Nutrition and health expert Manisha Mehta begins her book, '(b)Eat Another Bite', with a statutory warning. Continue with caution, lest this book changes your outlook, she writes.
Divided into three parts—ignition, accelerate and finishing line—the book, which the author calls 'reader's bite guide', takes the reader on board a metaphorical race towards good health, with Mehta volunteering to be the reader's 'bestie', 'confidante' and 'cheerleader.' After the first three chapters dedicated to introduction and sharing a sense of purpose, she begins with life lessons on right nutrition and food habits.
First things first, know when to say 'no'. 'Imagine two super delicious options—the peppy paneer cheese burst pizza and the mind-blowing chocolate mousse. Which one should you opt for? Well, the one that is definitely going to do less damage to your diet. Towards the end of each session, the reader is given space to make notes, record the progress and the 'big change,' made with each successive chapter.
Prepping up for a big day? Change your diet at least three months prior. Get plenty of sleep and avoid drinking alcohol the night before to make sure you are spared of puffy eyes the following day. 'Substitute regular chocolate with dark chocolate and beer with wine. Ice cream with frozen yogurt and creamy cake with a muffin and the thousand island dressing with balsamic vinegar.' '(b)Eat Another Bite' seems to be a compilation of dietary do's and don'ts at the best, which in all probability the reader would have already known. There isn't much to offer in terms of new knowledge, except for a few sections towards the latter part of book that deal with food options one must consider pre and post workouts. The 'privy combo for fat burner,' which the author suggests—a blend of tomatoes, lime juice, with a pinch of Himalayan salt, or the other one with honey, ginger juice, aloe vera juice and water—makes for an excellent takeaway as does the knowledge that spirits do contribute to good health. Two pegs (60ml) of liquor for men and 1 peg (30ml) for women, says Mehta, can actually help in reaping huge benefits for the body.
As the book progresses, one only ends up re-learning the already known. Towards the end, the author tries to establish a connection between astrology and nutrition, which seems to be a vainful exercise at best. While to the Scorpio, the author suggests lavender tea or green tea, the Aquarian she feels must sip on plenty of electrolytes and must consume bananas, legumes, seeds and animal proteins in abundance for all the stamina needed. Shouldn't this hold true for everyone irrespective of their star signs? '(b)Eat Another Bite' seems to be a compilation of the knowledge that's already out there, put together in colloquial English, and can be taken up for reading in the absence of something more worthy.
Book: '(b)Eat Another Bite'
Author: Manisha Mehta
Price: Rs 349
