We have had fitness books like Confessions of a Serial Dieter (Harper Collins) and The Ultimate Indian Diet Book Macmillan India), and others from our Bollywood celebrities. However, while most diet books are about weight loss programmes, nutritionist Ishi Khosla has a different approach.
Her recent book, The Diet Doctor, published by Penguin, addresses weight balance and lifestyle and not, the author states, a weight loss regime. “It addresses the aspects of two kinds of obesity, both metabolic and simple, and covers all angles in a unique manner for the Indian body type,” she explains.
The wheat campaign
Having authored books like The Cholesterol Facts and Is Wheat Killing You?, she has made a name for herself as an authority on the Celiac disease and wheat sensitivity. “One in every 300 has this disease in India and the majority are yet to be diagnosed,” stresses the expert. The Celiac Society, which she set up in 2006, has helped spread awareness about the same and has encouraged forums such as Beat Celiac Campaign and Celiac Society India. Khosla’s book concentrates on the Indian diet and the inclusion of necessary carbohydrates such as oats and barley, together with dal, fruits and vegetables.
Backed by her expertise of over 20 years in this field, the author has been working on this book for three years. Proper planning and advanced health policies, which prescribe exact portions for each meal, are introduced. The book also suggests light exercises such as yoga and pilates for integral weight balancing. “Find what works for you and navigate wellness, by following simple steps such as healthy snacking like yogurt, nuts and salad. Or follow the motto of eating less but high quality,” suggests Khosla. Her personal regime is to practise what she preaches and hence she adopts a diet of small and frequent meals of the right kind.
Mental stamina
“One simple formula cannot be approached. Think in terms of the long run,” states Khosla, covering trends that are consistent on both Indian and western turfs such as genetic food options and dietary plans in her book. Additionally, psychological well-being, using counselling sessions, hypnotherapy, yoga and meditation are discussed in the book. Her next book, The Diet Evolution, about general dieting techniques with a focus on diabetes and digestive problems, will be out later this year.
The book is priced at Rs 200 and available at Flipkart. Details: flipkart.com