Couple of years ago, a friend told me about Shonali and I started following her on instagram. I found what she posted helpful and decided to sign up for one of her online courses on Macrobiotics during the lockdown. My journey to better health began just about then. Convinced to give this a shot, I consulted her for two months. Having struggled with chronic constipation, gastrointestinal issues, acidity, colitis and everything wrong with my gut health since I was born- I almost considered this as my final shot at getting better, without medicines. And, it worked wonders! She has not only guided me through what I ate, but also introduced me to a diverse range of food groups and cuisines. Three months later – I feel a lot lighter, not bloated (as I always would feel) and my constipation issue is on the road to resolution. From someone who suffered from severe pain, nausea and fainting on my menstrual cycle, I see my cycle ease out with far less pain now.

I also have reduced headaches, hairfall, body pain and fatigue. All in all, I think the clean eating and holistic approach of Shonali and the macrobiotic diet – is therapy for the mind, body and soul that will stay with you for a lifetime. You can also pass on relevant knowledge to your loved ones from your personal experience. And while you may have to give up on certain foods you have been consuming all your life – she ensures your palate is satisfied and substituted with enough textures, tastes and nutrients. Most importantly, Shonali has gone beyond what I eat and understood my emotional and mental state of being by addressing my concerns inside out. Will definitely revisit her consultation in the future. This is also an economically viable option as the results are long-term and sustainable. My key take away from her: Listen to your body carefully as it is always signalling and communicating with you! A must try for everyone suffering with health issues!

Thank you Shonali for all the information and assistance, I will keep in touch!

I am a 3 year Breast cancer survivor. After getting done with Breast Cancer Treatment, I started cleaning up my diet but there was something missing. I could feel the water retention on waking up and my digestion was still problematic. My circulating tumor cell (CTC) test could never come to zero. Despite ovarian suppression my estrogen was increasing. I was taking 12-14 pills of supplements and could not get these numbers to lower values.

I was looking for someone who understood cancer, my body, my needs and lifestyle. I signed up with Shonali and within two months my CTC test came back as zero and estrogen came back to normal range. This was not all that was impacted; my inflammation markers came back to be low without any supplements. I started exercising and have never felt low on energy or excessive soreness. Shonali understands you at a personal level ‘holistically’ and slowly introduces changes and seeks to integrate them in order to make these adjustments a part of your lifestyle. She is diligent, and is invested in you herself 100%. I am thankful to Shonali for helping me get here and make me understand the power of food and the choices we make.

I have been suffering from ulcerative colitis since 6 years now. I was on allopathy medication since I got diagnosed, and my condition progressively worsened over the years. Medication wasn’t helping me and was only making my condition worse and making me more anxious and frustrated. I consulted a dietician (before Shonali) who claimed to be a Gut Microbiome Specialist, but I wasn’t guided well and I ended up in a bigger soup. I met Shonali when I was at my lowest; both physically and emotionally. She helped me with a very basic and an easy diet to start with and ensured that I wasn’t hungry or craving anything during this period. She knows the psychology of my ailment, the psychology of the foods and understands my psychology – and uses all these 3 to treat me. Shonali knows exactly how each food group will work, to make my condition better or worse. My condition has improved a lot and I am really hopeful that with her help and guidance I am going to be in a better place soon. She has not only been a nutritionist to me but a life coach; and is in the know of all my emotional issues that stem from my gut. She has always been a call away. Thank you so much Shonali; for being a guide, a mentor and most importantly a friend I could confide in. I owe a lot to you. More than I could ever express in words.

I have had issues with my gut and immunity in general for the longest time. I remember crying everyday before going to school because my stomach would hurt and I would feel so uneasy. I have also always been a highly anxious person. In my life of 25 years, I have had innumerable hospital visits, one surgery, PCOD, thyroid, autoimmune issues, IBS, many viral fevers and allergies.

It was a rare virus attack last year that accounted for two months of – fever, headaches and pains and leading to an autoimmune issue surfacing after 3 months that jolted me. I had no other choice but to make changes to my life. I was never an unhealthy eater by any means but when I started consulting Shonali I got the right order and choice of foods for myself. It’s been a month of following the diet and I feel much fitter, my gut feels good, my autoimmune symptoms are better, and I have more energy during the day.

I had issues with my gut and irregular bowel movements, malabsorption of nutrients from food leading to few vitamin deficiencies. The result was: low energy, fatigue, coupled with high anxiety. Shonali helped me in diagnosing the root cause in a scientific way.

She prescribed the right type of foods along with some key lifestyle changes, which were not that difficult to follow. Within 2 weeks, I started feeling more energetic, lost 4.5 kgs in 40 days with 50% reduction in anxiety levels. Most importantly, her plan helped me to inculcate self discipline with respect to food habits.

This sudden crisis (pandemic) has shaken us all. I started experiencing anxiousness, fear, stress and uneasiness; with heightened symptoms of ‘obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression.’ I did not realise, I was at my worst, and had hit rock bottom. I was 39 kgs at 34 years old, feeling weak from inside. I was put on medication and therapy. But there was something inside me that was looking for more. I did not want to get addicted to the medicines.

Then, as a sign from God, Shonali put out a post on Instagram on mental health and the importance of food. And I immediately signed up for her consultation. She changed my diet completely. Her sessions were so friendly and she made me feel like a normal human being, who can rise up again. She introduced wholesome foods, and a super cleansing diet, that made me whole again. Within one month, my anxiety medication was reduced to half. And I am feeling so much better, and it can be seen on my face. I feel she came into my life like a shining star in this crisis. I don’t even know how to thank her. I will keep learning and following her Macrobiotic approach to food and lifestyle.

I received a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis in April 2019 . I underwent chemo, radiation and initially responded well to treatment but soon after there was disease progression. Despite being treated with the best medicines, I felt really helpless. I wanted to be in control of my health and life. Doctors think it’s okay to keep taking medicines indefinitely but I wasn’t comfortable with that. I had been following Shonali on social media for long and found her in-depth knowledge of using nutrition to reverse illness simply incredible.

I started consulting with Shonali soon after the scans detected progression. My diet changed completely and I strictly followed her instructions on what, how and when to eat. Just a few months later (3-4), my scans turned out to be excellent. Most of the metastatic cancer lesions were no longer there. I had expected good results but this was beyond my imagination. I could feel the difference in my digestion, energy, skin and hair health. I was very happy to be feeling and looking good. It’s been such a privilege to have had Shonali’s guidance during this challenging time. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge regarding food and nutrition that’s changed how my entire family eats today. I feel a lot more empowered about my health. I can see myself going off cancer medication in the near future. I’m really looking forward to that.

“My journey in exploring Macrobiotic cooking began 3 years back when I picked up The Beauty Diet, authored by Shonali Sabherwal. I am a foodie and I love to experiment with food. But I am perpetually looking for a balance between my food cravings and a need to look good. The book intrigued me and I began exploring. I kept following the ground rules of the book. No maida, no sugar, and no dairy. Especially the No Dairy part helped me a lot. I am a young civil servant and preparing for the UPSC exam required me to study and concentrate for long hours. Going off dairy really worked for me. I was addicted to milk, curd and paneer which are the staple foods for any Punjabi. Getting off dairy made was magical for me. I was less groggy and more energetic. I also followed it up with her cooking class, Shonali was generous and she shared her wisdom gained over so many years of cooking Macrobiotic food. I flew in especially from Delhi to attend the weekend workshop. We covered about 50 plus dishes including soups, salads, snacks, fermented pickles, deserts and much more.”

“I met Shonali through her workshops, her enthusiasm and passion for health is contagious. I was overweight by 10 kilos; she came in like a fairy with her magic wand. I enrolled for her 4-month plan. Not only did she give the diet, but a strict menu plan to follow monthly. I stuck to it, what I liked about her was her dealing with my cook and getting involved with the staff that managed my kitchen. It took me 3 months to lose 10 kilos, and I looked amazing. She is the best.”

“My life was in a total mess because of an unhealthy lifestyle coupled with a hectic work schedule, stress, and tension. I soon became a victim of PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disorder). I followed the conventional way of treating the problem but my issues were not being resolved. This was increasing the pressure on me and worsening my problems and PCOD. I was totally blank, not knowing what to do and whom to approach. I read ‘The Beauty Diet’ wherein things were explained in a simple way, and how I could reverse the problem. So, I decided to approach Shonali for a consultation. I followed her Macrobiotic approach strictly for four months and my PCOD was sorted out. Her diet healed me completely and I must thank her for this, and I say this from the bottom of my heart. You came like an angel from God in my life and made me healthy. I wish you lots of success.”

“I did not know what ‘leaky gut syndrome’ was until I read, ‘The Detox Diet’ by Shonali. So far, I had got a thyroid at a young age, and suffered with some skin issues, coupled with constipation from a young age. I tried various permutations and combinations of treatment. From laxatives and of course the thyroid medication to colonics with topical expensive skin treatments; nothing worked. I got temporary relief, but my condition got worse as it would all come back. After reading Shonali’s book, I started somewhat following her approach, but I knew I wanted it customized. I was on her program (and have continued it on my own) for 4 months. She resolved my constipation, which was a sign that my gut lining had gone back to normal. She also got me off my thyroid medication, and now I suffer with no skin issues, I have to thanks her for tackling my issues from within, and resolve them.”

“I am a victim of depression, as my father too suffers from the same condition. It started during my youth, but at that point I would bounce back quickly, with moment of feeling low and blue all the time. However, once I cross 42 it took a turn for the worse, and now I am clinically depressed; as analysed by a psychiatrist. While I did take a course of anti-depressants for a long time; I also realized that having a sound diet would really help me. I approached Shonali as I had read her book, ‘The Beauty Diet,’ in which she included a chapter on food for better moods. Her diet has managed my condition very well. Even though I am not out of this dark space, I am not on anti-depressants anymore, and manage my condition very well. I am thankful to her for showing me the path to keep myself light and somewhat joyful.”

“I am a healthy male, however had a series of years where I ate very poorly and started having stomach issues and after a colonoscopy it was revealed that I had acquired Crohn’s disease. I knew my condition had to be managed. After going through a series of articles on the net, I chanced upon Shonali. The Macrobiotic approach was best suited for me, because she understood the nature of my ailment. It took me 4 months to recover, but her total care in helping my staff in the kitchen, advising my wife and my mother and personal involvement were the key pillars in making me recover. I am now cured and have also been taught how to live, eat and live a healthier life.”

I am middle class housewife from Kalyan, Mumbai. Last year I bought your book ‘The Beauty Diet’ and my life changed. From being a lazy, weak and dull person; I became energetic and feel like young person. This is my first book on diet and I am lucky, as it has changed my life. I have gained my health and become a more positive person.

In this book, you have suggested the ‘nishime’ cooking style. I have been using this style for a year and remain energetic. I am so thankful, as whenever I use to go out I felt tired and low, and wanted to sleep when I got back. But now, I am full of abundant energy. My husband has had Tuberculosis (TB) for the last 10 years. Using the ‘nishime’ style has helped him a lot. After eating your food, he also feels healthy, is glowing and feels energetic. I give him soups and juices, for detoxification as he used to take in a lot of alcohol at one time. He works for the railways and our house runs on his earnings, so it’s important he has his health. I have gifted your book to my daughter as well. There is so much basic information on food groups and in detail for a layperson like me to understand.

I really love you, because you have cured my soul. It was a soul-to-soul connect for me. I did not expect you will reply to my Instagram messages, but you did. You are so down-to-earth. I am very thankful to Shonali as you have changed me from within with your food.

I never knew why I was always bloated, uncomfortable and never lost my weight. Till one day I picked up Shonali’s book ‘The Detox Diet,’ and could not put it down. I only knew that I had ‘inflammation’ after reading her book. All the signs were pointing me in that direction. I also did not know I had candida, till I finally decided to meet Shonali for a consult. If there is anyone who knows about ‘gut’ health and the digestive system, it is her. She knows her stuff at a level that only a person who suffers with such a condition, will know. She is a ‘guru’ on the ‘gut’ – you can call her a ‘gut guru.’ At least she has been mine. I cannot thank her enough I have lost 6 kilos, my skin is glowing, I look like another person. Most of all I feel unbelievable. For me she is everything a true Nutritionist should be all about. She follows up routinely with calls, reminds you that you have to talk to her and is all there when you need her. I kept extending my plan with her, as I knew I was in the right hands. If you can spend on jewelry, expensive clothes and bags. Then why not spend it on your health instead for life-long insurance against any disease. Please do this for yourself. It’s totally worth it!

My daughter was diagnosed with Pediatric Crohn’s disease. Every doctor we visited said that we had no choice, but to start her on steroids. In our family, we don’t even have paracetamol so we look at natural alternatives I had heard about Shonali from a friend and we decide to give Macrobiotics a shot. It’s been two years and we are doing extremely well being consistent with her diet and homeopathy. Shonali is extremely knowledgeable, empathetic and practical in her diet approach. She is there to hold your hand right from sourcing the food required to the preparation.

I was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and before this psoriasis. My lifestyle, was erratic with food habits and the inclusion of a lot of alcohol. This led me to the hospital and finally diabetes. My wife had attended Shonali’s workshop and was sold on her approach. She told me it would be a change in lifestyle. But despite visiting a nutritionist in the functional medicine area, I was not sorted out. So, my wife and I decided to consult Shonali. She sat in Mumbai and we live in Jaipur. The first consult was a face-to-face meeting, she diagnosed me, prescribed a plan within 2 days. I started her 4-month plan.

I have no words to express, where I stand 6 months later. I am a changed person in every way on my sugar parameters, digestive system, blood work and mental state. Shonali has worked diligently, committed, helped my wife with recipes, sorted our eating plan while travelling. But more importantly literally taught me the true meaning of living disease-free. We only met her in person, after 6 months; but were in constant touch on the phone, emails. There is no stone this lady will leave in getting you to be healthy again! Please do consider her approach, to me it’s the only way out of something like what I had. She will not leave your side till you get there. That’s the ’beauty’ and ‘grace’ in her approach as well, a big part in your healing journey. No assistants in-between you and her. It’s just her all the way.

I got diagnosed with lichen planus when I was 43. My profession does not help the situation. Since it is an autoimmune condition, doctors don’t offer you a solution. I resorted to homeopathy, but never thought my diet played a big role in getting me there in the first place. Shonali was recommended by a friend, who also had an autoimmune skin condition, I immediately took up her 4-month plan. After all the topical solutions and medications, I cannot believe just making dietary changes based on Shonali’s approach stopped my flare-ups and I am now finally managing my condition. Thanks to learning food triggers for lichen planus and foods that would heal my condition, I am sorted. Thank you Shonali, you’re the best.

Since I was a child I had dark circles. I only learnt about why I had them when I met Shonali. A weak digestion, tons of constipation had weakened my gut, which also impacted my kidneys being sluggish. I was always tired, confused and low on energy. All were signs (as Shonali explained) of adrenal fatigue. I worked closely with Shonali for 8 months and slowly saw them disappear. What a dermatologist could not do, I managed with changing my diet and lifestyle. Kudos to her approach! Using foods to sort out something so tough for me to achieve in my 40 years.

Shonali is the only true gut health nutritionist in India. Her diet for me has cured me of a problem I have lived with since I was 10 years old. Bleeding from my rectum had become a way of living for me. I visited doctors, homeopaths, naturopaths and nothing helped. Only when I finally reached Shonali did I realize that diet was the answer. Her plan just worked its magic. I cannot describe to you, what a person with this condition goes through. It’s a pain and I mean real pain. I also visited the Ayurvedic space she works closely with and Dr. Raveendran. Shonali works with her amazing method to see you finish your plan, and leave completely happy. She has as she says, ‘no blocks in energy between you and her’ she wants to see a ‘free-flow of energy’ between her clients and her, so the approach she sets out succeeds.

Shonali’s pregnancy diet is a must do. She gives you the best plan ever to keep you fit, weight under-check, and sort out supplementation. She focuses on your baby’s condition while you are pregnant, so imagine it’s a diet for you and your baby’s health. She makes sure your gut health is taken care-off, so you pass this on to your child. I also lost my post-pregnancy weight in just 4 months. I strongly encourage you to do her diet plan, it is so easy to follow, adapt and incorporate. It will become your life.

Our school, Ecole Mondiale World School, has been working with Shonali spear-heading our Kids Nutrition Program for the past 3 years. It has been a pleasure working with someone who is so passionate about kid’s nutrition. Not only has she turned our canteen around, by making it sugar-free (almost 80%), dairy-free (almost 60%), refined flour-free (maida-free), adding whole grains like brown rice, a healthier menu for breakfast, lunch and snacks; but she has also engaged our parents, teachers and kids in talks on health and nutrition.

Shonali’s passion speaks through her dedicated work for children, and setting the foundation in-place for their health. She has been able to guide our back-end caterer on various tips to include healthier options in his canteen menu. Because her USP is that of being a nutritionist and a chef; she knows exactly how to deal with kids and the roadblocks they put up when something healthy is introduced to them.

She is someone that can relate to any staff member from a parent, to the caterer, to our administration and to even our helpers in the kitchen. Guiding us all towards setting standards of excellent health for the kids at our school.

I have had acne with a combination of rosacea from my teens. I started visiting dermatologists, who put me through many skin treatments. But, at one of those sessions, in the clinic I bumped into Shonali who had flawless skin. I asked her what her secret was, and she said she was a Nutritionist and Chef in the Macrobiotic approach and only focused on her food. While sitting there waiting she said she could see I had a digestive issue (which I also did since I was very young). She mentioned that my lungs were off, and I was wondering how she rattled off so much about me, by just looking at my face. Then she mentioned she could read organs on the face, and I was totally stumped. I then decided to go to her for a consult.

She has really been able to work on my whole system, sorting out my digestion that has benefitted my skin tremendously. I also have PCOD, so this too she explained had happened because of erratic lifestyle and eating patterns. Shonali has been a Godsend to me, helping me and teaching me a food plan that really works from you from within, resolving your blood condition (as she says) which shows up on your skin. Ultimately no amount of skin clinics can do this part of cleansing internally. Her ingredients and the way she uses them to affect the outcome that is your health goals are unique.

I came to know of Shonali through my sister and started following her on Instagram. I am based in Doha, so when she visited, I decided to do a consult. I took a 2-month plan, and was so amazed by Shonali’s approach and the way she handled my case. I was diagnosed with Lupus and Shonali assured me with the right diet, I could keep all the symptoms at bay. This is just what happened once I started following her diet plan. My lupus markers were better, and I just felt amazing. Shonali is very approachable, and passionate about what she does. She is gentle and guides you diligently about your foods, adjustment to the diet, and any questions you have. I have been very happy on this plan, and it work for my health condition.

With SoulFood i learnt that you are what you eat and that your body is your temple. These two things shifted the way I started to think about food. I joined Shonali for her Detox Diet and the extended the plan with her multiple times because the plan helped me get rid of constipation problem that I had been experiencing for a while. Each time I would eat out, I felt I put on a couple of kilos even if I ate the right food. Through the detox diet Shonali helped cleanse my body and restore the good gut bacteria, which helps digestion and boost immunity. The vegan approach has worked for me, my skin felt better, my body felt lighter and my energy levels improved. I would recommend this plan to anyone who is looking for a long-term learning on good food as a way to a healthier lifestyle.

In the beginning of 2017, on a friend’s recommendation I had tried a Keto diet, which happened to back-fire like anything. I got myself caught into some sort of an Irritable Bowel Disorder-like situation, with my gut severely affected; with gastric pains and indigestion. This was also embarrassing for me and difficult to deal with. My professional and personal life were both getting affected. To my luck, I stumbled upon one of Shonali’s books, ‘The Detox Diet.’ Consulting Shonali and following her diet for 4 months, not only bought sanity back into my digestive system, but made me aware of my body and the kind of food that I should be indulging in and those that absolutely did not work. Today, when I am on a path to recovery, I owe a lot to Shonali. Her exterior and warmth work wonders together.

“I had urticarial, it’s nice saying ‘had’ as now it’s gone because I followed Shonali strictly for 2 years. I first learnt everything to do with the approach she outlined for me over 4 months; then I never gave it up even for one minute. Knocking out the urticaria was like getting rid of a cancer for me. Shonali’s approach includes natural foods, she stresses on organic if possible, and probiotics if you can handle them. She first diagnosed me with candida, so we worked on getting rid of it; then she worked on getting me back to health once I had cleansed my candida. I recommend her approach to everyone with any ailment, it really works.”

“I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, with a tendency towards Crohn’s disease. I approached Shonali to help me resolve this crisis, my stomach was bloated and hard; I looked pale and my weight was not budging. Her approach of isolating foods and elements that did not work for me was truly amazing. She also found out I was histamine intolerant. Like a scientist she worked with me, asked me questions, followed up, went into my kitchen and spoke to my cooks. She came up with a plan, that started restoring gut health and it took me 8 months to go into complete remission from this ailment. It was like I had an Angel for those 8 months watching over every step I took.”

“I am 45, with a 9-year-old hypothyroid condition. As a result, weight gain was easy but shedding even a kilo was a mammoth effort, despite being active and regular with my exercise. After several failed attempts of losing weight I stumbled upon Shonali’s webpage from which I gathered that diet is not about abstaining and suffering for a period of time, but to correct your daily eating that lasts a lifetime. I went for a consultation to Shonali around mid-November 2014. The consultation was an eye-opener to all the small mistakes that I was making which jeopardised all my weight loss efforts. I followed Shonali’s method of eating (yes! not dieting!) religiously since I was enjoying the steady cleansing that was taking place within. For the first time, I was more bothered about what goes in rather than desperately keep checking the weighing scale. In 2 weeks, my friends started noticing inches being lost and in a month and a half I was feeling lighter. At the end of 3 months when a friend asked me to check my weight I was thrilled to have lost 8 kilos. I recently went for my thyroid check-up and the readings were far below normal that the doctor has cut down my dose. Well moral of the story – I am eating well, feeling light and on the road to be off medications. Guys go for it and enjoy the glow on your skin for the body is too intelligent and starts reciprocating directly to what goes inside.”

“Shonali has designed and supervised the entire Diet and good health program for our athlete-daughter, Aanya Wala and we credit the entire success of her Competitive Swimming to Shonali’s guidance and painstaking efforts. “

Without the complete program Shonali provided and closely supervised, which went beyond just her daily diet and encompassed Aanya’s mental and motivational aspects as well. Aanya would not have been able to out-swim her competitors, most of whom were both, physically stronger and older than her, and been able to achieve the success at the Nationals that she has.”

In addition, Shonali’s program also considered Aanya’s daily life and schedule allowing her to perform well in academics as well, apart from her swimming competitions. This holistic life approach helped us make sure that Aanya could train hard twice a day and yet have the energy and ability to focus her mind on studies and other co-curricular activities.

I would recommend to any parents contemplating preparing their child for the rigours of National or International level competition in any Sport as well as achieve a balance in their life, to follow Shonali’s guidance unhesitatingly and consistently.”

~ Simrin and Uday Wala, Parents

approximately 8 hours, every 10 days. I saw my GP and a gastroenterologist and tried the usual cocktail of medicines and it only made me sicker. When I was asked to do invasive tests to determine why I was not healing, I switched tracks and approached Shonali for help. Her advice was to start with a food intolerance test and then avoid those foods that didn’t suit me and then start eating right, to repair my gut. Her advice on how to eat was invaluable but her steady re-assurance, through the process, that I would heal completely, was equally important in my getting well.”

“I met Shonali through a friend, and came from a hard-core non-vegetarian style of eating. After going through allopathy and homeopathy, I felt it was time to change my diet to help with my condition. In 4 months of eating the way she prescribed, I have not had my condition worsen. I am still on Shonali’s approach it’s been 6 months and I am seeing a change in my condition. Giving up eating out, dairy, sugar and processed foods has been hard, but totally worth it. The foods she gives you, help you. I am already seeing my skin respond.”

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage 1, it was still within the prostate gland. I decided to use food alone to help me and did not start with any conventional medical treatment. After being on Shonali’s diet for 4 years now I have still managed to keep my PSA levels within normal range, and have had no complaints. I had to give up my chai with milk, and make a switch to almond milk instead, but apart from that the diet has been easy to adapt to. I am a squash player, and still continue to play my game with the same vigour and strength; thanks to the immense energy I have gained from being on her approach.”

Excerpt: “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage 1. I decided to use food alone to help me and did not start with any conventional medical treatment. After being on Shonali’s diet for 4 years now I have still managed to keep my PSA levels within normal range, and have had no complaints.”

“Words can’t do justice, but I try. My first meeting with Shonali, it wasn’t just a one-way flow of information. I went to see her as a last resort, years of Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome had left me in chronic pain, weak and angry. At 29 and newly married, I was finished. In return, I didn’t just get some recipes on a piece of paper or an ordinary diet plan. I took back home, a piece of her story and her infectious positivity. That is how she helped me and my wife. She was gentle, yet firm. Now, after 5 months on her diet, I finally have my life back. I should say I have a new life, where I can work to be pain free, free of chronic fatigue and insomnia. Free from all medications, SSRIs, sleeping pills and painkillers. That day I met her, I gained a world class nutritionist, an excellent mentor, a friend for life and most importantly, a brand new healthy lifestyle. I am grateful to God, for introducing me to the most caring and helpful people during my darkest days in this fight against the invisible demons, fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome. These conditions had left me broken, frustrated and at times, on the edge. Shonali helped me fight back and now I’m taking my life back, one day at a time.”

“I have been a migraine sufferer for many years. I had been used to taking pain medication, went through nausea when I had them, and they lasted 36-48 hours. Till I read one of Shonali’s article on controlling migraines with food. I have been on her program; I should say lifestyle that changed my life. I can safely say I have been freed of the migraines. Just by normalizing foods and beverages I consumed, she has managed to restore peace in my life. Plus, the pain medication had caused my digestive system to go awry, which she also rectified.”

“I suffered with very severe PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) all my life, his was because I also had PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). I did not realize till I met Shonali that this would lead me to a tough menopause. I wish I had met her earlier and now since my daughter is going through the same issue, she has already started seeking guidance from Shonali. Being a teacher, I feel educating our girls on how to eat in this chaos of junk food that has now come about in India is very important. My pre-menopause years were terrible, and if it was not for Shonali’s approach I would have been a mess. She set my diet right, which resulted in lesser bleeding, more normal estrogen levels, and all the symptoms associate with menopause came under control slowly or the frequency (mood swings and hot flashes) came down.”

“Three years back, when I got a random blood test done its showed high cholesterol. I was shocked, as I have always been a big foodie but never expected this to happen at such a young age. In the meanwhile, I started having low energy, coupled with low libido. I corrected my diet (myself) and became more active but nothing helped. I started the rounds of dieticians, but no one really has answers to my low energy, low libido issues. After reading about Shonali and Macrobiotic food, I went to see her. She not only created a diet plan around my food habits, likes and dislikes; but also, addressed why I was in this situation, and how I could use foods and their energy to give me more energy. With the help of cooking styles customized for me, it became easy to follow. In 4 months, my cholesterol levels were back to normal, and I experienced much higher energy levels overall. I feel much lighter. I would recommend this diet for everyone.”

“After being on yo-yo diets for all my life, I finally found an approach that worked and made me aware of the problem of being leptin resistant. Shonali has the skill-set that I have not known any other nutritionist to have. She is not just a nutritionist, but a life coach. She treated you very holistically, not just addressing diet and setting things right; which she claims is 80% of the way on the road to recovery. But she also addresses what went wrong, and will go wrong if one was to continue down the path; educating you to take-charge of your life. Not many people in this business are ‘compassionate’ and that is her strongest trait. She is a natural nurturer, born to be in this field.”

“Facing chronic slow bowel movement and having tried all form of medication be it Ayurveda, Homeopathy or to some extent Allopathy and all sorts of food combinations and laxatives; I came across Shonali book i.e., ‘The Detox Diet.’ Being a non-believer in Allopathic for any chronic/ such kinds of ailments, immediately purchased the book, followed by meeting with her. Shonali, seemed to have a fairly good idea of the problem faced and was confident of it being a treatable / reversible condition. Meetings were followed by a set of instructions which primarily consisted of modifications in staple food i.e. from wheat flour to flour of other grains and additions of certain specific food/ drinks, aimed towards increasing the microbe (term learnt from her). The dietary changes also included inclusions and exclusion of certain foods, depending upon their effect on gut functioning. The efforts were supplemented though Ayurvedic treatment upon her recommendations. All in all, I found Shonali’s methods effective and although new; yet quiet worth the effort. The changes helped in stopping the condition which was getting from bad to worse and reversing the position. Shonali is passionate to perfection and will hold your hand till the time she finds a solution, suited for you.”

“I had been on Shonali’s program initially for candida, which got resolved. Then I took a break under her supervision but kept following the main principles. I started eating some junk foods again, and suffering with extreme emotional mood swings and insomnia. So, I went back to Shonali for help, Shonali helped me isolate the reasons as to why I was suffering with mood swings and insomnia. We slowly managed to restore my sleep patterns, as she was able to pin-point exactly why I had insomnia. I am so thankful to her because I could get through my exams. Now I am sleeping better and my moods swings are under control. I love Shonali and will keep going back to her if I have issues.”

“I have learnt how to keep my cancer in remission with Macrobiotics. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had a double mastectomy, with aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. Shonali came in while the chemotherapy was on, and helped me build good immunity through the chemotherapy. Now she has laid the foundation for a solid diet plan, I have been cancer free for 2 years and feel amazing, energetic and glad to have found Macrobiotics.”

“I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune) and I knew my erratic lifestyle with sleeping late and travelling did not allow me to keep healthy. I already had a thyroid condition, but being diagnosed with RA left me shocked. I first tried homeopathy, but it did not show much result, I then went on to Ayurveda at a 7- star place; however, that too did not show any results. Finally, when I met Shonali, she started me on her diet and tried to establish regular lifestyle habits. She did not allow me to travel for a whole year, and got me to meet the doctor she works with – combining Ayurveda and her diet. In 8 months my doctors declared that I had been miss-diagnosed, and I was one step away from a lethal drug called methotrexate, can you believe this story? I hope this testimonial inspires you to approach Shonali for any ailment you may have. She is the only answer to handling such difficult diseases with her approach.”

“I have suffered with asthma, since I was a child. I ate poorly, and was addicted to dry snacks like chips; being stressed would add to my attacks repeatedly. Shonali helped me come up with a plan where she isolated foods that would trigger an attack, and added foods that would help me cleanse my channels to prevent an attack from happening. I can safely say after many years of a tortuous journey with asthma; I have been on her plan for 2 years and plan to keep it that way; I now get one attack a year as opposed to 10-12 attacks a year. For me that’s a cure.”

“I started eating Shonali’s meals first in 2008, as my doctor had recommended a high fiber diet after I had a stent put into one of my arteries. I have heart disease in my family, and no amount of prevention based on the media information really helped me. I still ended up with a block at a young age. Thankfully after trying out Shonali’s meals for 3 years (I am sad she stopped them) I decided to meet her and start her program. I must admit, I feel a lot lighter, healthier and buoyant. Her approach should be taught as a part of a school curriculum for kids and to adults in courses of ‘preventive’ disease.”

“I have been on Shonali’s program on and off for 4 years, more on than off. I had very bad hair fall and skin condition. I also had fibromyalgia with a poor digestive system, that’s when my hair fall began. Shonali has been patient with me, and transitioned me to the Macrobiotic approach, plus introduced me to Ayurveda. I am so happy that finally I am declared fibromyalgia-free and have no hair fall, and my symptoms of aging have come under control. I am so blessed and thankful there are people like Shonali in this world who make it better for people like me, and she worked selflessly to solve my issues.”

“I am 52 years old, and been suffering with gout (high uric acid levels) for the last 10 years of my life. Shonali met me 10 years ago, and started working with me on a diet and lifestyle (which included exercise) to bring my uric acid levels under control. I realized when I stayed on her plan, I always did well and my levels were okay. But whenever I veered away from the diet, my uric acid levels would rise and cause me pain in some joint or the other. Her approach was simple to follow, and easy to manage, despite me being a bachelor. She helped to get it all together for my cook as well. This was a real big help. I am fine now, and follow her approach about 80% to keep healthy.”

“I started having gout from the age of 35, it started with my toe first; terrible unbearable pain, with repeated attacks. For treatment, my doctor gave me gout medicine. I also knew that somehow eating shellfish and drinking beer would always put me in an attack. I am a foodie, and knew that I had to curb my enthusiasm for meats, shellfish and beer. That’s when I approached Shonali, I have stayed on her diet plan for 3 years now. My attacks have been nil in the last one year. It took a year of being on her diet, for them to disappear. I am happy I found this path to eating.”

“I used to be bloated all the time, whenever I ate food it would get worse. Shonali’s Macrobiotic approach made me realize it could be different foods I could have an intolerant towards. She worked by the method of elimination and made me realize it was gluten. I was used to eating roti and a previous dietician I went to for weight loss, told me I could eat 2 rotis made of wheat at my meal times. I realized later she was just keeping my calories under control. But the diet made my condition worse. Shonali made me understand that I had a weak digestion and could be having a leaky gut. She also made me understand that gluten could come from various sources, not just wheat. She helped with including substitutes for everything that came into my diet which had gluten.”

I have worked diligently with Shonali’s philosophy over 7 years to manage my condition. I first came to her in 2012 after reading, ‘The Beauty Diet.’ I didn’t even know that I had fibromyalgia; but I was suffering from immense fatigue and pain. I started her meal program and then consulted her. In only 1 month, I started seeing the impact of what she practiced. My pains became much lesser in intensity, I had more energy, I was less fatigued and I lost some weight (which wasn’t really the objective). I felt amazing. I do not live in Mumbai, so when I got back to my hometown; I went off the program and soon my condition became worse; it got severe in 2015-16; and I came in again for a consult with Shonali. This time I was determined to resolve my situation permanently.

Shonali has kept me motivated for so many years, and has been committed to sort my condition; her compassion and follow up is truly fantastic! I have worked closely with her recommendations of the Ayurvedic doctor she works with and her diet to address my health. With allopathy, I could not be helped, and was only recommended painkillers. But I can safely say I am in complete remission now. I am changed both physically and emotionally. I am so grateful to her, for her constant help and support and the level of personalised care. You need to help yourself and stay on the course.

“I have been Shonali’s client for 7 years now, and successfully managed my fibromyalgia with her dietary approach. Fibromyalgia is a condition where one is in constant pain, and the precursor is a weak stomach and can also be psychosomatic. This was something only Shonali made me understand. I realize that when I have flare-ups it’s because I ate poorly or I’m stressed. The foods recommended have a way of calming the nervous system and then help calm my condition. I highly recommend her approach.”

“I weighed 117 kilos and was on insulin 4 times a day. I had given up on my life when I met Shonali. Her positivity towards me, filled me with energy. She said give me a year to bring my weight down and take me off the insulin. So, I lay all my faith and trusted in her. For one year, I followed her prescribed diet, with timings and instructions. She was always in touch and stayed on top of my diet. Her involvement in my kitchen with the chef who was cooking for me, and my primary caretaker at that time (my son) was amazing. I soon started requiring less and less insulin, as my sugars were getting back to normal levels. She made me keep a diary and monitor my sugar levels constantly. Month after month I saw my weight drop, my clothes got looser. In one year, I was off my insulin and came down to 65 kilos. That is a total weight loss of 52 kilos. I felt healthy, normal. I live in the US and have started living my life all over again, I drive, shop, climb up and down the stairs of my house. I feel alive, all thanks to Shonali’s way of life.”

“I have suffered with constipation from the age of 10, and carried it into my early 30’s. No amount of medication, homeopathy, or taking laxatives could change my condition. I thought I would live with it for life till I met Shonali. Her approach which initially I thought was too high in fiber, but in retrospect I know it was much needed to sort me out. She taught me that only food could change my stomach condition, and only then things would change for me. I am now free of this problem and blessed to have her as my guide. No laxatives or medication anymore, just a happy stomach.”

“I was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 38, it was detected in the early stages; and doctor decided surgery was the only option. I decided to go-ahead; and post the biopsy some chemotherapy was recommended. While I started my chemotherapy; I chanced upon Shonali’s diet recommended by a friend. My daughter was very keen that I start a diet regimen to help me fight my chemotherapy better. I must say her plan worked very well; I was a bit skeptical initially as I wondered how it would fit into my lifestyle coming from a North Indian background. I was dependent on dairy and meat. But it was easy to transition out of them, for the sake of fighting my chemotherapy. The diet has worked very well, now that I am in complete remission for 10 years, I can say it worked for me.”

“I am thankful to Shonali for helping me with an embarrassing condition I had with my stomach. I would run to the toilet, every time I ate. It was embarrassing for me to step out of the house. My condition was categorized as colitis and my doctors could not point out what was the cause; except smoking. I was constantly weak, and life became very difficult, as I everything was scheduled around my stomach and its moods. Shonali’s approach helped me gain my confidence back. She made me realize that my anxious nature and my sugar habits, plus erratic lifestyle were all contributing to this condition, and I had a leaky gut condition. I am well now, and have learnt how to strengthen my stomach with good, wholesome, natural everyday foods.”

“I had unexplained pain in my muscle and joints; plus, insomnia. Dark circles around my eyes was something I had from the age of 20; I thought it was just hereditary, until I met Shonali who explained this was my kidney zone represented on my face and showed low kidney and adrenal function. Till then I did not even know what adrenals meant and that they were organs in the human body. I was used to eating a certain way for 20 plus years: egg and toast every morning, missing lunch and eat a late dinner. Sometimes snacking on bread again in the evening. I learnt how to eat real food for the first time in my life; Shonali introduced me to a range of new foods easy to adapt which made my CFS disappear.”

“I had been in great health till I hit pre-menopause and then everything started going haywire; the first thing that happened was my cholesterol levels started going through the roof. I approached Shonali, as I like the way the diet considered an individual on a holistic level. I know if I went to a doctor he would have prescribed medication and I did not want that for myself. Shonali’s approach helped me normalize my cholesterol levels over time, and stay away from medication. For me that was my biggest ‘win’ on her approach. Please do consider her diet, before you start medication.”

“I am 58 years old, and never really fell sick all my life. Suddenly I started suffering from low immunity issues. First, I started falling down a couple of times a year, then I also started getting up several times at night to go to the toilet to empty my bladder. My immunity was at an all-time low, as I got viral and fevers quite often. I went to the doctor, but also decided to consult Shonali. She was the first one to point out that I could be suffering with a urinary tract infection, which was connected to a condition called Candidiasis (something I had all my life), and therefore the need to go to the toilet had increased over the years (especially at night). She diagnosed me as having a condition called Nocturia, wherein the keeping up at night was depressing my cognitive ability in the day, and due to which I kept falling. No doctor had connected the dots for me in this way. She said we should first get the candida under control, then the UTI. She did this by making dietary changes for me and she worked with my lifestyle. I am now candida-free, and get up only once during the night. I haven’t had a fall in the last year.”

“I found Shonali through the net, while surfing for alternative approaches to cancer, and then by chance a friend also recommended her. I had ovarian cancer, and was in remission after surgery and chemotherapy. However, 2 years after the surgery, my cancer counts started climbing again, and doctors were going to recommend more chemotherapy, which I wanted to avoid. Shonali helped reduce my cancer markers within acceptable range in just a month of me following her plan. I averted chemotherapy, and continue to follow a Macrobiotic lifestyle.”

“I had been suffering with atopic dermatitis and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) for over 10 years. Medicines helped me in limited ways to resolve my symptoms, and created a lot of side effects. I was hopelessly strolling along the shelves in Crossword when I stumbled across Shonali’s book ‘The Detox Diet.’ In my head ‘diet’ was only meant for those who wanted to lose weight. However, after reading her book, I realized the only solution to all my woes was this diet, and I immediately signed up for a 4-month plan. Shonali’s diet is like going on a food vacation. It was simple to follow, and kept my taste buds happy all the time. My atopic dermatitis cleared up and my OCD issue was sorted. Who knew that the way to a healthy mind was through the gut! Many thanks to Shonali for sharing such an incredible approach to healthcare.”

“Anxiety is related to the way you eat, this is what Shonali taught me. I have been a healthy person all along. But I never realized that the strength of my organs could also fuel my emotions. And this is also dependent on the foods I ate. I went through a bad patch in 2007-2008. I had severe panic attacks and palpitations. I was a sugar consumer, and drank a fair bit. There were no whole grains in my diet, Shonali helped me address this issue by laying the foundation of a solid diet plan. Slowly I got out of this vicious circle of anxiousness.”