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 (yells at me would be more accurate), like, 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 priciples or consult a dietician? No. 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. Its 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. ( )

If you are reasonably well read and intelligent person, this book will not add any incremental value to you. However, this book does reinforce fundamental logic of health and weight loss and debunks many myths and get-thin-soon schemes. A good introduction to healthy living lifestyle, a book can do only so much for you because after that one has to make lifestyle changes and put efforts. Don't expect literary gems or even moderately printable English and take it a conversationally light read. ( )

Somewhat sensible advice. Good read. ( )