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Notes for Healthy Kids
This is Rujuta’s most important book to date, and an attempt to future-proof the health of our next generation. book that is as much for parents as it is for kids, Notes for Healthy Kids focuses on clearing the underlying food confusion that leads to endless diet trends. It empowers kids to make the right food choices for themselves. Rujuta also calls out the food industry for targeted and misleading advertisements, as well as policymakers for failing to protect the interests of our children. On the practical side, the book combines the latest in nutrition science with the time-tested wisdom of our grandmothers, and offers easy-to-follow advice for all aspects of a child’s life. Includes food guidelines Age-group 0-15 years | School days | Holidays | Parties | Sports | Obesity | Low immunity | Diabetes | Fatty liver | Frequent illnesses and much more.
256 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2018
About the author
Rujuta Diwekar
53 books607 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 59 reviews
February 22, 2024
The book has nothing new to offer. The author advocates for local food and to turn to age-old recipes and that was pretty much it. There are a few guidelines - more activity, eat dinner before 6, and such - on what can be eaten but it was the run of the mill info.
What I liked: Author's emphasis on going local
What can be improved:
1. The language and editing was subpar; the small lower case 'i' was really annoying.
2. Hindi in every other page for vegetable names or conversations in author's head or with someone else (Samjah kya? and such). I know the language but I'm not proficient enough to know the vegetables names in Hindi.
3. A good chunk of the book was pointless as the same points repeated throughout the book without any
4. No scientific proof. Local foods are not researched much but there is still info available out there. Stuff like pair these foods together to ensure calcium is absorbed, etc. As I said, all the information present in the book was nothing new.
5. The book called for extensive planning, hours to be spent on food and food to be eaten hot and fresh. I was definitely not part of their audience
I was hoping for detailed, researched info on topics like simple meals I can go for and how to cook for kids when I picked up this book. I did not find that in here but I am a little more determined to opt for local cuisine now.
What I liked: Author's emphasis on going local
What can be improved:
1. The language and editing was subpar; the small lower case 'i' was really annoying.
2. Hindi in every other page for vegetable names or conversations in author's head or with someone else (Samjah kya? and such). I know the language but I'm not proficient enough to know the vegetables names in Hindi.
3. A good chunk of the book was pointless as the same points repeated throughout the book without any
4. No scientific proof. Local foods are not researched much but there is still info available out there. Stuff like pair these foods together to ensure calcium is absorbed, etc. As I said, all the information present in the book was nothing new.
5. The book called for extensive planning, hours to be spent on food and food to be eaten hot and fresh. I was definitely not part of their audience
I was hoping for detailed, researched info on topics like simple meals I can go for and how to cook for kids when I picked up this book. I did not find that in here but I am a little more determined to opt for local cuisine now.
February 6, 2019
If there is one dietician who speaks nothing but common sense, it is Rujuta Diwekar. It is fortunate that she is amongst us. All her books are worth reading and following especially for the Indian community.
What this book covers
Though the book is written keeping parents and kids in mind, it covers essential topics for people of all age groups. It is more about making the right food decisions based on the land and heritage we belong to. Apart from food, it also covers the need for physical activity in children, practical applications of making right food decisions during various occasions and home remedies for some frequent not-so-serious illnesses in children.
What this book does not cover
This is not a recipe book. Since the author is from Maharashtra she has referred to local Maharashtrian produce and foods extensively. As a reader, one has to make appropriately change food choices based on what is local to him/her. The same holds good for international readers as well.
Observations
It is very hard to summarize this book as the book itself is very concise and each point is important. I was particularly glad and surprised that she has mentioned about Michael Pollan in this book. Though it is very tempting to binge read, this book is more like a reference guide. She has definitely done her research. The language is humorous and taunting at places with the inclusion of a lot of Hindi colloquial words. Some may like it and some may not.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book to everyone irrespective of whether one has children or no.
What this book covers
Though the book is written keeping parents and kids in mind, it covers essential topics for people of all age groups. It is more about making the right food decisions based on the land and heritage we belong to. Apart from food, it also covers the need for physical activity in children, practical applications of making right food decisions during various occasions and home remedies for some frequent not-so-serious illnesses in children.
What this book does not cover
This is not a recipe book. Since the author is from Maharashtra she has referred to local Maharashtrian produce and foods extensively. As a reader, one has to make appropriately change food choices based on what is local to him/her. The same holds good for international readers as well.
Observations
It is very hard to summarize this book as the book itself is very concise and each point is important. I was particularly glad and surprised that she has mentioned about Michael Pollan in this book. Though it is very tempting to binge read, this book is more like a reference guide. She has definitely done her research. The language is humorous and taunting at places with the inclusion of a lot of Hindi colloquial words. Some may like it and some may not.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book to everyone irrespective of whether one has children or no.
March 19, 2020
Initially, I was put off by the language and usage of ‘i’ all through the book. The content and theme ,though, is important for not just the kids but for everyone. I find the suggestions a bit overwhelming though. It is as if one needs to be preparing the eight suggested meals or so all through the day.
April 22, 2020
This book is just a waste of time, the language is substandard and the content is poor. My friend suggested me this book and it is my first and last book by Rujuta Diwekar. I did not even finish the book as I hate to waste my time and energy.
Every book teaches you something and this book taught me not to read Rujuta Diwekar ever.
Every book teaches you something and this book taught me not to read Rujuta Diwekar ever.
July 2, 2019
After watching Rujuta Diwekar's videos on Youtube and understanding her take on nutrition, diet and weight loss, I read her book called" Don't lose your mind ,lose your weight'.
The tips and tricks suggested by her to maintain a healthy lifestyle by considering food as something bliss and not a chart of carbs, protiens and fats kind of rolled me back to how I used to eat during my childhood when there were limited options but we always felt satiated.
I then picked up this book as my second read authored by her to ensure that I don't over complicate my daughter's food journey either. She advocates local food and our grandma's wisdom to answer most of our food dilemmas.
Her take on simple homemade food has relieved me from a lot of unnecessarily fretting over what is healthy and what is not.
Highly recommended to all Mother's/ Father's / Children who want to understand their diet and everyone who believes that we need to connect to our roots first to eventually help raise a healthy mind and soul. Everything else is just a bubble.
(P.S Have heard Rujuta a lot before reading her books so kind of knew what was coming :-)
The tips and tricks suggested by her to maintain a healthy lifestyle by considering food as something bliss and not a chart of carbs, protiens and fats kind of rolled me back to how I used to eat during my childhood when there were limited options but we always felt satiated.
I then picked up this book as my second read authored by her to ensure that I don't over complicate my daughter's food journey either. She advocates local food and our grandma's wisdom to answer most of our food dilemmas.
Her take on simple homemade food has relieved me from a lot of unnecessarily fretting over what is healthy and what is not.
Highly recommended to all Mother's/ Father's / Children who want to understand their diet and everyone who believes that we need to connect to our roots first to eventually help raise a healthy mind and soul. Everything else is just a bubble.
(P.S Have heard Rujuta a lot before reading her books so kind of knew what was coming :-)
April 5, 2020
I simply loved this book - Rujuta Diwekar has written with authenticity, honest and courage. She has made many very convincing arguments to go back to our roots (even if you have to hunt for them, like I do) and keep the best of old traditions. She has demanded ethics in parenting from parents with a very high need for a reality check.
I have two teenagers whom we have raised pretty much in line with the guidelines of this book. Having said that, raising a child is a WIP at any given time, and whenever you think you are doing all that you can do, there is always more than can be done better. This book has reminded me of exactly that - the gaps that I can fill, the traditions I can search my memories for.
As a fitness professional who trains kids, we are excited to have such a good reference book to recommend to parents whose kids train with us.
I have two teenagers whom we have raised pretty much in line with the guidelines of this book. Having said that, raising a child is a WIP at any given time, and whenever you think you are doing all that you can do, there is always more than can be done better. This book has reminded me of exactly that - the gaps that I can fill, the traditions I can search my memories for.
As a fitness professional who trains kids, we are excited to have such a good reference book to recommend to parents whose kids train with us.
July 2, 2022
Are you worried your child doesn't eat? Does watching Instagram reels on colorful exotic food plates sends you on a guilt trip? If so, read this.
No, it doesn't have a magic formula on picky eating or some out of the world recipes. It's Rujuta telling you in her satirical way how not to let your parental anxieties (and birthday parties :P) get in the way of your child's healthy relationship with food and environment.
The book has two major sections: Part I (The Bigger Picture) which sets your priorities right in terms of Food & Exercise and Part II (The Practical applications) which includes age/occasion wise etc. practical advice.
P.S. : One star less for her 'My way or the highway approach', few things I couldn't agree with.
No, it doesn't have a magic formula on picky eating or some out of the world recipes. It's Rujuta telling you in her satirical way how not to let your parental anxieties (and birthday parties :P) get in the way of your child's healthy relationship with food and environment.
The book has two major sections: Part I (The Bigger Picture) which sets your priorities right in terms of Food & Exercise and Part II (The Practical applications) which includes age/occasion wise etc. practical advice.
P.S. : One star less for her 'My way or the highway approach', few things I couldn't agree with.
October 11, 2020
Insightful, talks about a lot of foods that are not considered the main source of calcium, protein etc. also the lifestyle and kind of upbringing that we are indulging in now VS the way we were brought up, go run errands, cycle around, play till we were shouted at by our parents to come back home! Now the mall culture and being overly concerned with hygiene not letting kids play on mud and other such instances were good reminders of what’s going wrong with the world now. I just wish there was less rant and more focus on the substance alone anyway rating it 4 stars as I plan on making some changes to the way my kids are eating now.
May 4, 2019
This book is a perfect ode for Indian food heritage.
I just love how passionate the author is about preserving our food history and passing it on in the best way possible to the next gen.
Rujuta strikes a chord when talking about our grandmothers’ wisdom regarding food and the importance it plays in every aspect of our life - growth, happiness, stability.
Her no-nonsense parenting tips were thoroughly enjoyable (prolly cuz I feel the same way :-P).
All in all this book is a good wake up call for many new parents.
I just love how passionate the author is about preserving our food history and passing it on in the best way possible to the next gen.
Rujuta strikes a chord when talking about our grandmothers’ wisdom regarding food and the importance it plays in every aspect of our life - growth, happiness, stability.
Her no-nonsense parenting tips were thoroughly enjoyable (prolly cuz I feel the same way :-P).
All in all this book is a good wake up call for many new parents.
March 13, 2025
I couldn't finish this one. I completed most of it, but finally decided to stop the torture.
The book only speaks of an entirely vegetarian diet - no eggs either and there is a heavy dose of Hindi/Marathi in the language used, making it hard for those not familiar with the language.
The author indulges in stereotyping of grandparents and parents based on gender. To assume every Indian adult had the same type of childhood is unfortunate.
The book wasnt kind or practical in the advice being dished out. It is idealistic and I was not part of their target audience.
The book only speaks of an entirely vegetarian diet - no eggs either and there is a heavy dose of Hindi/Marathi in the language used, making it hard for those not familiar with the language.
The author indulges in stereotyping of grandparents and parents based on gender. To assume every Indian adult had the same type of childhood is unfortunate.
The book wasnt kind or practical in the advice being dished out. It is idealistic and I was not part of their target audience.
March 3, 2022
Loved it.
Must read for every indian parent. Scientific reasoning and logic. A genuine approach to resolve the diet crisis among our young ones. Root cause of the problem is addressed and so many psychological barriers are broken. Overall a holistic approach to indian diet, nothing fancy but just what our body needs. Even though the book is for kids, there is a lot even parents can learn from this book.
Must read for every indian parent. Scientific reasoning and logic. A genuine approach to resolve the diet crisis among our young ones. Root cause of the problem is addressed and so many psychological barriers are broken. Overall a holistic approach to indian diet, nothing fancy but just what our body needs. Even though the book is for kids, there is a lot even parents can learn from this book.
April 21, 2023
Knowledge given about different types of food, but...
Knowledge given about different types of food, but... following everything is a bit difficult in this era. Its mentioned that we should avoid a few foods, but how to manage kids if they start asking, crying for it. Eg. Chocolate , cakes.
For policymakers and for advertising agencies, we normal people can't do anything. I have never seen rujuta making any video for government or advertising agencies about the same.
Knowledge given about different types of food, but... following everything is a bit difficult in this era. Its mentioned that we should avoid a few foods, but how to manage kids if they start asking, crying for it. Eg. Chocolate , cakes.
For policymakers and for advertising agencies, we normal people can't do anything. I have never seen rujuta making any video for government or advertising agencies about the same.
September 7, 2024
DNF. Waste of time and money. Just like her other book I read,'Don't lose your mind, lose your weight'. Excessive use of fancy words, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nutrition, and others and no right direction or path for general readers to go with. We have to figure out ourselves which food has proteins and fats and how to implement it into our diet.
This, everyone is doing on YouTube, instagram and Facebook. You Don't need a book from Rujuta to know it.
This, everyone is doing on YouTube, instagram and Facebook. You Don't need a book from Rujuta to know it.
April 7, 2019
It feel it is a must read for all parents.
The author stuck her points on eating local, seasonal and traditional foods in traditional ways. Her words make sense to me.
Wish there has been a good editing of grammars. Else the book is quite insightful.
Find a summary of the book in my blog post www.lifewithmypenguin.com
The author stuck her points on eating local, seasonal and traditional foods in traditional ways. Her words make sense to me.
Wish there has been a good editing of grammars. Else the book is quite insightful.
Find a summary of the book in my blog post www.lifewithmypenguin.com
July 4, 2019
If you already know Rujutas general view about food, no need to read this book. It's not that book is not knowledgeable but i don't find anything new in it than what she suggests normally. Nothing specific she writes about kids and their eating challenges. No guidelines for parents, how to overcome whole eating fuss or other nutrition related issues etc.
January 19, 2021
Mostly written for south bombay, south delhi kids who are obese with no activity except gadgeting. But there was take away definitely. liked the approach of the author about tradition and local kha dhamaal. Reinforced certain perspective and gave me as a parent , guidance without making me guilt. Urban parents who (may or may not be ) are DINK types can give a read
July 4, 2021
Eye-opening experience!
Being a mother of a toddler, I bought this book to see how to change my son's diet. Turns out there isn't much different that I can do for him. It's amazing that she focusses on the local and seasonal food, family values and environmental concerns. Definitely recommend it to all the parents out there.
Being a mother of a toddler, I bought this book to see how to change my son's diet. Turns out there isn't much different that I can do for him. It's amazing that she focusses on the local and seasonal food, family values and environmental concerns. Definitely recommend it to all the parents out there.
November 16, 2022
Simple practical ideas to incorporate in our kid’s daily meals. The ideas are traditional yet the explanation is scientific. It should satisfy all sets of people who want to go back to the roots and ensure a wholesome meal for the children without relying on external supplements. Will definitely re-read and make notes this time
February 10, 2019
Too much of same thing
Same points she keeps on repeating and many real problems are still unaddressed. Cranky kids donot eat so?? Very less told about this point which is more important
Same points she keeps on repeating and many real problems are still unaddressed. Cranky kids donot eat so?? Very less told about this point which is more important
May 9, 2019
Very Happy to read for my toddler ...I sereously go Back to Basic traditional food after reading this and even encourage my toddler to eat same..Feeled very satisfied and happy after go back to roots..:)
July 10, 2019
The book advocates giving traditional food to children and avoiding junk food. While this is common and advised by every second person these days but the way it is conveyed in book is really interesting.
A must read book for all parents.
A must read book for all parents.
July 30, 2019
This book is a work of a genius. In today's times, low nutrient, low sugar, packaged diets flood the supermarket shelves and downgrade the health. She emphasizes that returning back to our food heritage will keep the children healthy. A must-read for everyone with kids.
October 4, 2019
Full of Knowledge!!
A wonderful and insightful book.. increased my respect to our age old culture and food habits..a must read for millennial parents..for a healthy generation.!!
Thank you Rujuta!!
A wonderful and insightful book.. increased my respect to our age old culture and food habits..a must read for millennial parents..for a healthy generation.!!
Thank you Rujuta!!
February 19, 2020
Health is wealth money is just numbers.
Everyone must read this book. It will change you forever. Go ahead. This is recommended to all parents childrens. Think about your health seriously.
Everyone must read this book. It will change you forever. Go ahead. This is recommended to all parents childrens. Think about your health seriously.
March 17, 2020
Crisp guide to easy eating!!!
Loved reading the book as it breaks a lot of taboos of what to make your child eat and not with logical reasoning. Very handy and simply explained. Im sure if we follow its beneficial for we adults also
Loved reading the book as it breaks a lot of taboos of what to make your child eat and not with logical reasoning. Very handy and simply explained. Im sure if we follow its beneficial for we adults also
January 9, 2021
This book is for keepsakes. Time and again I refer back to this book for creating those healthy eating options for my son. Plus this book will help me through many more years and will be passed on to my next generation ❤️ Currently a friend is reading it for her daughter.
January 16, 2019
This book takes you back to the 70s and 80s Indian childhood!
January 24, 2019
A good one though a little early for me to read as my kid is only 3 yrs old.But surely a good one for future reference.
February 2, 2019
It's eye opener. Parents should read this book every year. We tried to copy west and forget our own food habits.
February 11, 2019
Book has some good insights about introducing local, Indian food to kids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews