlightening.
May 22, 2021
3.5/5*
I read this book again after couple of years since every-time I have neared losing plot of discipline around my food habits, this book has helped recalibrating the same. It is not the best book in terms of language but it does convey fine what it headed out to convey. Rujuta Diwekar is a keen observer of people and that comes across pretty fine. Also, her way of communication is fun, thus making it very readable. It just gets a bit repetitive and thus not going higher on my ratings but thats alright I guess.
I read this book again after couple of years since every-time I have neared losing plot of discipline around my food habits, this book has helped recalibrating the same. It is not the best book in terms of language but it does convey fine what it headed out to convey. Rujuta Diwekar is a keen observer of people and that comes across pretty fine. Also, her way of communication is fun, thus making it very readable. It just gets a bit repetitive and thus not going higher on my ratings but thats alright I guess.
February 24, 2011
reached page no 52. The book is good but too difficult to practice certain steps, i cannot think of starting my day without a cup of tea..i have given up on machine made tea and coffee at work...so doing good...
i have given up reading the book half way....did not find it interesting and some topics are meant only for ladies who live in posh society with 24/7 maids to attend to them.....
i have given up reading the book half way....did not find it interesting and some topics are meant only for ladies who live in posh society with 24/7 maids to attend to them.....
August 7, 2018
Amazing book where Rujuta simplifies the entire diet cycle and how the best method is to listen to one's body. There are so many wrong things which we do to our body unknowingly like drinking coffee first up in the morning, all fruits/veggies diet and many more which are simply wrong. The book will help you identify all these mistakes and also give you the better way to build a healthier diet.
March 24, 2019
Don't lose your mind LOSE YOUR WEIGHT is a perfect book for us.Because Indians easily adopt another lifestyle without knowing harms.Our legacy and ayurveda explains everything but still we listen others.Thanks to Rujuta Diwekar who explains everything in a detailed manner and gives us insights that to start anything new, firstly know about it..She explains our food in a detailed manner so that another know it a good way and acknowledge our food.
I know this book by youtuber 'Puneet Biseria'.Thanks to him who suggest this beautiful book and urge everyone to read it.Everyone should read this book to know how to eat properly and know our body.
Recommended to all.
I know this book by youtuber 'Puneet Biseria'.Thanks to him who suggest this beautiful book and urge everyone to read it.Everyone should read this book to know how to eat properly and know our body.
Recommended to all.
May 12, 2022
Actually, my rating is 3.5 but that option isn’t available.
I would say that it is a good book for beginners who want to understand about the basic guidelines which need to be followed before starting any weight loss or diet related journey.
Overall, it is good read for intermediate (fitness) level as well.
I would say that it is a good book for beginners who want to understand about the basic guidelines which need to be followed before starting any weight loss or diet related journey.
Overall, it is good read for intermediate (fitness) level as well.
June 6, 2024
Simple and easy to understand!
Rujuta has uncomplicated nutrition, diet and health. With so much clutter of advice on how to stay healthy coming from influencers online, it’s better to read a book like this one written by a successful nutritionist which explains the whole picture in detail and suggestions which you can incorporate in your lifestyle.
Found the writing to be too cheeky in between though with excessive references to Bollywood celebs which could have been limited.
Rujuta has uncomplicated nutrition, diet and health. With so much clutter of advice on how to stay healthy coming from influencers online, it’s better to read a book like this one written by a successful nutritionist which explains the whole picture in detail and suggestions which you can incorporate in your lifestyle.
Found the writing to be too cheeky in between though with excessive references to Bollywood celebs which could have been limited.
September 12, 2017
Interesting take on weight loss and diet drama around it. Although the idea of eating every two hours and managing 8 meals in a day is exhausting, one would definitely have a changed perspective about food and the beliefs that surround their consumption.
February 8, 2018
Rujuta has done a great job in eradicating misconception attached to the concept of dieting. In simple words and with real life examples she has changed my attitude towards dieting and weight loss. However, I didn't appreciate that she ended the book by calling herself ghaat** a sslang word used for local maharashtrian by non-maharashtrians. Otherwise it's an eye opener.
May 27, 2020
Rujuta emphasises upon local and traditional food habits as means of developing a healthy lifestyle. Eating right food at right time coupled with regular exercise regimen ensures the well being. All this has been explained in simple language. It is not didactic and the advice rendered can be easily followed. A calm state of mind is the golden key to good health. It is time to think globally and eat locally!!
August 1, 2017
Good insights
Liked the simple way of conveying the different aspects of nutrition and dieting for well being. Good read for everyone
Liked the simple way of conveying the different aspects of nutrition and dieting for well being. Good read for everyone
January 27, 2018
Not the best of writing, but insightful in what it tells you about food. Mandatory reading for all those trying to eat better and healthier and non-believer of diet fads.
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