Buddha's Diet: The Ancient Art of Losing Weight Without Losing Your Mind

by Tara Cottrell, Dan Zigmond

There’s a lot you probably don’t know about the Buddha. For one, the real Buddha was thin. And before he became the “Enlightened One,” he was a pampered prince named Siddhartha. He tried starving himself in his quest for inner peace, but found that extremes brought him no closer to enlightenment. Instead, he sought a “middle way” between unhealthy overindulgence and unrealistic abstinence. The instructions he gave his monks about eating, more than 2,500 years ago, were surprisingly simple.

Fast forward to today. Cutting edge scientific research tells us something Buddha knew all along. It’s not what you eat, but when you eat that’s most important. You don’t need to follow the latest fads or give up your favorite foods. You just need to remember a few guidelines that Buddha provided—guidelines that, believe it or not, will help you lose weight, feel better, and stop obsessing about food. Sure, Buddha lived before the age of cronuts, but his wisdom and teachings endure, providing us with a sane, mindful approach to eating. With chapters that ponder questions like “What would Buddha drink?” and “Did Buddha do Crossfit?” Buddha’s Diet offers both an attainable and sustainable strategy for achieving weight-loss nirvana.

Genres: Health, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Self Help, Diets, Audiobook, Food

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

Hi! I'm the author of Buddha's Diet: The Ancient Art of Losing Weight Without Losing Your Mind, with my co-author Dan Zigmond. Buddha's Diet reveals a new way of eating, one that focuses on the when of eating, not the what. With easy to follow steps and guidelines (along with the science behind those guidelines) Buddha's Diet brings frustrated dieters a new pattern of eating they can follow for life.

I live and work in Silicon Valley with my husband and three kids. I work for Stanford's Graduate School of Business where I manage creative design and content.

Reviews

[Phuc Vo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuốn sách này trình bày một chế độ ăn hạn chế thời gian (trong 9 tiếng) với nhiều dẫn chứng và lập luận khá logic. Tác giả đã liên hệ chế độ ăn này với chế độ ăn của Đức Phật, một chế độ ăn ít kiên cử gì nhiều (do Phật và các đệ tử đều đi khất thực nhưng tốt nhất vẫn nên hạn chế thịt và tuân theo tam tịnh nhục) cùng với chánh niệm khi ăn. Bạn chắc chắn phải tuân thủ theo các nguyên tắc nhất định nhưng đôi khi có thể gian lận (có cả chương gian lận như thế nào ~~). Một cuốn sách hay bất ngờ, dễ hiểu, và có cả từng bước để thực hành. Bắt đầu từ ngày mai mình sẽ thực tập theo để xem tiến triển của chế độ này như thế nào (đặc biệt là khi mình thường tập thể thao mỗi sáng và tối nên việc nhịn ăn trong khoảng thời gian còn lại của ngày nghe có vẻ khó khăn). But anyway, give it a try.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the Buddha had written a diet book, it likely would have resembled this gentle, forgiving, moderate plan. No need to count or eliminate anything, just try to eat what you know is good for you and try to finish all food consumption within 9 hours of each day's first bite. The authors encourage rather than chastise, and they recommend ignoring their advice once a week for a no-holds-barred cheat day. And it works! In less than 3 months, I've lost 6 pounds with -- oh, I'll be honest -- more than the recommended number of cheat days. I'm happy with that.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version on a recent road trip, and I liked the narrator, Pam Ward. Her voice is perfect for this book, instructional and soothing with a touch of humor when appropriate without the preachy tone that annoys me in some health books.

This was also a short book- four and a half hours which I find is perfect for a road trip because well, sometimes we want to listen to music too not just read a book.

Much of the concepts discussed in Buddha's Diet just make sense. For example- No eating later at night (most of us have heard how hard that is on our digestive system). The explanations are straightforward without being snarky or condemning and there is plenty of room to talk about having the right attitudes. I learned so much about Buddha and how monks live (and why). Definitely a worthy ready to round out basics on nutrition and taking care of our bodies!!!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book came to me at the perfect time. After having incorporated regular workouts into my life this past year, it's time to work more on food. This book focuses on the WHEN of eating, but discusses the what, why, where and how as well. I feel like a lot of what they discussed had already been on my mind, but now I have a more concrete idea of how I want to approach eating this year. The overall concept of mindfulness is also something I want to delve into more. I thoroughly enjoyed and feel that this read will help me as we move into 2017.

[Natalia Vus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Я не багато очікувала від цієї книги - просто взяла, щоби мати що читати в трамваї. І ця книга мене повністю затягнула. Мені сподобалося, що в ній найголовніша тема - це філософія харчування (хоч таких слів там і не вживають). У ній основна тема - це ставлення до їжі в нашому житті. Основний принцип харчування на поверхні нагадує інтервальне голодування, але підґрунтя там інше. І це мені дуже зімпонувало. Бо тут не йдеться про дієту, яка зазвичай є короткотривалою, а про спосіб мислення і життя, про вдосконалення свого тіла і особистости.

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just intermittent fasting. I'm not necessarily against IF or the suggestion that you won't get a body you love by hating the one you have, but Zigmond didn't need to shoe-horn in Buddhism to promote that message. The only reason to tie a health plan into a major religion this way is the knowledge that there's nothing original about the content itself. Zigmond relies on the gimmick because I'm sure he realizes that he'd have nothing if he didn't have the gimmick. To his credit, he cites reliable sources such as Satchin Panda, but ... Satchin Panda just published a book about Circadian rhythms. I'd rather hear this content from someone who can present it without commodifying religious belief.

[Ola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, written in a light tone but quite serious book on food, our relationship with it, Buddha's relationship with it and the Middle Way in general.
Have marked and bookmarked my copy in a number of places and I do so only with books worth going back to.

[María · Rating 5 out of 5]

With high stress comes bad habits, I'm guilty. I never gained the freshmen 15 or even the pharmacy 15 (aka gaining 15 lbs.), but I did gain the OLE 15. It was a combination of extreme habits (working too hard, for too long, and not paying attention to my body i.e. eating habits) and not taking time-outs to rejuvenate. When it comes to making changes, I'm skeptical and I want the evidence (scientific evidence that is). This book #Buddha'sDiet gave me just that. If I'm going to make a change, I want to make sure that I'm doing it right, no adverse effects, and scientifically proven. The book was kind and patient. Since I started reading the book I've lost 5 lbs. at a very slow and steady pace through the application of basic principles no crazy diets that are short lasting). I'm content and en route to finding my middle way. Next is to try meditation ... honestly if feels a little silly, but if the scientific evidence shows that overall positive health benefits then here goes nothing. Does anyone have more tips on meditation? #Buddha'sDiet May you find your middle way, enlightenment, and awakening.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Middle Way

If you're tired of the typical diets that proscribe specific foods to eat or not eat, and diets that require intense physical activity (exercise), then this is the book for you. Well written, easy to understand, and no proselytizing in a religious sense. The middle way, the easy changes to make in your life to improve your health and well being. I found the eating pattern relatively easy, the mindfulness a little more challenging. This is a perfect book to read and implement with a friend or two. I highly recommend it.

[Pam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books about losing weight without losing your mind and that when we eat is as important as what we eat and its not at all hours of the day as we do in society today. How we have become complacent and out of sync with our bodies, what we eat should be nourishing, so stop filling your emotional void with food. Its about changing the time you eat, metabolism and your eating clock.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of using a religious figure for a diet book is cringeworthy. But no one forced me to get it out of the library. The eating ideas themselves are good. I'm trying it now. Ask me again in 6 months.

[Oleska Tys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Мистецтво їсти, щоб жити. Без різкості, контролю і заборон.

Будда ніколи не був тим милим товстунцем, якого ми знаємо з відомих фігурок. Ні милим він був, але не товстим. Багаторічні ходіння Індією та особливе ставлення до їжі, і не лише до неї, робили його підтягнутим і здоровим мужчиною.

Тара Котрелл та Ден Зігмонд перечитали десятки книг про буддизм, вивчили "напам'ять" життєпис Будди та його вчення і вийшла ось ця чудова книга:"Дієта Будди: давнє мистецтво скинути вагу, не втрачаючи здорового глузду".

Книга складається з чотирьох частин: теорія, практика, підводні камені та удосконалення.

Теорія - це про історію, біологію та як працює наш організм.

Практика - як теорію застосувати, як виходити з" спокусливих" ситуацій та як працювати над собою без надлюдських зусиль.

Підводні камені - це про перешкоди та спокуси на шляху до розуміння потреб та бажань свого тіла.

Удосконалення - немає межі ідеалу. Ще декілька порад для харчування.

Книга цікава, змістовна і не буде хейтити ваш спосіб життя. Класно пояснить як працює людське тіло та чому не варто мучити себе за маленькі уступки.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of wisdom in this little book. Basically, Buddha's approach to diet is based more on when you eat than what you eat. The recommendation is to limit your eating window to a nine hour block, which means one might need to shift the morning meal to a later time than what one traditionally thinks is correct. Most of all, the message is about moderation in everything and leading a mindful life. Meditation and mindfulness are addressed near the end of the book. Common sense, perhaps, but it has given me a lot to think about.

[Jennifer Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't actually tried the diet out yet. I was just looking for information about mindful eating, not really a diet plan. The diet sounds easy though, so I might give it a shot and update this review after I read it.

But, even without doing the diet plan, I can already say I like the little bits of info the book teaches you about Buddhism, I like how they back all of their information with studies that they source so that you can look up yourself, and I like that it's a quick and easy read!

[Tina Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rarely do I ever describe a book as painfully awful, but that's how I describe this one. Perhaps it was my expectations were out-of-line. I had expected a good overview of how Buddhist teaching relate to health and weight loss. The book does touch on this in the introduction but then goes straight to nonsense "tips". This title was really disappointing on the two areas where it missed the mark entirely: Buddhism and Food. Save your money and your time and don't bother with this book.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful chapters

Not much new information, but there were helpful reminders presented gently and clearly. I found the chapters Romancing the Buddha and Keeping Your Balance most relative. Defiling the Temple was encouraging as well. Perhaps a good tool to come back to when in need of a nudge back toward mindful eating practice.

[Elizabeth Frey-Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Structured fasting is currently “on trend” in the nutrition and diet world. There is much to be said for restricting our eating clock, in terms of health benefit, but for many of us, it feels like a chore, or a punishment.

Buddha’s Diet is a refreshing take on the trend. Less a road map regarding diet does and don’ts, and more a path of reflecting on WHY we want to provide ourselves this health opportunity, and HOW to view it as a gift to our bodies, rather than a deprivation.

Peppered with Buddhist teaching, and providing some humor as well as references to some important health studies, Buddha’s Diet is well worth the read.

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy look into the similarities of Buddha’s “no eating in the afternoon/evening” and today’s understanding of eating within a 9-12 hour time frame each day… This book encourages you to allow your body TIME during each 24 hours to digest and metabolize the foods you have eaten.

[liwia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5⭐️
Nie jest zła, ale też nie jest wybitna. Napisana trochę w sposób jakby wszystkie inne diety były gorsze i każdy powinien przejść właśnie na tą.

[Chaitat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written. It's Intermittent Fasting (IF) plus Buddha's way of life. Even though it's about diet, but it's leaded me to take up Buddha's teaching and meditation.

[Baroness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect motivator.

[Nadia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful book. Several guidelines you lay contradict themselves, let telling your readers Buddha didn't drink but you can! And still having the audacity to call this book "Buddha's Diet".

You tell your readers to way themselves often, as much as once every day! This screams "eating disorder", especially coming from someone who *had* an eating disorder - I restricted my diet, I weighed myself at least once a day, and, like in your book, I only ate within a certain timeframe.

THIS BOOK IS NOT GOOD WEIGHT LOSS ADVICE! You will only feel confused, guilty with yourself, and binge eating. Do not read this book if you are looking to live a healthier life by changing your diet. Also, this book is nothing like Buddha's diet.

Disclaimer: I have recovered from anorexia binge/purge subtype while maintaining a healthy weight (125 lbs, and I am 5'8") due to (probably) my vegetarian diet, and I eat anything I want whenever I want (except for dairy and sweets - these I eat in moderation because they make me physically ill). You don't need a book to tell you how to eat. What helps is paying attention to your body. What makes you feel sick? What makes you feel tired? And so on. Good luck.

[Rhayna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really not worth reading.
The whole idea behind the book is time restricted eating (TRE). There are many books available on TRE, the best of those (in my opinion) are written by Dr. Fung and also Dr. Valter Longo. Both of whom are leading experts in the world of TRE and intermittent fasting. Don’t waste your time on this book, just read the originals.

Unfortunately, the authors have tried to give a Buddhist slant on dieting, possibly as a gimmick to sell the book. The simplistic explanations of the Dharma and claims about the Buddhist lifestyle, show a careless interpretation of Dharma and culture. For example, they claim HH the Dalai Lama eats meat, so it’s normal for Buddhists to eat meat. This is misleading. HH eats meat under certain circumstances and also for medical reasons. They also claim that the Buddha would probably be ok with using animals for experiments.

If you are interested in Buddhism this is not the book for you. If you are interested in TRE or intermittent fasting, this book is not for you. In fact I can’t think of anyone that would benefit from reading this book.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative, enjoyable read, that could be transformative too. I picked up this book after following the Washington Post's 5 week diet experiments, during which one writer really liked this "diet." Diet is a to0 narrow term -- it's really a philosophical approach to food, combining mindfulness and intermittent fasting (which some scientists think is the fountain of youth for rats, as well as a traditional Buddhist practice and similar to other cultural eating patterns.) The only hard rule of the diet is that you gradually shrink your eating window from 12 hours to 9 hours and let your body "fast" for the remainder of the day. Practically, this means that you can't snack at night and probably need to skip breakfast if you plan on eating with others at dinner. More broadly, the authors encourage you to reexamine your relationship with food and hunger. I'll update in a month to see how the principles pay off.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Non-Self Self-Help Book

I rarely give anything five stars, and admittedly, this book is not trying to be another genre, yet it is. It is a well-written, dare I say enlightened book that is free of the awful cliches and boring anecdotal case studies that make so many of them written to a formula. It has humor and compassion. These authors are firm without being smug. It is a hard look at the non-self as a goal and it coincides with taking some practices from Buddhist monasticism. These new eating and living practices make sense. I'm already in s sangha and have a practice yet I found the practicality of this way of life refreshing. I'm not even trying to lose weight. But a Washington Post reporter was dieting and reporting on it recently, and he decided to stick with it because he found it so practical and wise. I did, too.

[Kathleen Sams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an easy read. I recently read some articles about fasting, including a feature about author Dan Zigmond, and thought the idea of fasting for 16 hours was appealing and do-able. The goal of the Buddha Diet is to limit eating to a 9-hour window, ideally ending one's meals for the day by 6 p.m. The authors state that fasting helps us become more mindful of the reasons we eat. Are we eating because we are bored? Do we eat at a certain time because we "are supposed to"? Fasting also helps us become more mindful of the things we are eating. The authors recommend exercise - not for weight loss, but to make us healthier. Our bodies are temples, they explain, and we should take care of them.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book fits quite well with the last one I read on the topic of diet and puts an emphasis on mindfulness. I really think this is key. Ok ow it is key as I ate too much pizza on my day off, kept eating after I was full, and felt horrible after. It was a stupid thing to do. This is a change I need to strive harder to achieve. I also like the idea of limiting eating time to 9 hours a day. I normally do 10 on work days and feel good when I stick to that frame. 9 would be a reasonable tweak. I just need to work on being consistent when I'm not at work and have less structure.

This review is in exchange for a free copy received from Goodreads giveaways.

[Anne Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple. practical, clear and inspiring

What I needed to hear in order to kick my "small bowl of baked cheetos while reading before bedtime" habit. I've been thinking about it for a year but I LOVE nibbling on cheetos whole I read at the end of the day. A powerful habit that this book opened a path to letting go of - amazing!

I think THIS mqy be the key to losing that three to five pounds that keeps coming back and making my sexiest outfits languish in drawers and on hangers. In any case I already feel more sexy....

[Pamela Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. The answer you seek is did it work? Yes and no. Turns out I am able to limit my eating window most days, but calories still count and I am a sugar addict. It's worse than heroin I am told. Did I loose weight? Yes, about 5lbs. Could I push my limits further and loose more? If it weren't so impractical for a single mother of 3 boys who works 2 jobs to ensure that every bill is paid on time, yes. I could succeed with this regimen if I worked only one full-time job or did not have kids. I may also lose my mind because that is more free time than I would know what to do with.

[Leiki Fae · Rating 3 out of 5]

In terms of the actual diet, this is just a generous intermittent fasting plan (9-hour eating window) without any other restrictions. There's some additional instructions about mindfulness, which I think is great: don't eat while your distracted, explore a mindfulness/meditation practice and some nods to the importance of a spiritual dimension to life, but it never gets preachy or overbearing. But if you're on a book budget, then there isn't much need to spend any money on this. I think reading it was encouraging and helpful, though, and might inspire you to stick to your own plans.