Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Merlin Annie Raj is a Registered Dietitian based out of Hyderabad, India. She has 14 years of experience in Clinical Nutrition as well as teaching Nutrition and Dietetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She was awarded the ‘President’s Award’ at the 47th Annual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association, 2014. Merlin has conducted various weight management programs, prepared diet plans customized to age, gender, and condition and is involved in critical care nutrition and clinical research projects in medical nutrition. She has also authored a book titled "Weight Management". She is passionate about guiding her clients towards effective weight management customized to their preferences and helping them stay healthy and fit. She earned her post graduation degree from Osmania University (MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics) and completed her dietetic internship at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad.
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The special K diet is popularized in the weight loss industry for its visible results. It claims to make one shed approximately 6 pounds in just 2 weeks. But how can this be possible? This diet was created by Kellog’s, […]
If you want to know how to get a smaller waist in a week, you have landed at the right place! While spot reduction is a myth, there are certain ways you can shed overall fat and target a specific […]
The dream to reduce tummy without exercise has now come true. Many people struggle with belly fat regardless of age. A lot goes into getting a flat belly and the right curves at the right places. Combining a balanced diet […]
Stamina is simply the energy and strength required to complete a physical task for a long period. Increased stamina can help you get through stress and discomfort experienced during strenuous physical activities without much exhaustion and fatigue. With a couple […]
The low-carbohydrate, low-calorie, and high-protein boiled egg diet plan is ideal for effective short-term weight loss. Eggs are rich in protein, which helps increase satiety and limit indiscriminate food intake, leading to weight loss (1), (2). All you need to […]
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 462 million people globally are underweight (1). A WHO report also mentions that in 2018, stunting affected 21.9% or 149 million children under the age of 5 years, while wasting affected 7.3% […]
If you have an upcoming event, you may want to lose weight fast. But wondering how? Well, we can tell you how to lose 20 pounds in a week. The right plan can help kick-start your weight loss by boosting […]
The Ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet plan popularly used for quick weight loss. While both the keto and Atkins diet are pretty similar as they both aid in quick weight loss, the fundamental difference lies in the amount […]
Lower belly fat is not only a cosmetic issue but also can negatively affect your overall health. But worry not – as we have brought to you some tips to reduce lower belly fat. As per an estimate, 60% of […]
If you want to lose your belly fat, get rid of excess weight, and stay healthy, then you can try the smoothie recipes for weight loss. Smoothies are delicious and easy to prepare. You don’t need to worry as they […]
Black grapes benefits will sway you to add them to your diet. They are one of the most sought-after varieties of grapes. Their rich glossy appearance and delicious sweet taste have made them a consumer favorite. Black grapes are full […]
Camel milk benefits can be attributed to its many vital nutrients. It has abundant amounts of good fats and protein compared to other types of milk. It may help reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes (1). One can reap […]
GM diet is a popular weight loss diet plan that claims to aid in quick weight loss. This fad became popular after employees of General Motors tried this diet and lost a lot of weight in just a week. However, […]
Buckwheat benefits your health in many ways. It is gaining popularity as a gluten-free and plant-based food. Pseudocereal buckwheat is also referred to as kasha. 100 gms of this pseudocereal (a seed with similar properties as cereals) offers 10 grams […]
The 500-calorie diet plan has been devised to help lose weight. Doctors usually recommend this very low-calorie diet (VLCD) for individuals with obesity (BMI – over 30), whose health is at risk owing to the excess fat. However, lactating and […]
Drinking green tea has several proven health benefits (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6). You can drink green tea for weight loss. But how does green tea helps lose weight? When should we drink green tea, and how many cups […]
Have you ever heard of a diet that can keep all major health issues at bay? Well, it is the 800 calorie diet. Millions are being affected with high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (1), (2), (3), (4). […]
The use of triphala for weight loss is popular in Ayurveda. As the name suggests, Triphala is a mixture of three (tri) fruits (Phala), namely amla (amalaki or Indian gooseberry or Emblica officinalis), harada (haritaki or Terminalia chebula), and behada […]
The tuna diet was formulated by Dave Draper to get the body into fat-loss mode. This short-term diet plan involves taking tuna with foods that offer fewer calories. So, how does this diet actually work? Is tuna good for weight […]
Soybeans are a go-to protein source for vegetarians and vegans. One of its most used derivatives is soybean oil. This oil extracted from soybeans is rich in protein and healthy fats. Soybean oil benefits are gaining the attention of many […]
Beetroots are loaded with vitamin C, folate, nitrates, dietary fiber, and betanin (1). That’s why they also are great for boosting weight loss. You can now prepare beetroot juice for aiding weight loss right at the comfort of your home. […]
Vitamin B-complex is a collection of water-soluble vitamins essential for the body. These vitamins are naturally present in a range of food sources. Consequently, this vitamin group has been widely researched. These vitamins stimulate the production of , promoting brain […]
Water fasting for a day or two a week can help improve your health in many ways. Water fasting benefits include weight loss, reduced toxins, and lower blood pressure (1). The practice of fasting has been around for ages, and […]
Isabgol for weight loss is gaining attention these days. It is also known as Psyllium husk, which is used as a laxative to relieve constipation. Isabgol is the outer layer of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata. Many believe […]
The use of Lipton green tea for weight loss is getting popular today. The brand’s green tea is gaining attention, especially for its claims associated with weight loss. The green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. This tradition of […]
There are many foods that boost testosterone levels. These are especially useful for those with muscle weakness and a tendency to feel lethargic frequently. Low testosterone levels can make you feel depressed for a large part of the day or […]
In India, over 41 million people have diabetes. It is estimated to increase to 70 million by 2025 (1), (2). No wonder India is called the diabetes capital of the world. But an Indian diet chart for people with diabetes […]
Milk is a rich source of protein and calcium. That said, the use of milk diet for weight loss is growing popular. It may help shed the fat without reducing muscle mass (1). However, being only on the milk diet […]
Eating right is the best way to get skinny fast. Yes, you heard that right! The secret to knowing how to get skinny fast lies in understanding how your body reacts to foods. Choosing foods low in calories, high in […]
Cycling is a great exercise to burn calories and strengthen your lower body – and an exercise cycle allows you to cycle at the comfort of your home. An exercise cycle benefits your health in many ways, not to mention […]
About 135 million Indians are experiencing obesity due to their unhealthy food habits (1). This puts women, men, and even children equally at the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (2). A study predicted that the overweight prevalence may […]
The many benefits of cayenne pepper might sway you to include it in your diet. This pepper originated in the Central and South Americas and was extensively used to spice many culinary preparations. It contains vitamins B6, C, E, potassium, […]
South Indian cuisine is wonderful! Just the smell of curry leaves, hearing mustard seeds pop, and the thought of eating a nutty chutney with perfectly cooked dosas and hot pickles makes your mouth water. However, it is very easy to […]
Believe it or not, you can get a rounder, firmer, and bigger butt without implants. But how to gain weight in your butt? Many foods help make your butt bigger. Of course, these foods, along with certain exercises, can help […]
Iodine, though present in trace quantities in our body, is crucial for neurological and reproductive functions and thyroid health. The benefits of iodine are far-reaching. It helps produce thyroid hormones that, in turn, play a vital role in optimal brain […]
Round, firm, and bigger glutes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also help stabilize the core and improve posture. But how to get a bigger butt fast? Well, you need to grow your glute muscles and increase the fat layer […]
Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of skin pigments on certain areas of the skin, leading to pale, whitish patches (1). While many follow certain vitiligo diets to deal with this condition, most of them lack proper scientific evidence. In […]
Reduced bowel movement, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps are the symptoms of constipation. No matter how much time you spend in the washroom or how much water you drink, you cannot resolve the issue if you continue to consume foods […]
A diverticulitis diet is best for people with gut health issues like inflammation. Typically, consumption of foods low in dietary fiber leads to the formation of tiny pouches (diverticula) in the innermost walls of the colon. When these tiny diverticula […]
Everyone is obsessed with reducing weight. On the other hand, being underweight is a cause for concern that is frequently overlooked. Thankfully, you can go on a weight gain diet to solve this problem. Though the global prevalence of underweight […]
A crash diet is one of the fastest ways to lose weight. It restricts calorie intake and is good for short-term weight loss. Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital South, says, “A 7-day crash diet is when someone […]
The 30-day Shred Diet was created by celebrity fitness instructor Jillian Michaels. It is a 30-day fitness challenge to push your body to shed excess fat and get a more toned and shredded body. The Shred Diet also helps you […]
The 1000 calorie workout helps burn 1000 calories in an hour! This means you can burn 3500 calories in less than a week and drop a pound. But is it scientifically possible? Well, burning 1000 calories in just an hour […]
Cayenne pepper contains many nutrients for weight loss is an age-old secret. It is one of the ingredients of lemonade cleanse popularized by Beyonce and Yolanda Hadid. Cayenne pepper helps boost metabolism, reduces hunger, and burns fat. This post explains […]
It’s no more a secret that chia seeds are great for weight loss. These small black and white, low calorie seeds from the mint family are a superfood. But how do you use chia seeds for weight loss, and how […]
We all are aware that milk benefits us in multiple ways. Whether we add it to a protein shake for weight loss, make a low-fat yogurt, or consume it directly, it boosts our overall health. Milk is one of the […]
Patanjali is a trusted Ayurvedic brand in India. It was started in 2006 by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. Since then, Patanjali products have helped alleviate various health problems, including obesity. However, you must consult your doctor before using these […]
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herb loaded with antioxidants and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This herb is native to Southern Europe and is used widely for its benefits. However, there are a few side effects of milk […]
There are many reasons for weight gain. You may wonder how this happened, especially if you are cautious about your weight. A variety of factors can contribute to weight gain, including aging, medical conditions, medication side effects, an inactive lifestyle, […]
If you want to shed fat fast without losing muscle mass, try L-carnitine for weight loss. Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders use it to improve muscle power and stamina, burn fat, and build lean muscle. L-carnitine is naturally found in dairy […]
Using coconut for weight loss has been a controversial topic. We have heard a lot about the fat content of coconut and how it may potentially raise bad cholesterol levels. However, this is not true – as not all fats […]
If you have weight loss in your plan, we can help. Try consuming protein-rich horse grams for weight loss. It is a healthy and nutritious alternative to protein powders (1). Horse gram is a lentil or bean used as an […]
A planned and supervised low-calorie diet for weight loss can benefit people with BMI over 30. This 500-800 calorie diet replaces one or two of your meals with liquid shakes or smoothies. The National Library of Medicine reports that going […]
Intermittent fasting has many health benefits (1). It is said to be a healthy way to lose weight. Research shows that it can help protect brain function as well (2), (3). If you are new to it, check out our […]
The use of peppermint tea for weight loss is fast gaining popularity. The tea is almost calorie-free, suppresses appetite, reduces stress, and promotes digestive aid. It is a refreshing drink: the mild aroma and taste of peppermint tea help relax […]
The one meal a day diet or OMAD is quickly gaining popularity. It is a form of intermittent fasting that allows you to consume only one meal per day (and not 5 or 6 meals a day). If you want […]
Oats recipes for weight loss are the new trend worldwide. Many people wonder, “are oats good for weight loss?” and the answer is yes! Oats are famous for being one of the healthiest whole-grain foods that promote weight loss. They […]
Lemon juice, loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers, is an excellent drink for your overall health. You can drink lemon juice for weight loss as it helps burn fat. However, there is no need to drink lemon juice […]
The use of castor oil for weight loss has been gaining popularity in recent times. While the oil is known to be good for your hair, it also might help you shed some extra calories. It is extracted from the […]
The ancient Egyptians used apple cider vinegar for weight loss. This traditional natural remedy is made from fermented apple juice (1). It increases satiety and insulin sensitivity and helps improve digestion and bowel movement. There is also evidence that it […]
Weight loss can be an effective process and be well maintained only when choosing a sustainable diet. However, the many fads around may only leave you confused, and you might end up with the wrong diet. But fret not – […]
Being on a diet can sometimes make you feel like a social outcast. So, to fit in, you give up your weight loss goals in just a blink of an eye. And before you know it, you are on and […]
A few side effects of papaya might make you reconsider consuming it. Golden yellow papayas are a healthy source of dietary fiber. They are low in calories and fat, and if you consume medium-sized papaya, you will receive 300% of […]
A few side effects of ginger may cause you to think twice before adding it to your diet. Ayurvedic practitioners have been using ginger (Zingiber officinale) to treat many conditions for centuries. Unfortunately, this herbal medicine has some detrimental effects […]
Fenugreek seeds are excellent for weight loss. Also known as methi in Hindi (Trigonella foenum-graecum), they help lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation. This powerful, natural, nutrition-rich weight loss remedy must be included in your diet if […]
A liquid diet involves consuming clear liquids. Bone broth, water, or juices without pulp are the foods that doctors allow. Going on an unsupervised liquid diet for weight loss is not recommended. However, if your doctor permits, you can use […]
Body wraps for weight loss sound impossible, don’t they? Well, what’s science fiction today might become reality tomorrow! Dear busy girls, we have good news for you. Instead of sweating at the gym for hours, you can just use body […]
A low-calorie breakfast is a great choice if you watch your weight. This is a great way to get started for the day and keep on top of your fitness regimen. The problem is that few people get the time […]
The benefits of apple cider vinegar make it worth adding to your diet. Traditionally, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is mainly used for digestive issues, skin problems, warts, dandruff, lice, and sore throats. ACV can also be used as a dietary […]
Millions of women struggle to lose fat from their arms these days. Are you in a war with your flabby arms too? Fat arms are caused by sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food habits, the body’s metabolic rate, medical issues, or even […]
