From Fitness To Food: Books Rujuta Diwekar Binges On

The scientific way to winning against odds. Secrets from old texts. And an unforgettable adventure on the Himalayas. These books are among the favourite reads of nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar.

Diwekar shared her reading list with BloombergQuint:

Moneyball: The Art Of Winning An Unfair Game, By Michael Lewis

“I read this sometime in 2005 when I first visited the U.S. I could relate to the book on multiple levels, but the most fascinating thing about the book is that you take something as dry as data and mix it with something like passion for sports and make it into a heady mix. One that works and resonates with the reality in our IPL world,” Diwekar said.

Into Thin Air, By Jon Krakauer

“When people tell me that a book made them cry, I roll my eyes,” Diwekar said. “Films make you cry, laugh and dance, books are just a burden you carry... But this book, specifically the part when one of the protagonists calls his pregnant wife from atop Everest just before he dies had me weeping for full 10 minutes.”

The book paints a real but tragic picture of the Sagarmatha, of her exploitation, of the garbage that people leave behind and how the mighty mountain has been reduced to an ego kick by humans.

“I am never going to Annapurna base camp, Everest base camp or any of the tallest, highest, longest peaks after this insightful read.”

Land Of The Moonlit Snows, By Gaurav Punj

This book profiles the people, passes and passions that the Himalaya brings alive.

The Upanishads

“I would put this in the ‘leave everything and read this' category,” Diwekar said. “This work is the base which has helped shape my views on food and well being, on harmony between human beings and their surroundings, of unity in diversity.”

“I read a passage or two every morning to start my day. Would especially recommend it to women because there is no bigger dose of self-esteem, confidence and liberation than this. It inspires all to take on diverse roles that resonate with our senses and intelligence and urges one to attain fame, wealth and acclaim.”

It's the biggest disguise that a “religious” book could wear.

Light On Yoga, By BKS Iyengar

No book on yoga needed to be written before or after this. A definitive guide to asana and every aspect of yoga, this one tells you as it really is, according to Diwekar.

A yogi is one who wants justice for his wrong doing and forgiveness and mercy for others is how BKS Iyengar describes it. “Very important to remember that in our turbulent times.”