Rujuta Diwekar's Blog, page 3

“Jab ladka born hota hai, hum bade khush hote hai, are ladka hua hai, ladka hua hai… Jab ladki, toh, very apologetically, arre chalo ghar mein Lakshmi paida hui hai! Yeh cheez, if anything, this should change,” professed the ever-insightful Anupam Kher. “Aur teenage mein - mat pucho baar baar ladkiyon ke phone aate rahte hai.. Kya kahun, bada popular hai. Aur ladki ko baap puchta hai, yeh kiska phone aa raha hai baar baar. Poor ladki ko pata tak nahi hota, saala kaunsa ulu ka pattha missed call maar raha hai, who bhi jab baap ghar pe ho tab!”
“This creates a discord in the society; our boys and girls are born into unequal worlds. Our boys believe from day one that they have arrived after many puja/archana and pleasing all the world ka gods. The girls try and live as invisibly as possible and constantly try and reduce the burden that their janam has brought onto their parents by studying, cleaning, cooking, marrying the boy of the parents choice. Ladkiyon ki awaaz hum maar dete hai or ladko ko tameez se bolna nahi sikhate.”
Anupam Kher was in my office to discuss his meal plan and at this point he was talking about what he observed about adult men and women in India as an inspirational/motivational speaker. He wasn’t speaking about the Delhi rape but after the rape, his words have a new meaning for me.
He was telling me about why adult men are often frustrated, how the real world breaks this concept about them being this big ‘Bhagwan ki den’ so brutually and cruelly. How in real life, until they slog their ass out, until they prove themselves no one believes that they are good enough for special treatment. How men have a tough time accepting that they aren’t entitled to that big office with window, huge salary, first class tickets etc until they prove their worth.
Women, on the other hand, fail to celebrate their successes, constantly feeling guilty about their achievements. If they achieve an exceptionally clean kitchen after hours of slogging, they think about how worthless they are as they don’t make money. Or if they crack an astounding deal after flying to Hong-kong, they think of how they miss picking up their child after school. They are constantly feeling guilty, let down and inadequate.
So men have to learn that what makes people successful has nothing to do with gender, its hard work, discipline and humility. They have to learn to digest the fact that women are smart, successful and headstrong beings. Its not their business to tame/domesticate them, its not their job to show them their place in the society. Their job is to make place for themselves in the society, by making themselves useful, by living a life of purpose.
The way we treat our boys and girls and in turn the way they treat themselves leads to all the toxicity in our society. Ranging from the mild ones such as ‘I will eat after my husband eats’ to ‘rape that girl, she’s asking for it by travelling “late” night in the bus’. 

I don't own a TV set but this "Bade ache lagte hain" phenomenonintrigued me. I watched it on my laptop and the episode showed the lead actor,Ram, eating just an apple for lunch since he is on a "diet". In fact hisattempt to lose weight and subsequent (crash?) diet was the running themeduring that week. This serial, like so many others, apparently is about themiddle class bahu, her values and the soothing and reassuring effect she has onher high profile, rich businessman of a husband and her winning streak over theconniving mother in law.


Priya, who is supposed to be a sarva guna sampana bahu, upholdingtraditional values (bado ka aadar, choto ko pyar, duniya bhar ka uddhar) checkswith the bansi kaka if the husband is being sent "coriander – spinach juice,cut fruits, sprouts and salad". Come on Priya, you are a school teacher, right?Didn't you learn that fruits and vegetables lose their nutritional value whentheir surface area increases (like when they are squeezed into a juice) and inthe absence of carbs, proteins and fats (wholesome diet), a human being cannotfunction? Much less do any business.
She even made her husband trade his stuffy, suffocating suit for acooler cotton blue shirt, 'more appropriate for our climate' is the explanation. Doesn't this 'appropriate for our climate logic' apply to food too?Or are we only middle class on the surface, scratch it a bit and we are alljuice drinking, salad munching, wannabe memsahibs? What happened to thetraditional, time tested roti sabzi, dal chawal, kadhi, lassi, dahi, nimbupani, etc as food or tiffin items? Why all of us who otherwise pat our backsfor our sabhyata and sanskriti turn our backs on the food that's an integralpart of our sabhyata and sanskriti?
So, as "good girls", we look after ghar grahisti, husband, mil, fil,kids, washing, cleaning, cooking, etc, but how much of it is a well thought outand understood action? Are we constantly aspiring for approval? And if thecurrent trend or norm is to cut calories, then we just comply? Or are we trulyrooted in our culture where we value and celebrate our cooking legacy and thewisdom handed over orally from generation to generation about food. Priya (Idon't mean Sakshi Talwar, I mean all of us middle class housewives bearing thebrunt of our husbands' over spilling waists and deteriorating health), the samesabhyata that made your husband's health your personal business (its notactually), also taught you to eat local, seasonal and fresh food. It alsotaught you to celebrate food, offer it to your body as a blessing and not countcalories.
So next time when your dadi gushes over the benefits of ghee, payattention and listen. Or else you will be eating 'clarified butter' 10 yearslater, after it wins approval from the west and the 'high society' and you, mydear girl, will simply comply. Once again.

Next time you feel guilty eating out on the streets, spare a thought for these overlooked benefits of the yummy street foods.


Food Nutrient value Mumbai  needs it because
Banana
Potassium, fibre and phytonutrients to help body thermo regulate or to keep body cool in warm climate
High stress jobs increase sugar cravings makes you prone to obesity. Potassium keeps the blood pressure down and the Vit B in it helps you stay calm in panic situations and reduces sugar craving.
Peru or gauva
Super source of Vit C and antioxidants, rich in fibre and immune booster
Vit C and antioxidants prevent sun tanning and keep the skin supple and glowing. The immune boosters are required as Mumbai is a high stress and polluted city

Bhel puri/ sev puri chaat family
Dates, pudina, kala namak that are integral to chaat items are good sources of potassium, iron and minerals like selenium, zinc etc. The combinations help maintain electrolyte balance.
Most chaat items because of the micro nutrients present in them provide a laxative effect on the system. And there are a lot of constipated mumbaikars
Wada Pav
Complete meal of carbs, protein, fat and contains good profile of amino acids

The besan used has the ability to lower cholesterol and so does the lasoon chutney.
Pav bhaji
Has combination of veggies, butter and bread with a dash of nimbu. Almost unbeatable in taste.
This is one meal that nourishes the tired mumbaikars soul and puts zest back into a monotonous life, that's exactly what the spices do, they "spice up" a dull day.
Meetha pan or magai
Beetel leaf have analgesic and diuretic properties
Aphrodisiac, if you are too tired for action know what you must chew on
Bhurji & bread
Protein and Vit D
The tired Mumbaikar needs both the protein for recovery and the Vit D as a lot of Mumbaikars are actually deficient (specially the sobo residents) in this sunshine vitamin
Sandwich
Again a complete meal with veggies and cheese so rich in essential fats too.
Cheese has properties which allow the body to burn fat from the "stubborn areas". The toasted and grilled version provide the mental satisfaction of "ghar ka khana" too
Dosa of all varieties
Perfect blend of amino acids thanks to the rice and urad dal combo. Most importantly good source of B12
Vit B12 promotes iron absorption. Low Iron and B12 levels are linked to weight gain and high cholesterol levels.
Nariyal pani
The worlds natural and safest "soft drink" rich in electrolytes
Drink it when you want to flaunt a flat stomach as it rids your body of its bloating
Sugar cane juice
Its alkaline in nature, hydrates the body and rich in minerals like iron and magnesium
Beats acidity, burping and farting. Offer it to your smelly colleague in office

Once upon a time in Mumbai, actually 6th Nov 2011 at 3.40pm, I inadvertently jumped a signal. This was the Chakala and WE highway junction. It was one of those things where you are the last car and just as you cross, the signal turns amber and then red. 

So this cop stopped me and I stopped (middle class maharashtrian, mumbaikar, working professional, responsible citizen etc). Now here's what followed -

Cop - madam, license?

Me - arre sorry saheb tumhi pan bhagiltla me mudam signal nahi todla as I hand him my license.
(I am sorry, let me go. Even you know that I didn't jump the signal on purpose)

Cop - (smirking) Madam signal jumping, rash, negligent driving me tumhala kutchya hi gunhya khali pakdu shakto. (From jumping signal to rash negligent driving (I was probably at 30km/hr or lesser) I can book under anything I like). This is him showing off his nuisance value to scare me off / to try and get a bribe.

Me - saheb, negligent/ rash driving? Kay jhala te tumhi baghitla..
(Sir, rash driving? U saw exactly what happened.)

Cop - theek ae. Me fakt signal todnya cha gunha lavto. 100/ - fine bhara.
(Alright, so I will fine u only for jumping the signal. Pay 100/ - as fine)

I hand him 100 bucks and wait for the receipt there is none coming. He puts the note in the receipt book. I point at his receipt book.

Cop (angrily) - kay? (What?)

Me - receipt,

Cop - kasli? (For what?)

Me - fine chi. (For the fine)

Cop - tumhi kuthe mala fine bharli? (When did you pay me the fine?)

Me - (can't believe this is happening to me!) Kay? Me ata tar tumhala 100/ - bharle
(What? I just gave u 100 bucks)

Cop - laughs heartly like a filmi villain and then asks, tumhi 100/- note varcha number lihun ghetla? (Did u write down the number on ur 100/- note?)

Me - No!

Cop - mag tumhi mala fine dilich nahi. Bangs on my bonnet, signalling victory and says chala madam ata nigha.
(Then u never paid me the fine, come scoot off from here)

He crosses over to stand on the other side, I run after him.

Me - saheb, he barobar nahi (agitated now) ek tar mala receipt dya nahi tar majhe paise parat kara.
(Sir, that's not right. Either return my money or hand me over the receipt).

Cop - mockingly, kasli receipt?
(What receipt)

Me - saheb, tumhala receipt deylach lagel
(Sir, u have to give me d receipt).

Cop - nahi tar kay karnar tumhi? Ghya majha nav lihun ghya - Mangesh Mahadev Parthe, majha photo kadha. Kahi hi kelat tari tumhi mala haat lau shaknaar nahi. Mock laughs again.
(What will you do if I don't!? Here take my name down, Mangesh Mahadev Parthe, click my picture, do whatever u want. U won't be able to touch me).

Me - knowing its a lost battle, cross d road, go to my car and bring out my mobile phone, switch on my camera.

Cop on watching me - poses by his bike and says, ha, kadha photo.
(Cool, click my picture)

I feel super frustrated, go back to my car, strap the belt. And post the picture on twitter, it trends on that day.

Smriti Irani, politician and friend calls the DN nagar police chowki and they say swift action will be taken. They call the next day to inform that the cop is not from their chowki but belongs to the airport chowki.

I go to the mumbai traffic police website and call shri Tandlapurkar, the senior police inspector of airport chowki to tell him about the incident and email him the picture. He wants to know if I have spoken to any of his seniors, I tell him I haven't.

'Well now we are busy with VIP visit, George Bush is in town (ours Dr. Kalam just got frisked but we will thoko salaam to even their notorious ex presidents) and after that we are busy with Guru Nanak Jayanti so you call on Monday.'

I call him today, he says - ha ha karu karu madam, amhi tumhala phone karun tumchi statement gheu..
(Yes, yes madam (the yes yes sounds more like "what's the whole fuss about") we will call u later and take your statement.)

I post this on twitter, this time it doesn't trend. A week is long enough to kill our angst but I get suggestions about writing to Mumbai Mirror.

Who wins - so far our lax system has.

Who loses - so far, we the aam janta.  

As part of our continuing effort to spread awareness about injury-free running, we are organizing a free workshop for runners on 6th Nov at Ruia college, Matunga. Call 022-24148111 to register.
Time and duration Topic Speakers
9 -10 am Yoga asanas to prepare and to recover from running  Zubin sirKnow more 10 – 11 am Running smoothly Dr. Dilip NadkarniKnow more 11 am – 12 pm Fueling your run Rujuta Diwekar
12 – 2 pm Workshop for women runners. Details below. Rujuta's team












Workshop for Women runners:

· Why do you gain weight post pregnancy.
· How can it affect your posture and running.
· What can you do to lose body fat and improve posture.
· Foods that help you race (against weight gain).
· Strategies to get back in shape & regain your fitness levels post pregnancy : Food, Exercise, Sleep, Relationships.

Here are my answers to questions on Post-Diwali detox as asked by a magazine.


1. What is a detox diet?A sham. Its a method of 'almost starvation' followed by people who areguilty of bingeing during Diwali orany other festival.
2. Is going on a detox dietpost Diwali a good option?Detoxing during Diwali isa much better option. Traditionally Diwali isall about detox. You detox your house by going in thecleaning mode, letting go of things that you haven't used or have gone old.You buy new curtains, cutlery, clothes, you give yourself a long, warm bath byapplying medicinal herbs, etc. So with our mind we should let go off 'guilt andpunishment', they are useless and instead bring in 'compassion andkindness.' Its absolutely fine to eat sweets and fried during Diwali. Its best to enjoy it in quantitiesyou will be comfortable with so that you dont feel stuffed in your stomach andguilty in your head.
3. How often should a detox dietbe repeated ?Its not worth doing even once.
4. Share with us an ideal detox plan. What should one eat for Breakfast, Mid day,Lunch, Evening and Dinner?Eat normal food is what I believe in. Stay simple with food, don'tcomplicate it.
5. Any quick detox receipesthat have worked for your clients, it could be juices, salads, soups etc.Eating food that is fresh and prepared with love is what has workedwonders for my clients.
6. A detox food,vegetable or fruit you highly recommend.All food is good. This is also the backbone of my book.There are reallyno miracle foods, vegetables and fruits. Eating fresh and eating food that isin season works the best.
7. Do you recommend your clients to go on a detox diet after festivals/occasionswhen they are likely to overindulge in food that may not be appropriate fortheir bodies?My clients are always eating right and their diets always include foodthat they love and relish. Indulgence, the way we understand it, is somethingthat follows long periods of deprivation. So its important to not deprive andhave an inclusive diet. A diet which includes all your fav foods and lets youcelebrate festivals without losing their true essence works well witheverybody.
8. Any celebrity clients who have gone on a detox diet suggested by you and achievedfantastic results .My clients including the celebs work on having regular bedtime and wakingup hours, workout regularly, eat fresh and eat with a calm state of mind. Theirstomach, body and mind is always feeling loved and nourished and the effects arefor everybody to see. Cleansing the mind and body is a life long commitment nota 3 or 7 day detox plan.

The next 'Weight loss strategy session' will cover issues related to hormonal imbalances, in particular Hypothyroid and PCOD. (Pics from an earlier session here)

Date: 17th December

Here is a list of FAQ'sfor the same:

What is a Weight-loss Strategies (WLS) session?

WLS is a 2-partprogram. It comprises of a one-day group workshop conducted by Rujuta at her ancestralfarmhouse outside Mumbai, followed by a 2-month follow up with Rujuta's team.The idea is to cover one lifestyle related condition and learn the fads andfacts surrounding the same. Simply stated, you learn the facts and you learnhow to churn weight loss despite the condition. The 2-month follow up isdesigned to help you stay on track and resolve any practical issues that may cropup while attempting to follow the learning.
How is this different from regularconsultation?

All too often wehear this: "I would love to go on your diet, but can't afford your consultationfees". There is 'Open day' of course, but it is more generic health relatedadvice. The middle-path then is what we hope to tread via the WLS. A full dayfocused workshop with a two-month follow up.
Will you give me a diet?

Afterthe learning, we let you make your own diet which we will look through and makesuggestions if needed. However, our guess is that by the end of a WLS, you'llbe quite the expert yourself ;)
Will I lose weight by following the advice?

Youwill feel fresher, calmer, more alert and active. And yes, weight loss willoccur as a by-product of all the lifestyle changes that you make.

What is the nature of follow up?

We give you homework to do; you fill in our effort tracker (diet andactivity recall) every week and email it to us. Your designated nutritionistprovides you feedback on the same via e-mail once every 2-weeks and talks toyou over the phone.

Where is Sonave?

Sonave is a tribal village on the outskirts of Mumbai, beyond Virar,just off the Western express highway. It is about 80kms from Bandra/ a 2-hourdrive from the Mumbai airport.

I don't stay in Mumbai, how can I make it?

We leave Mumbai by 6:00 am on the day of the WLS session. We suggest youreach Mumbai a day prior so that you can leave along with other participants.If you are coming from Surat, Vapi, Pune – then you can start early from homeand make it to Sonave by road. Exact directions will be provided on signing up.

Can I fly out on the same day?

Yes, you can. Book flights post 8.30 pm to be on the safer side. Weleave by 5:00 pm from Sonave.

Can you arrange for my transport?

Yes, from Mumbai to Sonave and back to Mumbai. We typically carpool andrequest you to indicate while signing up if you would like us to arrange forthe same. Currently it's Rs.3500/- for a car that can accommodate 6 peoplecomfortably.


What is the group size?

In order to keep the session intimate and comfortable, we will not acceptmore than 15 participants. Seats are reserved on first come, first serve basis.



What is the exact schedule of the WLS session?

We serve you breakfast on reaching along with herbal or adrak chai. The firstsession starts at 10.00 am, lunch is from noon to 1.00 pm, the afternoonsession is 2.00– 3.30 pm followed by a Q & A that wraps up by 4.30 pm. Wethen have a small snack and leave from Sonave by 5.00 pm.

What about food?

Simple, nutritious, Maharashtrian fare is served as breakfast; atraditional sit down for lunch and a snack before you leave in the evening.Water is filtered and purified and of course, local beverages like kokam, amlaand nimbu sherbet will be served. Please inform us if you would like Jain mealsor if you have any kind of food allergies.

Anything I need to carry with me?

Nothing in particular. A fruit or a small snack for the journey and abottle of water. Once you are at Sonave, we take care of your meals.

What are the fees for the session?

Rs.15,000/- which does not include transport.

Do you offer any couple/group discounts?

None.

How do I make my payment/register?

You need to makeyour payment either by a DD or via an online transfer after which we confirmyour place and send you the Diet recall sheet. Payment details are:
Demand Draft:
For 'Rujuta Diwekar'
403, Ram Krishna Chambers,
Above Reebok showroom,
Linking Road, Khar west,
Mumbai- 400052 Online transfer/ Direct deposit to:
Beneficiary Name - Rujuta Diwekar
Beneficiary Current Account # or IBAN # - 910020016032277
Beneficiary Bank Name - Axis Bank Ltd.,
Swift code: AXISINBB020
IFSC code: UTIB0000415
Beneficiary Bank Address - Springfields Bldg,
Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (w), Mumbai - 400053.
Will Rujuta be personally available?
Of course! Rujuta conducts the session, so you can have access to herthrough the day. Her mother will be present too and is in charge of cookingsimple, nourishing, pure-vegetarian maharashtrian meals for the day :)
Do we get any notes or manual?

Yes, you get a note pad & a pen to take notes and we provide you afile with the print outs of all that was discussed and is worth rememberingfrom the WLS sessionJ
We are also working on providing you with a CD of the session.
Anything else that I need to know?

Your phone may not work in Sonave, we have electricity but it is well,unreliable. The last 1 or 2 km to the farm is a kaccha road.

For any further queries, please feel free to email on [email protected] call on +91 8080824276 between 10.00 am-6.00 pm IST (Mon-Sat).



Look forward toseeing you at Sonave J

After a super successfullearning session on 'Fads and facts of weight loss' (Pics here), we are readywith the next in the series. Same venue, new topic. Watch out diabetes- lookslike you are about to get de-mystified!  

Date: 12th November

Here is a list of FAQ'sfor the same:

What is a Weight-loss Strategies (WLS) session?

WLS is a 2-partprogram. It comprises of a one-day group workshop conducted by Rujuta at her ancestralfarmhouse outside Mumbai, followed by a 2-month follow up with Rujuta's team.The idea is to cover one lifestyle related condition and learn the fads andfacts surrounding the same. Simply stated, you learn the facts and you learnhow to churn weight loss despite the condition. The 2-month follow up isdesigned to help you stay on track and resolve any practical issues that may cropup while attempting to follow the learning.
How is this different from regularconsultation?

All too often wehear this: "I would love to go on your diet, but can't afford your consultationfees". There is 'Open day' of course, but it is more generic health relatedadvice. The middle-path then is what we hope to tread via the WLS. A full dayfocused workshop with a two-month follow up.
Will you give me a diet?

Afterthe learning, we let you make your own diet which we will look through and makesuggestions if needed. However, our guess is that by the end of a WLS, you'llbe quite the expert yourself ;)
Will I lose weight by following the advice?

Youwill feel fresher, calmer, more alert and active. And yes, weight loss willoccur as a by-product of all the lifestyle changes that you make.
What is the WLS session on Diabetes all about?

The general notion we have observed amongst people after they getdiagnosed with diabetes is that they are now doomed to stay fat and pop insulinpills/take injections for life. We hope to debunk these and several other mythsand leave you with a newfound approach towards your disorder and a way tosuccessfully tackle it.

What is the nature of follow up?

We give you homework to do; you fill in our effort tracker (diet andactivity recall) every week and email it to us. Your designated nutritionistprovides you feedback on the same via e-mail once every 2-weeks and talks toyou over the phone.

Where is Sonave?

Sonave is a tribal village on the outskirts of Mumbai, beyond Virar,just off the Western express highway. It is about 80kms from Bandra/ a 2-hourdrive from the Mumbai airport.

I don't stay in Mumbai, how can I make it?

We leave Mumbai by 6:00 am on the day of the WLS session. We suggest youreach Mumbai a day prior so that you can leave along with other participants.If you are coming from Surat, Vapi, Pune – then you can start early from homeand make it to Sonave by road. Exact directions will be provided on signing up.

Can I fly out on the same day?

Yes, you can. Book flights post 8.30 pm to be on the safer side. Weleave by 5:00 pm from Sonave.

Can you arrange for my transport?

Yes, from Mumbai to Sonave and back to Mumbai. We typically carpool andrequest you to indicate while signing up if you would like us to arrange forthe same. Currently it's Rs.3500/- for a car that can accommodate 6 peoplecomfortably.


What is the group size?

In order to keep the session intimate and comfortable, we will not acceptmore than 15 participants. Seats are reserved on first come, first serve basis.



What is the exact schedule of the WLS session?

We serve you breakfast on reaching along with herbal or adrak chai. The firstsession starts at 10.00 am, lunch is from noon to 1.00 pm, the afternoonsession is 2.00– 3.30 pm followed by a Q & A that wraps up by 4.30 pm. Wethen have a small snack and leave from Sonave by 5.00 pm.

What about food?

Simple, nutritious, Maharashtrian fare is served as breakfast; atraditional sit down for lunch and a snack before you leave in the evening.Water is filtered and purified and of course, local beverages like kokam, amlaand nimbu sherbet will be served. Please inform us if you would like Jain mealsor if you have any kind of food allergies.

Anything I need to carry with me?

Nothing in particular. A fruit or a small snack for the journey and abottle of water. Once you are at Sonave, we take care of your meals.

What are the fees for the session?

Rs.15,000/- which does not include transport.

Do you offer any couple/group discounts?

None.

How do I make my payment/register?

You need to makeyour payment either by a DD or via an online transfer after which we confirmyour place and send you the Diet recall sheet. Payment details are:
Demand Draft:
For 'Rujuta Diwekar'
403, Ram Krishna Chambers,
Above Reebok showroom,
Linking Road, Khar west,
Mumbai- 400052 Online transfer/ Direct deposit to:
Beneficiary Name - Rujuta Diwekar
Beneficiary Current Account # or IBAN # - 910020016032277
Beneficiary Bank Name - Axis Bank Ltd.,
Swift code: AXISINBB020
IFSC code: UTIB0000415
Beneficiary Bank Address - Springfields Bldg,
Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (w), Mumbai - 400053.
Will Rujuta be personally available?
Of course! Rujuta conducts the session, so you can have access to herthrough the day. Her mother will be present too and is in charge of cookingsimple, nourishing, pure-vegetarian maharashtrian meals for the day :)
Do we get any notes or manual?

Yes, you get a note pad & a pen to take notes and we provide you afile with the print outs of all that was discussed and is worth rememberingfrom the WLS sessionJ
We are also working on providing you with a CD of the session.
Anything else that I need to know?

Your phone may not work in Sonave, we have electricity but it is well,unreliable. The last 1 or 2 km to the farm is a kaccha road.

For any further queries, please feel free to email on [email protected] call on +91 8080824276 between 10.00 am-6.00 pm IST (Mon-Sat).



Look forward toseeing you at Sonave J

We love our babies, want to spend all our time with them and want to look (and feel) like million dollars while doting on our kids but (and this a big but, pun intended) we have no time to exercise. It's this predicament which gave birth to our signature program, "Mumbai chi aai".

What is it?A marathon training program for young moms with babies of 3 months to 3 years along with baby sitting facilities. So while you workout and get thinner your babies get looked after and entertained.

Why a special program for mothers?Post delivery we focus on babies but it's our bodies, the sagging uterus, changing body composition and over worked joints which need your immediate attention. Most importantly you need time away from your babies to pursue exercise without guilt or worrying them babies.

Where is it conducted ?Across public gardens in Mumbai, write to [email protected] for details.

What is its aim?The program aims to bring your fitness to a level where you can complete the half marathon (21k) in jan 2012 in a respectable time and injury free. Of course that means that your stamina to run around babies, the strength to cope up with their ever increasing weight ( touch wood) and the calm with which you will deal with their tantrums / late nights etc will dramatically improve. Read that as -" I will be fitter, sexier and yummier than before".

What are the training days?Group training will be on the Weekends to begin with and then we will add one weekday, the cool part about this program is that you will have online tutorials to allow you to exercise at home without having to worry about the logistics about your baby.

The timings?It's 6.30 to 7.30 am in the mornings. If your babies are sleeping at that time you can bring them in a pram and cover them with a blanket. Our team looks after them & feed them the first meal in case they wake before you finish.

Do I get a diet?Of course you do and you get a training diary so we keep a track of what you do and what you eat every week.

What is Rujuta's involvement in this project?For starters it's her pet project and all of us here have been burning the midnight oil to make this a reality. Rujuta and her team personally look into every aspect of your training sessions and she will be present on all days that she is in town. On signing up you will receive the exact schedule of the sessions she will be personally leading.

What is the cost?It's Rs. 15000/- all inclusive from Oct 15, 2011 to 15th jan 2012.The idea is to keep the cost low so that it's accessible to all.

But I am not registered for the marathon..Of course we know that and we plan to help you with that. Be there for the orientation at 12 noon, 25th sep, 2011 at Ruia college and we will give you the details and answer all the questions that got left out in the FAQ.

How do I register?By writing to [email protected] or [email protected] and calling on 02224148111.

What's a Learning session (LS)?Learning session is a one-daygroup workshop conducted at Rujuta's ancestral farm house in Sonave. The ideais to learn how food, sleep, exercise and relationships affect the health andharmony of our body. The workshop is followed by a 2 month interaction withRujuta's team to help you stay on track and resolve any practical issues thatmay crop up while following her advice.
What is the LS on Hypothyroid allabout?Well, all we have been doing foryears is cursing the thyroid gland for our "weight gain", but the truth is thatan underworking thyroid is more of a lifestyle problem than a "thyroidproblem".You will be learning strategies tonourish your thyroid gland – how good food, exercise, sleep & relationshipscan optimize thyroid function, improve your metabolic rate and thereby aid fatburning.So whether it is a post-pregnancythyroid issue/autoimmune thyroid/menopause thyroid- the idea is to work atmaking specific changes in your lifestyle that will help support your thyroidfunction and eventually allow you to lower your thyroid dosage.
Is it a day-long or more? It is a day-long learning session.It also includes a 2-month follow up with Rujuta's team nutritionist.
What is the nature of follow up?We give you homework to do; youfill in our effort tracker every week and email it to us. Your designatednutritionist provides you feedback on the same via e-mail once every 2-weeksand talks to you over the phone.
Where is Sonave?Sonave is a tribal village on theoutskirts of Mumbai, beyond Virar, just off the Western express Highway. It isabout 80kms from Bandra/ a 2-hour drive from the Mumbai airport.
I don't stay in Mumbai, how can Imake it? We leave Mumbai by 6:00 am on theday of the LS. We suggest you reach Mumbai a day prior so that you can leavealong with other participants. If you are coming from Surat, Vapi, Pune – thenyou can start early from home and make it to Sonave on time. Exact directionswill be provided on signing up.
Can I fly out on the same day?Yes, you can. Book flights post8.30 pm to be on the safer side. We leave by 5:00 pm from Sonave.
Can you arrange for my transport?Yes, from Mumbai to Sonave and backto Mumbai. We typically carpool and request you to indicate while signing up ifyou would like us to arrange for the same. Currently it's Rs.3500/- for a carthat can accommodate 6 people comfortably.
What is the group size? It will be about 15 max. Seats arereserved on first come, first serve basis.
What are the exact timings of theLS?We serve you breakfast on reachingalong with herbal or adrak chai, the session starts at 10.00 am, lunch is from noonto 1.00 pm, the afternoon session is 2.00– 3.30 pm followed by a Q & A thatwraps up by 4.30 pm. We then have a small snack and leave from Sonave by 5.00 pm.
What about food?Simple, nutritious, Maharashtrianfare is served as breakfast; a traditional sit down for lunch and a snackbefore you leave in the evening. Water is filtered and purified and of course, localbeverages like kokam, amla and nimbu sherbet will be served. Please inform usif you would like Jain meals or if you have any kind of food allergies.
Anything I need to carry with me? Nothing in particular. A fruit ora small snack for the journey and a bottle of water. Once you are at Sonave, wetake care of your meals.
What are the fees for the learningsession?Rs. 15,000/- which does notinclude transport.
Do you offer any couple/groupdiscounts?None.
How do I make my payment/register?You need to make your paymenteither by a DD or via an online transfer after which we confirm your place andsend you the Diet recall sheet. Payment details are – Demand Draft:
For 'Rujuta Diwekar'
403, Ram Krishna Chambers,
Above Reebok showroom,
Linking Road, Khar west,
Mumbai- 400052 Online transfer/ Direct deposit to:
Beneficiary Name - Rujuta Diwekar
Beneficiary Current Account # or IBAN # - 910020016032277
Beneficiary Bank Name - Axis Bank Ltd.,
Swift code: AXISINBB020
IFSC code: UTIB0000415
Beneficiary Bank Address - Springfields Bldg,
Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (w), Mumbai - 400053.
Will Rujuta be personally available?Of course! Rujuta conducts thesession, so you can have access to her through the day. Her mother will bepresent too and is in charge of cooking simple, nourishing, pure-vegetarianmaharashtrian meals for the day :)
Do we get any notes or manual?Yes, you get a note pad & apen to take notes and we provide you a file with the print outs of all that wasdiscussed and is worth remembering from the LS J We are also working on providingyou with a CD of the LS.
Anything else that I need to know?Your phone may not work in Sonave,we have electricity but it is well, unreliable. The last 1 or 2 km to the farmis a kaccha road.
For any further queries, pleasefeel free to email on [email protected] or call on +91 8080824276  between 10.00 am-6.00pm IST (Mon-Sat).
Look forward to seeing you atSonave J