Indian guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru, offers a different perspective on life and mental health. In a 2025 talk, he spoke about weight loss. At a time when obesity, metabolic, and lifestyle disorders are at an all-time high, there is an urgent need to revisit and fix the way one eats. While many turn to diet fads and practise calorie or food group restrictions, Sadhguru recommends the contrary. The 68-year-old emphasises the importance of sustainable weight management through balanced choices, mindful eating and meals aligned with the body’s natural rhythm.Sustainable approach to weight lossMany people aim to lose weight to deal with body image issues or to prepare for a special upcoming occasion. However, according to Sadhguru, one must not try to force discipline through restriction, but instead allow the body to regulate itself efficiently while maintaining energy levels. If you are looking for foods to include in your diet for sustainable weight loss, here are some recommendations:Plant-based diet: A plant-based diet is one of the most talked-about ways to lose weight sustainably. Nutritionists say that 30–40 per cent of the diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. These foods are comparatively easier to digest and do not put much pressure on the digestive system, as opposed to heavy, non-vegetarian meals. This should be combined with a proper workout routine, as without movement, weight gain is likely to occur.Eat millets: Millets such as ragi, bajra and jowar digest slowly. They have a low glycaemic index and do not cause sudden blood sugar fluctuations. A sudden rise and fall in energy levels can trigger sluggishness over time. Millets, on the other hand, release energy slowly, thereby keeping you active for longer and reducing frequent hunger pangs. Over time, you can reduce portion sizes to lose weight.Occasional cleansing: During the talk, Sadhguru also emphasised the importance of periodic cleansing. Simple yet effective, periodic cleansing involves drinking a detox beverage such as ash gourd juice with a small amount of honey for one or two days a month. This acts as a gentle reset for the digestive system and helps the body feel refreshed and lighter. Over time, this can curb cravings and make fasting easier.Sustainable rules: For weight loss, it is advisable to follow sustainable rules that are not too strict to maintain in the long run. For instance, fasting for long durations without giving your body enough time to adapt can lead to metabolic disorders over time and excessive hunger pangs. It is important to prioritise balance, awareness and nourishment.Energy-boosting snacks: When hunger pangs occur, it is important not to turn to unhealthy snacks such as crisps, biscuits or tea cakes. Instead, for sustained energy, healthier snacks are recommended. Some of the best options include peanuts, berries, nuts and seeds. These will help you feel full and may even aid metabolism.Time your meals: Timing your meals is equally important, as it gives the digestive system enough time to function. Ideally, there should be an eight-hour gap between meals. People who find this difficult can aim for a five- to six-hour interval instead. Frequent meals can place too much load on the digestive system, while infrequent meals can cause metabolic disturbances. Therefore, striking a balance is essential.