The Power Of Imperfect Eating: For Ordinary People With Extraordinary Struggles

The Power of Imperfect Eating is not concerned about advising what to eat or what not to eat. Neither it is intended to celebrate the success stories of celebrities who have lost or gained weight and transformed themselves. This book is written for ordinary people with their extraordinary struggles. The book encourages readers to embrace imperfection in their relationship with food, finding peace in progress rather than perfection. She guides readers to re-evaluate how they engage with food in their everyday life without guilt or judgment—just curiosity and understanding.

An Excerpt From The Power Of Imperfect Eating

For any medication to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes, correct dosage is very important. Too little of it means the condition is not being addressed effectively and patients run the risk of worsening symptoms and lead a poor quality of life.

Too much of it and you run the risk of overdosing which can lead to drug resistance, hospitalization of the patient and even deaths. Some medicines also work better under specific conditions, like with meals or at particular times. The correct dosage protects the overall health and wellness of patients.

‘Radhika, my doll,’ I could hear her father’s robust voice. Radhika came back after opening the door. ‘Come, I will introduce you to my parents,’ and we both left the room together. 

‘Meet KB, my new colleague,’ said Radhika. ‘So nice of you to have come,’ Radhika’s parents, though surprised, greeted me with a pleasant smile. ‘Congratulations on your new job!’ Her dad embraced her by handing over a bag from a bakery. ‘Come on, let’s celebrate! 

We have brought brownies and cheese puffs for you,’ said Radhika’s dad proudly. ‘Sudha, you open up the packets and lay the table and I will go and make some tea, please join us, Ma’am.’ 

‘Dad you have just returned from Reena’s engagement, we could have celebrated some other day,’ Radhika said. ‘But today is your big day, so party should also happen today,’ her dad smiled and reached out for his bottle of digestive churan. ‘A spoonful of this and I will be ready for my next party,’ he winked at her.

Radhika sat on the sofa, dejected while her father retreated to the kitchen. Her mom, noticing that something was wrong, asked, ‘What’s the matter? All well?’ Then looking at Radhika, she said, ‘It was such a lovely afternoon, Radhika. We missed you so much. The food was so delicious. I wish you could have joined.

Everyone was asking about you. Come here, I will show you something.’ I looked towards Radhika. She seemed disengaged. Her mother took out her phone and began showing her pictures from the engagement ceremony they had returned from. ‘Can you recognize her?’ Without waiting for a reply she looked at me, ‘It’s Reena, Radhika’s cousin.’ She said, ‘Can you believe it? Isn’t she looking beautiful? She has totally transformed herself. At first I couldn’t even recognize her. She has really slogged to shed all the weight! She wants to look the best on her wedding night.’

I squirmed in my chair. The last thing I wanted her mom to discuss was weight loss. Radhika looked forlornly with no expressions on her face. ‘And look at this one.’ ‘Is that Mansoor Uncle? How drained out he looks! What happened to him?’ Radhika asked with surprise evident in her tone.

‘He had his bypass surgery. He has become so weak, but his passion for life is intact! He was enjoying his food and drinks just the way he used to before his surgery!’ ‘What passion are you talking about, Mom? Is life all about eating and drinking? At least now Mansoor Uncle should have become more careful about what he eats and drinks,’ Radhika said sarcastically. ‘Mom, I just don’t understand! Why can’t we learn from experiences of others? Just now you have returned from Reena’s engagement party and now you want to have another party. You both want to have brownies and cheese puffs on full stomachs!’

Radhika’s mom looked at her surprised, ‘What’s wrong with you? We brought them for you to celebrate your new job. We had thought you would be dancing around the house with your offer letter.’ ‘What offer letter Mom?’ She handed the letter to her and started crying.

‘That’s your offer letter. But why are you crying?’ Her mom couldn’t make sense of Radhika’s behaviour. ‘Mom, they chose me for a back office role and not for the customer facing role for which I was initially interviewed,’ she felt disappointed and defeated.

Radhika’s mom looked at me with confusion, not able to comprehend the situation. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, not able to decide how to react.

Excerpted from The Power Of Imperfect Eating, written by Dr. Kavita Bhatnagar; published by Penguin Random House India