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Women & The Weight Loss Tamasha
The nutritionist who taught us that simply eating (pun intended) is the key to a fab body is back with a comprehensive book on women, food and everything in between. From puberty to marriage, from pregnancy to menopause, Rujuta explains in detail the changes women go through (and, God knows, as Indian women, we go through way beyond those just hormonal - husband, in-laws, children, career, etc.) and how what we do (or don't) during these phases affects our overall well-being. Building on her four principles of eating right from Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight, she goes on to share her four strategies (Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep and Relationships) for each of these phases and especially the lifestyle disorders of Pcod, hypothyroid and diabetes. Rujuta, in her usual indomitable style, debunks (rubbishes rather) myths related to food, hormones and workouts, forces us to rethink our belief that pregnancy, menopause, hypothyroid, etc come in the way of losing weight and reveals just how easy it is to remain healthy, strong and fit through one's life.
420 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
452 people are currently reading
2933 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 97 reviews
October 18, 2019
I had too much of Rujuta Diwekar in too short time. This book served the purpose that at times I like to take up an author and read of all his/her work. Reading this book helped me make two recommendations - first, to myself - do not read anything else by this author; second, to others- her first book "Don't lode your mind, lose your weight" is worth reading if you want to read on diet and fitness.
May 5, 2014
One line for the book:
This book doesn't just impart knowledge, it creates awareness!
About the book:
Is there a woman on earth who doesn't want to have a toned body? But why is it that most of us do not make much progress? Rujuta busts our myths and misconceptions, and throws light on what exactly we need to do.
What I love about the book:
By emphasizing on eating right and working out regularly, Rujuta sends a great message: “Looking after themselves is the best thing women can do to themselves and their families”. Very often, women put the needs of their families before their own needs. The book is an eye-opener for all such women who have buried their body’s needs, likes and dislikes while trying to be a super-Mom.
What I did not like about the book: Absolutely nothing.
What I learned from the book:
1. Looking after yourself is the best and the most important thing in your life.
2. Quite often we take it for granted that pain is a part of a woman’s life. But, the book explains how all the phases of a women’s life: from puberty to pregnancy to menopause, transition smoothly if you eat right and exercise regularly.
3. “Doing it all” is just a myth created only to trap women. If you buy into the idea of managing everything on your own, you are digging your own grave.
This book doesn't just impart knowledge, it creates awareness!
About the book:
Is there a woman on earth who doesn't want to have a toned body? But why is it that most of us do not make much progress? Rujuta busts our myths and misconceptions, and throws light on what exactly we need to do.
What I love about the book:
By emphasizing on eating right and working out regularly, Rujuta sends a great message: “Looking after themselves is the best thing women can do to themselves and their families”. Very often, women put the needs of their families before their own needs. The book is an eye-opener for all such women who have buried their body’s needs, likes and dislikes while trying to be a super-Mom.
What I did not like about the book: Absolutely nothing.
What I learned from the book:
1. Looking after yourself is the best and the most important thing in your life.
2. Quite often we take it for granted that pain is a part of a woman’s life. But, the book explains how all the phases of a women’s life: from puberty to pregnancy to menopause, transition smoothly if you eat right and exercise regularly.
3. “Doing it all” is just a myth created only to trap women. If you buy into the idea of managing everything on your own, you are digging your own grave.
January 29, 2019
Mostly skimmed through this book. This book is full of fillers and reiteration of what was mentioned in her first book. She keeps repeating the same mantra - “eat healthy and exercise”, a million times throughout the book. If you have read “Lose weight..” book, then you can safely skip her other books I guess. I skimmed through many sections where she was rambling aimlessly. But I liked the fact that this book and the author were feminist.
April 5, 2019
Awesome!!!!
Answered ally doubts and concerns regarding fat loss and the correct way of handling bit in a logical and sensible way... Inspired to try it all...
Answered ally doubts and concerns regarding fat loss and the correct way of handling bit in a logical and sensible way... Inspired to try it all...
December 6, 2023
Such an eye opener!!! The book is sooooo women centric and talks about women and their relationship with food at all stages and also provides all the information to start loving one's own body!
I am very sure that you would start nourishing your body once you start reading this.
I have made a few changes in my eating and working out habits because of the book and I am feeling good already!
I am very sure that you would start nourishing your body once you start reading this.
I have made a few changes in my eating and working out habits because of the book and I am feeling good already!
February 5, 2014
In this book, Rujuta continues from where she left off in her last book, Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight. After briefly touching upon her principles put forth in her first book, she goes on to discuss women and how the different turning points in their lives affect their health and weight.
Rujuta explains the female human body and how it goes through so many changes starting from pre-pubrety, puberty, pregnancy, pre-menopause and menopause. Marriage can be such a turning point in a woman’s life, and Rujuta’s explanation on why women tend to put on weight immediately after marriage is worth a read. Her theories (I like to call them theories) are interesting and makes you ponder. Pregnancy and post-natal days can be one helluva rollercoaster ride for your health and weight. Rujuta touches upon this and the dreaded menopausal experience as well.
Rujuta also focuses on some of the most common health issues like diabetes, hypothyroidism and PCOD/S. She starts with explaining what each disease/condition means in terms of body functions and how it affects your health. Her theory is a lot can be controlled through what and how you eat. I was shocked to see she recommends rice for diabetics when the rest of the world contradicts this. She gives some sane advice on hypothyroidism. Peanuts, cabbage, broccoli are some of things hypothyroid patients are asked to avoid, but Rujuta busts the myth by saying eating them raw is the problem.
Her first principle of eating something within 30 minutes of waking up is difficult for hypothyroid patients because we need to take our tablet first thing in the morning and not eat anything for an hour. I was curious to see what Rujuta’s solution for this is. I was very disappointed to read that all she says is talk to the doctor to agree upon a convenient time later in the day. Ha!
While her principles can only make your healthier and fitter, I found her book a bit too preachy. She believes that if one is healthy, one should have a painless period which sounds foolish. One can be fit and still have cramps, no? I so want to believe in her statement of ‘Eat right and your problem will go away’, but it sounds too good to be true.
I wish she had tailored diet recommendations for these different conditions. But then, if she gives away everything in her book, why would patients want to spend a fortune for her consultation.
If I could afford her, I would love to have a chat with her. And ask some questions which are not answered in her books. Alas, she is beyond my league.
Rujuta explains the female human body and how it goes through so many changes starting from pre-pubrety, puberty, pregnancy, pre-menopause and menopause. Marriage can be such a turning point in a woman’s life, and Rujuta’s explanation on why women tend to put on weight immediately after marriage is worth a read. Her theories (I like to call them theories) are interesting and makes you ponder. Pregnancy and post-natal days can be one helluva rollercoaster ride for your health and weight. Rujuta touches upon this and the dreaded menopausal experience as well.
Rujuta also focuses on some of the most common health issues like diabetes, hypothyroidism and PCOD/S. She starts with explaining what each disease/condition means in terms of body functions and how it affects your health. Her theory is a lot can be controlled through what and how you eat. I was shocked to see she recommends rice for diabetics when the rest of the world contradicts this. She gives some sane advice on hypothyroidism. Peanuts, cabbage, broccoli are some of things hypothyroid patients are asked to avoid, but Rujuta busts the myth by saying eating them raw is the problem.
Her first principle of eating something within 30 minutes of waking up is difficult for hypothyroid patients because we need to take our tablet first thing in the morning and not eat anything for an hour. I was curious to see what Rujuta’s solution for this is. I was very disappointed to read that all she says is talk to the doctor to agree upon a convenient time later in the day. Ha!
While her principles can only make your healthier and fitter, I found her book a bit too preachy. She believes that if one is healthy, one should have a painless period which sounds foolish. One can be fit and still have cramps, no? I so want to believe in her statement of ‘Eat right and your problem will go away’, but it sounds too good to be true.
I wish she had tailored diet recommendations for these different conditions. But then, if she gives away everything in her book, why would patients want to spend a fortune for her consultation.
If I could afford her, I would love to have a chat with her. And ask some questions which are not answered in her books. Alas, she is beyond my league.
March 5, 2020
I gave this book a 5-star for being a really entertaining, fact filled and motivating non-fiction read.
Women and weight loss have become like two sides of a coin. We just seem to always be stressing about it and almost never getting it right. I haven't read Rujuta's first popular book on this subject - Don't lose your mind, lose our weight, but now that I've read this book, I'm surely going to read her first book too.
Here are the reasons I enjoyed this book and why I would recommend it:
1. I read the audible version, which is narrated by Rujuta herself, with a foreword by Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rujuta is an absolute delight to listen to. Her voice, her anecdotes, the way she speaks certain words in our Hinglish way, seems really endearing and doesn't feel like a boring nutritionist giving you lecture. It feels like a friend giving you good advise. I liked her way of advising so much, that I look a page from her book and started advising my own mother and sister to pay more attention or at least equal attention to their health, as they give to other aspects of their lives! :D
2. As an Indian woman, I found it hard to relate to or follow the advise provided in other diet or weight loss books. Since a lot of them are written by non Indian authors, and their diet recommendations specialize in local food available more readily abroad than in India. Actually, based on what Rujuta constantly stresses in her book, theyre not wrong either. It is all about eating local and what you've been eating most of your life growing up. So if you're living and working in say UK or US, grab those salads, local fruits/berries, avocados. If you're living in India, eat your chapati, chai, and vegetables cooked with spices.
3. This book doesn't just talk about diet or weight loss. In this, she talks about a plethora of subjects that impacts a woman's body, her weight and her well being in total, because as she rightly says, women are mysterious creatures and no two are the same. We can't have a one diet fits all rule for us women. Women are strong and sensitive, creative and hard working. We need to eat a variety of food, based on the age we're in life, based on our occupations, stress levels, hormonal levels, so many things!
In a nutshell, I felt like I was a better person after reading her book. I felt better about my eating habits and was motivated to include more fresh and home made local food in my diet. I was motivated to try out exercising daily. And since last week, I have been trying out her advise and although I haven't lost weight, I have noticed a change in my moods and overall behavior and I'm loving it :)
Note: Although the book is written and narrated mostly in English, I do feel that the target audience for this book would mostly be Indian women :)
Women and weight loss have become like two sides of a coin. We just seem to always be stressing about it and almost never getting it right. I haven't read Rujuta's first popular book on this subject - Don't lose your mind, lose our weight, but now that I've read this book, I'm surely going to read her first book too.
Here are the reasons I enjoyed this book and why I would recommend it:
1. I read the audible version, which is narrated by Rujuta herself, with a foreword by Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rujuta is an absolute delight to listen to. Her voice, her anecdotes, the way she speaks certain words in our Hinglish way, seems really endearing and doesn't feel like a boring nutritionist giving you lecture. It feels like a friend giving you good advise. I liked her way of advising so much, that I look a page from her book and started advising my own mother and sister to pay more attention or at least equal attention to their health, as they give to other aspects of their lives! :D
2. As an Indian woman, I found it hard to relate to or follow the advise provided in other diet or weight loss books. Since a lot of them are written by non Indian authors, and their diet recommendations specialize in local food available more readily abroad than in India. Actually, based on what Rujuta constantly stresses in her book, theyre not wrong either. It is all about eating local and what you've been eating most of your life growing up. So if you're living and working in say UK or US, grab those salads, local fruits/berries, avocados. If you're living in India, eat your chapati, chai, and vegetables cooked with spices.
3. This book doesn't just talk about diet or weight loss. In this, she talks about a plethora of subjects that impacts a woman's body, her weight and her well being in total, because as she rightly says, women are mysterious creatures and no two are the same. We can't have a one diet fits all rule for us women. Women are strong and sensitive, creative and hard working. We need to eat a variety of food, based on the age we're in life, based on our occupations, stress levels, hormonal levels, so many things!
In a nutshell, I felt like I was a better person after reading her book. I felt better about my eating habits and was motivated to include more fresh and home made local food in my diet. I was motivated to try out exercising daily. And since last week, I have been trying out her advise and although I haven't lost weight, I have noticed a change in my moods and overall behavior and I'm loving it :)
Note: Although the book is written and narrated mostly in English, I do feel that the target audience for this book would mostly be Indian women :)
July 8, 2018
I had been putting on weight for sometime and had just taken a brand new gym subscription when a cute little-large fibroid showed up on the ultrasound scan. And with that went down all the highly ambitious plans of any immediate gyming.
So post an open surgery, when my amma put me on pure satvik diet with a dikht to lose weight, I got it into my head firmly that in the absence of rigirous excerise for the next 6 months at the least it will only be smart food choices that will get me back my fitness. (Anyway it is always the food choices!)
I had read Rujuta before - Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight - and found her style of explaining the science of nutrition pretty entertaining. Her writing style make the concepts relatable and rememberable. Considering that I was desperate to self educate myself and make good food choices and that this book was on a Kindle sale, you can say this was an impulsive buy. And that forced me to read it quickly too, because well...I was looking for help.
Having read the nutritionist before, a lot of the concepts are repetative but what I liked is, Rujuta has divided the book into the nutrition requirements of a female body during the 4 main phases of life when women go through hormonal changes. And hence pretty relatable and something I could take away few learnings from. And once again I liked how she writes. It's like she is chatting with the reader. It is not exactly 'literary' but heck it's a self help book. It does what it is expected to.
I do take home cooked dabba to office now 😌 #50BookChallenge
So post an open surgery, when my amma put me on pure satvik diet with a dikht to lose weight, I got it into my head firmly that in the absence of rigirous excerise for the next 6 months at the least it will only be smart food choices that will get me back my fitness. (Anyway it is always the food choices!)
I had read Rujuta before - Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight - and found her style of explaining the science of nutrition pretty entertaining. Her writing style make the concepts relatable and rememberable. Considering that I was desperate to self educate myself and make good food choices and that this book was on a Kindle sale, you can say this was an impulsive buy. And that forced me to read it quickly too, because well...I was looking for help.
Having read the nutritionist before, a lot of the concepts are repetative but what I liked is, Rujuta has divided the book into the nutrition requirements of a female body during the 4 main phases of life when women go through hormonal changes. And hence pretty relatable and something I could take away few learnings from. And once again I liked how she writes. It's like she is chatting with the reader. It is not exactly 'literary' but heck it's a self help book. It does what it is expected to.
I do take home cooked dabba to office now 😌 #50BookChallenge
May 10, 2024
"Women & the Weight Loss Tamasha" by Rujuta Diwekar
Have you ever felt that IF isn't for you?
Or maybe used PCOS or Hypothyroidism to justify your weight gain?
Or faced yo-yoing weight and lethargy after all the crash diets?
Sworn off Ghee and Meetha and still haven't lost an inch?
Then this one is for you.
Rujuta never disappoints. Also, if Kareena approves, consider me sold. So in this book too, Rujuta manages to ace all the fundamentals of a happy, healthy, light and happy body.
This book will break many myths. Explain science with fun (and sometimes cringe) analogies. Will make you uncomfortable, and sometimes very comfortable at times.
And the best part? It not only talks about food. It also talks about sleep, workout and relationships. So bole toh, akkha 360 degree coverage of how to get a happy, healthy body.
Yes, the only downside is after getting all this info in such a simplified format, you won't have any excuse left to not be healthy, other than your procrastinating and lazy tushy.
Oh! And I loved the diet recalls of the clients, their postmortem and the modified advised lifestyles.
Gem of a read!!
5 sitare meri taraf se 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
#anamslibrary #anamsreview #nerdfest #rujutadiwekar #kareenakapoor
Have you ever felt that IF isn't for you?
Or maybe used PCOS or Hypothyroidism to justify your weight gain?
Or faced yo-yoing weight and lethargy after all the crash diets?
Sworn off Ghee and Meetha and still haven't lost an inch?
Then this one is for you.
Rujuta never disappoints. Also, if Kareena approves, consider me sold. So in this book too, Rujuta manages to ace all the fundamentals of a happy, healthy, light and happy body.
This book will break many myths. Explain science with fun (and sometimes cringe) analogies. Will make you uncomfortable, and sometimes very comfortable at times.
And the best part? It not only talks about food. It also talks about sleep, workout and relationships. So bole toh, akkha 360 degree coverage of how to get a happy, healthy body.
Yes, the only downside is after getting all this info in such a simplified format, you won't have any excuse left to not be healthy, other than your procrastinating and lazy tushy.
Oh! And I loved the diet recalls of the clients, their postmortem and the modified advised lifestyles.
Gem of a read!!
5 sitare meri taraf se 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
#anamslibrary #anamsreview #nerdfest #rujutadiwekar #kareenakapoor
November 2, 2018
At this part it's crucial that your thoughts is good and you want to avoid all unnecessary stress that could cause old exercises to surface again. Success in getting, dropping, or keeping bodyweight is dependent upon a combination of factors; best weight loss tips I always used to say that dropping, getting or keeping bodyweight is a result of the "freedom from the obsession and compulsion to eat," not the other way around , but there is more to it. You also need to establish some important new exercises in your life-time, because what is important about keeping bodyweight is to keep training and get rid of fat each day. This is your magic formula from now on: "best approach for keeping bodyweight is for creating sure that one's training stage is sufficient to balance the range of calories consumed."
April 28, 2019
I had read Rujuta before, ‘Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight’ and found her style of explaining the science of nutrition entertaining. Her writing style make the concepts relatable and rememberable. Considering that I was desperate to self-educate myself and make good food choices and that this book was on a Kindle sale, you can say this was an impulsive buy. And that forced me to read it quickly too, because well...I was looking for help. The book did no good in guiding me or motivating me for weight loss instead the author in between starts talking strongly about women, womanhood and the sympathetic situation of Indian housewives, and suddenly it felt as if I am reading a book on socio economic causes rather than diet.
March 30, 2018
My husband gifted this book. My husband had already read her previous book, so the gesture!!
There are times when I look at myself in the mirror and overreact! A wake up call to the hysterical me. After reading the book, I realized that there are things I have been doing right and wrong. I may never get her as my adviser, but at least I know a little about her thought process.
The stories and preachy mode are a mode of her trying to drive in the message- Love your body , you woman!! The book is out and out feminist-oriented , and I loved that tone! It is by the woman, for the woman and of the woman!!
There are times when I look at myself in the mirror and overreact! A wake up call to the hysterical me. After reading the book, I realized that there are things I have been doing right and wrong. I may never get her as my adviser, but at least I know a little about her thought process.
The stories and preachy mode are a mode of her trying to drive in the message- Love your body , you woman!! The book is out and out feminist-oriented , and I loved that tone! It is by the woman, for the woman and of the woman!!
July 29, 2019
The book has plethora of information on healthy eating and its effects, highly relevant to most health issues faced by Indian women. Her strategies are rationale oriented and focus on long-term benefits. I enjoyed how wisdom from scriptures of yoga combined with information of bodily process is presented in wholesome and inspiring manner by the author. Case studies of women from various walks of life helps bring the information to practical use.
The author's use of Hindi in English edition can get annoying at times
The author's use of Hindi in English edition can get annoying at times
July 4, 2020
A must read for everyone irrespective of age , gender.
Why we women have so much 'Chalta Hai' attitude towards our bodies? This book is an eye opener for all those ladies out there who think like wise and for whom fitness and right nutrition are just secondary.
From puberty to pregnancy to menopause Rujuta discusses and explains these transitions in a woman.
I found her style of writing and explaining the scientific facts quite entertaining.
Why we women have so much 'Chalta Hai' attitude towards our bodies? This book is an eye opener for all those ladies out there who think like wise and for whom fitness and right nutrition are just secondary.
From puberty to pregnancy to menopause Rujuta discusses and explains these transitions in a woman.
I found her style of writing and explaining the scientific facts quite entertaining.
January 15, 2021
An educational read that focuses on women's health and dietary issues. I did learn a lot of interesting facts but the book could have been much more succinctly written. The writing style was almost conversational, interspersed with colloquial terms. The book spans all the stages of woman's life, with plenty of examples and some scary stories of the side effects of extreme dieting.
Overall worth reading to get a good perspective on women's dietary best practices.
Overall worth reading to get a good perspective on women's dietary best practices.
September 27, 2017
Distracting bits of slang, supposed to make it feel intimate I guess. Distinctly feminist thought process which is rare to find in indian lit. Overall I'm glad I read it. Its one of those books that tell you what you've been doing wrong which is important to know before learning to do it right. Love thy body. Body is your temple etc etc. Good stuff.
November 10, 2019
Excellent
I have read so many weight loss and healthcare books but this one tops among the rest. It helps to give a broad understanding for readers on health and fitness. It shows why crash diet sucks and is dangerous. Right food + right workouts+ right sleep is what you need. Perfect health book for Indians
I have read so many weight loss and healthcare books but this one tops among the rest. It helps to give a broad understanding for readers on health and fitness. It shows why crash diet sucks and is dangerous. Right food + right workouts+ right sleep is what you need. Perfect health book for Indians
August 11, 2017
A good nice feminist book. True in all senses- Women do tend to sacrifice their health first, in taking care of their family. The book inspired me to take good care of my health. Nice tips on diet & exercise. I feel good about my body after reading this book.
May 24, 2018
Quirky, with a smattering of Marathi and Bambaiyya lingo. Rujuta has churned out an eye opener. The 3 day recall was really nice, because if nothing else, it makes you aware of what you're eating. 4 stars because of endless repetition.
June 29, 2018
Always happy to read one of Rujuta's books.. Towards the end, it felt too long. However, it's always a lifestyle change decision that you have to make.
Not possible for me to write what the book was in just few words, but in short, Love Your Body.
Not possible for me to write what the book was in just few words, but in short, Love Your Body.
May 22, 2019
Very informative, motivating and potentially life changing book. Rujuta is undoubtedly one of the strongest voices in the nutrition field worldwide. Sometimes feel like preachy and a little judgemental
June 6, 2020
A must read for every woman
The nutrition and food knowledge for every stage, phase, deficiency, hormonal illness, skin and hair problems, this book is educational, easy to read and a must on your shelf, to read and reread if you want a strong body and mind.
The nutrition and food knowledge for every stage, phase, deficiency, hormonal illness, skin and hair problems, this book is educational, easy to read and a must on your shelf, to read and reread if you want a strong body and mind.
July 28, 2020
I think the book is package covering all the crucial aspect of fitness rather than focusing on weight loss...
I dont know why author has a part of this book name covering the same issues with same content confusing their readers....
The book on pcod and thyroid....
I dont know why author has a part of this book name covering the same issues with same content confusing their readers....
The book on pcod and thyroid....
December 6, 2022
I could totally see Rujuta speaking through the book to me. She has a bindass, no bullshit way of stating the facts. I am a fan and I am a benefitor of her lectures. Very relatable and easy to apply tips.
July 15, 2019
Informative!!
November 28, 2019
Informative and Easy to use
Well articulated and practical guide to healthy lifestyle mgt.
Must read..has some thing to take back for every one.! Nice!
Well articulated and practical guide to healthy lifestyle mgt.
Must read..has some thing to take back for every one.! Nice!
January 10, 2020
This book manages to give readers a great deal of information about the science behind workouts. What works and what doesn't in fitness are also outlined well.
March 28, 2020
Good book women's health, must read for today's working women
May 21, 2020
Practical tips & tricks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews