The gap

The craving was rarely about the food.

In coaching and in my habit-change programs, the same thing kept showing up. The urge didn’t come out of nowhere. It came just after something else: a comment, a worry, feeling unseen, feeling that everything has to be held together. The food was the fastest way out of a feeling. The book changed what was on the plate. CRI works on the moment before.

Try it tonight

The next time the urge comes, don’t fight it and don’t give in yet. Take one slow breath. Notice where you feel it in your body. Then ask:

What happened just before I wanted this?

Most people find the urge eases a little once they can see what it’s covering. That’s where a different choice becomes possible.

Same roots, wider reach

The work that began with this book is now CRI.

The book drew on Maimonides. CRI still does, now alongside modern cognitive psychology, from Albert Ellis to Daniel Kahneman. And it reaches past food, to any moment you lose yourself in.

Then

Food and habit

A gradual, classical approach to eating, and to the habits that keep weight coming back.

Now

Any loop that keeps returning

The same roots, applied to the moments you lose yourself in: weight, work, relationships, and decisions. Weight that keeps returning is still one of the loops I work on most.

In their words

Week after week… we realized the simplicity and effectiveness of these principles. My husband is in a wheelchair, so [it] was a real challenge… Much success to all who commit to following the guidelines.

Amos and Shoshana · Israel

“It has affected every single aspect of my life. I feel more disciplined, more motivated, and totally liberated.”

Robyn · Johannesburg, South Africa

“I was convinced that [change was] only for the young… I changed just one habit a week… I can see how my new self-image has had an impact on all areas of my life. It is amazing to feel young and confident again.”

David H. · New York, USA

“Upon being laid off from a very stressful job, I decided not to be defeated emotionally or physically by the upheaval… I feel both emotionally and physically better than I ever felt before.”

Jacob · New Jersey, USA

“The emphasis is not on willpower; the focus is on the gradual development of good habits… Becoming aware of the ability of my creative mind to predominate my decisions has been very enlightening.”

Osnat Lea · Johannesburg, South Africa

Praise for the book

What reviewers and teachers said about The Life-Transforming Diet.

“Providing practical and applicable insights into how bad habits are formed, and presenting ‘user friendly’ tips for replacing them… Zulberg presents a gradual, step-by-step implementation… that does not require the trauma of ‘going cold turkey.’”

Midwest Book Review

“This book offers a unique system, which integrates nutritional and psychological principles… Behavior modification is simplified and presented in a practical, easy to follow program… recommended for those looking for a meaningful system that actually works.”

Rabbi Marvin HierDean, Simon Wiesenthal Center

“David Zulberg has made a valuable contribution by the publication of his masterful work… David Zulberg has adorned the Maimonides’ principles with a presentation, which makes these essentials accessible to the masses.”

Rabbi Yisroel BelskyRosh Yeshiva of Torah Vodaas and Senior Halachic Consultant, OU

“David Zulberg has made a good contribution, as we still live, exist and rely upon the words of the Maimonides. My blessing is that through this book the injunction of ‘Be extremely careful for your lives’ will be reinforced.”

Rabbi Shmuel KamenetskyRosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva of Philadelphia

“David Zulberg has taken Maimonides’ instructions for proper nutrition, accompanied by other suggestions for proper living, and made them available in an easily understood form. It is a major contribution to a field where there is so much controversy and confusion. As a codifier of Jewish law, Maimonides’ opinion has great impact even today. Zulberg’s work may prove that this is equally true of his instructions on nutrition.”

Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.Author, lecturer, and Medical Director Emeritus, Gateway Rehabilitation Center

“This book provides both the rationale and the practical advice needed to begin and maintain a sensible nutritional program to optimize weight control and general health. Highly recommended.”

Rabbi Akiva Tatz, M.D.Lecturer and author

“I was happy to see David Zulberg’s compilation, who through his hard work and effort has gathered and presented a book in an orderly and beautiful form, in order to simplify the study and understanding of the ‘great doctor’s’ writings, the Maimonides, and to act according to their dictates…”

Rabbi Tzvi KushelevskyRosh Yeshiva of Heichal HaTorah, Israel

“The wisdom of Maimonides has stood the test of time and his good advice on exercise, diet and sleep are well accepted by doctors, nutritionists and health experts today. David Zulberg’s book makes it simple for anyone to regulate their life habits in a healthful and positive fashion. It will be a great addition to one’s library and way of life.”

Rabbi Berel WeinAuthor, historian, and lecturer

“David Zulberg has put out a monumental work entitled The Life Transforming Diet. Now thousands of our brethren who wish to know the Torah’s outlook on dieting and good health will have a clear and authoritative work that is well organized and user friendly…”

Rabbi Dovid GoldwasserAuthor and lecturer

“David Zulberg has performed an invaluable service by assembling a plan for healthy living that is consistent both with the advice of our sages and the findings of modern medicine. His work is unique among diet/exercise guides in its reasonable tone and moderate approach. It is not only enjoyable, but will earn the respect of Torah scholars and medical professionals alike…”

Rabbi Leib KelemenLecturer and author of Permission to Receive, Permission to Believe, and To Kindle a Soul

“The Life Transforming Diet puts forward a weight loss program that addresses dietary, exercise and behavioral aspects of eating… It is my belief that this book will be of great benefit to those that read it and apply its principles appropriately.”

Charlene Wolberg, M.D. & NutritionistDirector, Linksfield Park Obesity Clinic

For readers of the book

Tell me where it slips.

A 15-minute conversation about where it slips. Or the Monday Return: one short email a week on coming back to yourself.

Book a 15-minute call Get the Monday Return

My new book, Stop Losing Yourself, is coming. Tell me when it’s out →

Revisit The Life-Transforming Diet on Amazon →