Categories
Food Lite Blogs

Eid Ul-Fitr with a luxurious meal

Enjoy the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan with an array of traditional Iftar delicacies from the kitchens of your favourit restaurants. Share the joy of the season with your loved ones over a sumptuous Eid dinner in the serene settings of lawns, and savor rich aromatic delicacies that will leave you wanting for more…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal to host a delightful Eid Brunch

As we near the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Courtyard by Marriott Hebbal is delighted to host a festive Eid ul-Fitr brunch this Sunday, at the Hebbal Café. Eid ul-Fitr is a momentous occasion that brings together loved ones and signifies the end of a month-long period of fasting for Muslims. To honor this joyous occasion, The Hebbal Café has curated a special Eid brunch featuring a delectable spread of multi-cuisine dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds. With an array of flavorful delicacies such as Seekh Kebab, Kalmi Kebab, Murgh Mussalam, Zarda Pulao, Mutton Korma, Nihari with Shermal Naan, Haleem, Kaleji Keema, Sheer Kurma, and Saffron Rose Phirni, the exclusive brunch promises to take your taste buds on an unforgettable culinary journey.

What: Eid Special Brunch

Where: The Hebbal Café, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal

When: 23 rd April 2023

Time: 12: 30 pm to 3: 30 pm

Price: Adults Rs. 1899 plus tax, kids between 5-12 years, Rs. 949 plus tax

To reserve your table and experience the true essence of Eid, call or WhatsApp us at 9606482968

 Savor the flavours of authentic Indian and Middle Eastern Cuisine at The Den Bengaluru

The Den Bengaluru invites patrons to celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid ul- Fitr with a spectacular menu at The Creek. This grand event promises to be a feast for the senses featuring an extensive range of authentic dishes, from succulent Kebabs and Biryanis to delectable curries and traditional desserts.

To add to the festive spirit, the hotel will offer a refreshing Rose Sharbat drink as a welcome drink to guests. The expert team of chefs has curated mouth-watering delicacies that showcase the best of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, served in a luxurious setting with stunning views.

The hotel promises to deliver a cherished Eid celebration that combines luxury, tradition, and the finest culinary delights.

What: Eid Brunch

Where: The Creek, The Den Bengaluru

When: April 22, 2023

Time: 12:30 pm to 15:00 pm

Price: Rs. 1699++

For reservation please call, 8071117272

 Celebration of Eid ul-Fitr with a grand dinner buffet at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar

The hotel is set to commemorate this holy month of Ramadan with the best of exquisite dishes for a lavish Eid-themed dinner buffet for its guests on April 22, 2023. A decadent spread of traditional and contemporary dishes prepared by the hotel’s culinary experts is sure to elevate the celebrations with your loved ones.

The appetising buffet will feature a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties to choose from. Food lovers get to select from signature dishes such as Murgh Musallam, Nihari Gosht, Chicken Dum Biryani, Murgh Badami Shorba, Murgh Kali Mirch Ka Tikka, and many more.

Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, 19/B Metgutad, Panchgani-Maharashtra Road, Mahabaleshwar- 412806, Maharashtra

Date: April 22, 23

Timing: 7:30pm – 11:00pm

Price: Rs. 1,999 + taxes per person

For Reservation call: +91 9699768378

 Indulge in the sumptuous flavours of Eid with an exquisite menu at Soma, Grand Hyatt

Mumbai

As the holy month of Ramzan comes to a close, Soma, Grand Hyatt Mumbai invites you to celebrate this much loved festival with a delectable Grand feast, a treat to the eyes and to the stomach. Indulge in the delicious Gosht Khichda, Nalli Nihari, Mutton Kheema Pav, Tandoori Quail, and Falooda, among others, carefully curated by the chefs.

Venue: SOMA, Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences, BKC

Date: 21st-23rd April 2023

Time: 7.00PM Onwards

Menu: Set and Ala carte option

 Indulge in a divine Eid Feast at Machan

This divine feast includes Badam Sharbat, Jordanian Dates, Fruit Salad, Chana Chat, Haleem, Mutton Shami Kebab, Chicken Zafrani Tikka, Kurkure Machi, Keema Samosa and Assorted Vegetable Pakoras. For the mains, one can savour the Chicken Korma and Lucknowi Gosht Biryani, served with assorted Indian breads. Conclude the meal with a delicious round or two of KesariPhirni.

For more information and reservations, please call Vicky Singh at+91 88003 52382.

Dates: April 21-22, 2023

Price: INR 1950 + Taxes per person

Location: Machan, Taj West End

 Indulge in Ramadan Iftar Dinner at MoMo Cafe by Courtyard by Marriott Outer Ring Road

Courtyard by Marriott Outer Ring Road announces its upcoming Ramadan Iftar Dinner at Momo Cafe. An indulgent feast of traditional and modern delicacies to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan.

The culinary team has curated a diverse menu, including Sarbaat, Thandai Sarbat, Rooh Afza, a cut fruit platter, and 3 types of Khajur (dates) for starters. The salad selection comprises Tabbouleh, Baba ganoush, Hummus, Pitta Bread, Labaneh, and Shirazi Salad. For the main course, guests can enjoy Dolma, Shahjhani Dodhiya Kofta Korma, Mattar Ka Nimuna, Murgh Reshmi Dumpukth, Awadhi Lamb Korma, Dejaj Pilaf, and Mujadara.

The Mahebbar Nawazi Nasta is an exciting feature of the evening, with dishes such as Patti Keema Samosa, Tawa Pitha Kokkur, Dejaj Seekh Kebab, Warqi Paratha, and Vegetable Kibbeh. For dessert, guests can indulge in Assidat-Al-Boubar, Knafeh, Baklava, Sheer Korma, and Khajur Ka Halwa.

Join in with your family and friends at Courtyard by Marriott Outer Ring Road for an evening of community, celebration, and mouth-watering food at Momo Cafe.

Where: MoMo Café at Courtyard by Marriott ORR Bengaluru

When: Ongoing until 22nd April 2023

Time: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Price: Rs. 1999 ++

Celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel

Come celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr a significant religious festival observed by Muslims worldwide, signifying the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan fast. join us for a delectable dinner and brunch at Lush Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel! Indulge in a lavish buffet dinner and brunch that features an array of signature dishes such as Nihari with Sheermal Naan, Haleem, Kaleji Keema, Sheer Khurma, and Roohafza Sherbet, and much more.

As you feast on these mouth-watering delicacies, immerse yourself in the festive ambiance with a selection of live music that will appeal to all age groups, from millennials to families. The dinner is open to both in-house guests and visitors, making it the perfect opportunity to bond with loved ones over a scrumptious meal.

So, gather your friends and family and head over to Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in style. Book your table now and enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner priced at INR 1999++, inclusive of all taxes. Don’t miss out on this fabulous feast!

That’s not all, you can avail of these authentic yet smorgasbord dishes via Zomato, Dineout, Eazy Diner, Swiggy – Dining option, FB, and Instagram to order so you don’t miss a dish.

Venue: Lush, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel

When: Iftar Dinner: Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd April | Time: 7 pm-11 pm 

 Eid Brunch – Sunday 23rd April | Time: 1:00 PM to  4:00 PM

Price: Brunch: Rs. 1850++ per person 

Dinner: Rs. 1900++ per person

Special dishes by The Ghost Chef to order for your Eid Al-Fitr feast

The month of Ramadan is about to end, and The Ghost Chef, a delivery kitchen founded by Chef Akhil Multani is a perfect place to order mouth-watering food for your Eid Al-Fitr feast that can be enjoyed with family. Delivering all across Mumbai, this new entity aims to customise customers’ needs and offer a restaurant-style experience in the comfort of their homes.

Guests can place their orders for Namak via Thrive and Swiggy.

 Ambassador Hotel, Mumbai

Eid is a joyous occasion celebrated by Muslims all over the world to mark the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. It’s a time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and share a delicious meal. Hotel Ambassador,  Mumbai is hosting a special Eid menu which includes an array of savory dishes, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks. Here are some of the popular dishes that you can include in your Eid menu:

Starters: Reshmi Murg Tikka, Murg Malai Kebab, Murg Angara Bedagi, Malai Keekh Dilbahar, Fish Amritsari

Biryani Bage Bahar ( Veg)

Noor Mahal Biryani ( Non Veg)

Average Cost for two people- INR 2500 plus taxes

For more information- 98676 98898

Conrad Bengaluru

Iftaar Offerings at the property:

Three special varieties of  dates

Fresh cut fruits and juices along with a compact hot and cold buffet placed at the lobby brew for Sheri

For evening prayer:

Dinner buffet preponed from 7 pm to 6 pm ( regular offerings)

Few Ramadan special appetizers seekh kebab, chapli kebab, tandoori wings, Fried kebab 

Three special varieties of dates

Along with chef Qureshi’s special biryani and Haleem

People of Tomorrow, The Dhan Mill, New Delhi 

This Eid, relish a truly exceptional vegan Mughlai feast as you celebrate with your friends and family, at People of Tomorrow, Dhan Mill.

The chefs at P.O.T are delighted to have crafted an exclusive plant based Mughlai menu comprising dishes such as Mushroom Galouti, Vegan Kakori kebabs, Jackfruit Nihari, Khamiri Roti, Almond Milk Seviyan and so much more!

At its core the brand has always aimed at promoting a conscious way of living supporting a plant based and sustainable lifestyle. This year in order to celebrate Eid in its most authentic form, the team has prepared its first ever menu celebrating the glorious Mughlai cuisine in its own unique way.

The love and indulgence poured into creating each dish reflects in every bite and patrons have always left feeling pleasantly surprised with the vast array of plant based flavours irrespective of whether they’re vegan or not.

When: Friday, 21st April 2023

Where: People of Tomorrow, The Dhan Mill

Time: 7pm onwards

Cost: Rs. 2500 (per person)

 Celebrate Eid with Lil Gamby

As the holy month of Ramadan nears its conclusion and people across the globe are ready to observe Eid-ul-Fitr, We at Lil Gamby are set to add a dash of deliciousness with its delectable offerings! 

For meat lovers, one must definitely indulge in the Spicy Lamb Ragu Pizza, a delicious and unique twist on the classic dish. The combination of the flavour of lamb and spicy tomato sauce creates a dish that keeps you wanting more. For someone who prefers chicken over lamb, try this spicy twist on a classic: the American Hot Sauce Chicken Pizza made with hot sauce and cilantro. 

For Vegetarians, a must-try must be the Wild Mushroom Chimichurri Pizza, a flavourful and bold choice. If you are someone who likes the classics, there is nothing that screams comfort food like a Classic Margherita Pizza. They also have a Vegan sandwich, the Vegan MLT, which is a mushroom, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. 

To complete your meal, Lil Gamby is an array of fries for you to choose whether it’s their French Fries, Truffle Curly or French Fries, and Peri Peri Curly or French Fries. They’ve got everything and everyone covered! 

Lastly, end your meal on a sweet note with their Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart or Chocolate Mousse, both extremely delicious and hard to pick just one! 

Available on zomato.com

ALSO READ-Spare some cooking time with your siblings

Categories
Lite Blogs

Popular fermented meals from India’s culinary tradition

Ferments based on grains, legumes, and buttermilk are popular in the west. Maharashtra, like other tropical regions, has a distinct fermenting culture…writes Lothungbeni Humtsoe

India is known for its rich and diverse culinary tradition, which includes a vast range of fermented dishes. What began as a tradition centuries ago is still a prominent trend today, according to the Godrej Food Trends Report 2022. Fermented foods like curd, pickles, and bread are common in our diets and have numerous health benefits. Because of the diversity of climate in India, different regions have distinct food products with varying fermentation processes and methods.

Contributing to Godrej Food Trends 2022, Sweta Biswal, culinary chronicler, food writer, and curated meals creator, said “Popular dishes include Pakhala (fermented rice gruel), Ragi based Mandiapej. The hotter months have more fermented foods like Tanka Torani and Ghola Dahi (buttermilk) because they become something of a necessity. But even in the colder months ‘slower’ fermentation time is leveraged to add to the flavour/enhance the nutritional profile of certain foods like Pithas, Dahichenna, Usna Chakuli, and Torani kanji.”

Mapping Indian fermented foods and their seasonality connect.(Photo:IANSLIFE)

Tracing this trend is an overview of fermented products basis climate conditions:

North – Cold Climate

Northern India has the coldest weather and a thriving yeast-based bread culture with seasonal fermentation. It is in this location that more mustard ferments are consumed during the winter. Pickles such as paani ka achaar and rai-paani ka achaar are particularly popular in Uttar Pradesh. Pickles are popular throughout the winter since they are vegetable-based, adapt to the temperature, and are ideal to accompany their traditional winter dishes. Other forms of fermented foods commonly consumed in the north include:

Jammu – Phuh (colostrum cheese), Yaji (steamed dumplings)

Himachal Pradesh – Dangal bari (spiced lentil mixture), Bedvin roti (flour+lentil+walnut bread)

Uttarakhand – Jamma (goat meat sausage), Keem (barley flour curry)

Punjab – Sez (rice), Bhallae (black gram fritters)

Haryana – Doli ki roti (sourdough bread), Kanji (carrot+beet beverage)

West – Hot & Dry Climate

Ferments based on grains, legumes, and buttermilk are popular in the west. Maharashtra, like other tropical regions, has a distinct fermenting culture. Because of the hot weather, summertime temperatures are high, and fermented foods help to keep the body temperature cool. Ambolis is the most common fermented dish consumed in the morning. Amboli is a thicker type of dosa prepared from fermented rice batter. Although it has a sweeter flavour, it is very similar to southern uttapam. Other fermented-base meals include:

Rajasthan – Doli ki roti (sourdough bread), Kanji (carrot+beet beverage)

Gujrat – Dhokla (bengalgram+rice), Handvo (lentil cake)

Maharashtra – Kurdai (sundried wheat cracker), Sukhi bombil (dry fish)

Madhya Pradesh – Pej (rice), Rabdi (maize porridge)

South – Hot & Humid

Given the hot and humid weather in the south, a wide variety of fermented foods are appreciated. The south is well-known for its fermented lentils, dosas, and rice-based idlis. Curd and buttermilk-based ferments, which are common throughout the country and are used to soak vegetables to boost their potency, are another intriguing meal. Some of the fermented foods that are popular in southern India include:

Telangana – Idli (steamed rice cakes), Dosa (rice pancakes)

Andhra Pradesh – Ambali (millet porridge), Taravani (rice porridge)

Karnataka – Chepnim tor (stuffed raw mango pickle), Kachampulli (garcinia vinegar), Baimbale (bamboo shoot)

Goa – Sannas (rice cake),

Kerala – Appam (rice+toddy pancake), Idiyappam (string hoppers)

Tamil Nadu – Koozh (finger millet+rice porridge), Pazhayasadham (rice)

East – Composite, Hot, and Humid

Mapping Indian fermented foods and their seasonality connect.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The weather is a mix of hot and humid, which is ideal for fermenting. Given the environment, fermented foods are very common in Odisha. Because of the changing environment, tribal regions are where the majority of fermentation techniques originated. Seasonal consumption and several procedures are used here. Mandiapej, Handia, Mahuli, and Tadi are examples of typical tribal cuisine. Aside from these, some other popular fermented meals from India’s east and north-east states are:

Odisha – Pitha (grain dessert), Chennapoda (chennacheescake)

Chattisgarh – Dehori (rice-curd mixture), Bijori (sun-dried lentil disc)

West Bengal – Bandel cheese (coagulated cow’s milk)

Nagaland – Axone (sticky soybean paste), Jang Kap (buffalo skin)

Mizoram – Bekang-um (sticky soybean paste)

Sikkim – Gundruk (leafy vegetable), Maseura (black lentil soup)

Assam – Namsing (fish), Kinema (soybean)

Meghalaya – Tungrymbai (soybean paste), Tungtap (fish)

Arunachal Pradesh – Chhurpi (yak milk), Pikey Pila (pork meat pickle)

Manipur – Hawaijar (soybean), Soibum (bamboo shoot)

Sharing an insight in the Godrej Food Trends report 2022 Assamese Home Chef Gitika Saikia said, “In Assam, even small paddy field fish are sun-dried, pounded with colocasia leaves and left to ferment in a bamboo hollow, near the cooking fire. When needed a spoonful or two are pulled out, mashed with fresh chilies, or onion and salt, and served with rice. It is a frugal delicious meal.”

ALSO READ-Winter special soup recipes

Categories
Food Lite Blogs

Meal subscription platforms to reduce weight

Among some of the meal subscription apps in India, Food Darzee is a famous app where you may customize a meal plan to your specific needs…reports Asian Lite News

It is tough to keep track of one’s health when living a fast-paced life in a major metropolis. And for a variety of reasons, we are all preoccupied with life, career, romance etc. Being hard pressed for time, many of us ignore our health and refuse to go into the kitchen opting for junk food instead.

It’s important to have a nutritious diet, and we now have a wealth of possibilities for a healthy lifestyle habit, whether you live in a metro city or an urban location. We have prepared a list of the top ten meal subscription platforms for those who desire to reduce or gain weight, keep healthy and eat sensibly, or just save time.

Copper + Cloves

Sarah’s Copper + Cloves cafe, situated in Bengaluru, will get you excited about eating more plants and to helps you to cook beautifully. The brand now offers a meal subscription plan tailored to your specific needs; simply message them on Instagram and they will respond.

Aside from that, you may visit her website for amazing healthy eating recipes. After all, healthy eating isn’t all that bad. Hone your cooking talents by carefully following her instructions in the video and blog post that she has posted for food enthusiasts.

Visit copperandcloves.com

6 Meal

A good meal comes in a 6-meal package, and here is how it works: speak with an expert, choose a meal plan, get nutritionist advice, and begin your healing journey. They offer services for weight loss, healthy eating, healing and recovery, and detox. You can get a one-day trial for Rs 1,200 by calling +91 9899975450.

Visit 6meal.in

Eatfit

A Bengaluru-based app, Eatfit serves healthy, delicious, honest, and genuine Indian food created with natural ingredients, no trans fat, and a lot of love! You can arrange your food from the beginning of the day to the end. Breakfast is one of the alternatives. Eat Fit’s HRX Health Jar pack contains nourishing dishes packed with immune-boosting superfoods such as chia seeds, oats, matcha, almonds, and many more. Aside from the launch, dinner, and snack options, each meal is guaranteed to give a dose of goodness that promotes your overall immunity.

Visit eatfit.in

Food Darzee

Among some of the meal subscription apps in India, Food Darzee is a famous app where you may customize a meal plan to your specific needs. The company provides healthy and appetizing meals that are delivered to your house. Their starter plan is at Rs 1,500 per day and includes four meals with the ability to choose between weight loss, muscle gain, and healthy eating.

Visit fooddarzee.com

Parafit

Imagine If you could eat whatever you wanted and still lose weight. In Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad, Parafit provides personalized diet plans and healthy meal delivery. Simply select your plan, and a nutritionist will be assigned to you and your diet will be personalized.

Visit parafit.in

Fitmeals

Fitmeals’ culinary team is made up of dedicated and skilled chefs who are well-versed in nutrition, and all of their menus and meal plans are prepared by qualified nutrition experts. Weight loss, maintenance, athletic, Keto, and transformation problems are among the programs available. Fitmeals also offers healthy recipes that you may prepare at home and workout regimens.

Visit fitmeals.com


Caloriecare

Choose based on your dietary needs. All you have to do is select the food plan that best meets your health objectives. Customize your meals by including other cuisines or portion sizes, and there you go, freshly cooked meals are delivered in trays, each with a nutrition count.

Visit caloriecare.com

Growfit

A meal subscription service Growfit is run by a team of doctors, nutritionists, food technologists, counselors, technologists, and product developers who want to leverage the internet and cell phones to make health a daily habit.

The brand believes, “in empowering Indians to prevent, and even reverse, lifestyle diseases by addressing one of their root causes, nutrition. We work towards designing foods that offer balanced nutrition while using only the finest natural ingredients. We take it a step further by making sure everything is absolutely delicious! Because good health shouldn’t ever feel like a chore”.

Aside from the nutritious meals that you may order, they also have a Grow TV and Blog section where you can acquire all kinds of information on healthy eating.

Visit getgrowfit.in

My Square Meal

If you’re a busy on-the-go person who eats out frequently, you’re probably aware that it’s not healthy. Check out My Square Meal on Instagram, and they even have their own website where you can get home-cooked meals at extremely cheap pricing.

They offer ‘Corporate Employee Meal Solutions,’ which feature two separate combo options, namely Mini Meal and Full Meal with non-vegetarian alternatives. Price starts at Rs 3,000/- per month on weekdays.

Visit mysquaremeal.com

HealthyChef

All you have to do is express your interest to the HealthyChefs staff. The site provides a goal-based food subscription service as well as a workout platform.

Visit healthychef.in

ALSO READ-Your kids will love this!

Categories
Food Health Lite Blogs

Delicious meal plans for dietary goals

Our vision is a world where nobody will have to compromise with taste to achieve their health goals… Sakshi Bakshi speaks with Puja Gupta.

Foods that benefit for dietary goals will surely satisfy us for our healthy lifestyle. Nucros is a new-age subscription-based food/beverage provider that combines the latest nutrition science with natural ingredients for delicious meal plans to help achieve dietary goals.

The brand delivers customized keto, low carb, vegan, and balanced meals to your doorstep. The subscription plans include the management of various medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid, digestive issues, PCOD, weight loss, and general well-being. All plans are personalized, certified by doctors, crafted by expert chefs, and delivered to one’s doorstep.

An interview with Sakshi Bakshi to know more about the venture.

What prompted you to start the brand during a pandemic and what is the vision?

It was during the lockdown that I initiated the process and that’s when the company was formed with the idea to launch a platform where consumers can simply fill up a form, post which they would receive a call from our nutritionist. That call will discuss the subscriber’s goals and their medical history, based on which the nutritionist prepares their diet plans which are vetted and approved by our team of dedicated doctors. The diet plan is then shared with the kitchen team who then prepares the fresh meals which are then delivered to the subscriber’s house daily.

My vision is to eliminate the stigma of completely of avoiding tasty food while following meal plans. That is why Nucros Science not only prepares your diet chart but also sends you fresh meals cooked in their kitchen under their meal subscription plans. These diet plans also have dishes like Maggi and pizzas which are made using healthier alternatives. Such diet plans help the clients to be happy and content because they don’t have to compromise on the taste but rather, they learn to make healthier choices and eat what they enjoy. This also helps them to love their bodies and work hard to stay fit.

Our vision is a world where nobody will have to compromise with taste to achieve their health goals. Our mission is to provide complete convenience and deliver nutrient-calculated and macros-calculated tasty and healthy meals on a subscription basis right to your doorstep.

What sets the brand apart and why should people opt for Nucros?

The subscription-based healthy meal market in India is in a nascent stage, especially in the chronic and lifestyle disease space. Unlike other products in the lifestyle disease space which target only a specific part of the problem such as bars, teas, and drinks, we provide a holistic and convenient solution that comprises nutritious meals along with exercise and lifestyle guidance. Moreover, this is a segment that requires tailored nutrition, unlike a one-size-fits-all approach which is followed by most players.

In the women’s health market, we are the only subscription-based meal service in India, offering meals and smoothies for specific women’s health issues such as managing PCOS, boosting fertility, increasing fetal weight during pregnancy, and boosting milk supply after birth, all through natural foods with food acting as medicine.

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are increasingly common in India and most patients with chronic diseases have to limit or restrict their diet to manage their condition(s). What sets us apart from other players in this category including dieticians is that we ensure they get all their favorite meals and desserts thanks to a team of expert chefs, nutritionists and endocrinologists who make sure that their diet is not restrictive and they can enjoy all their meals despite their health condition.

While the weight-management market is crowded with multiple players offering parts of the solution, apart from calorie-counted and macros-calculated meals provided to their doorstep and nutritionist guidance, we also provide free monthly blood diagnostic test and consults with physicians and exercise coaches to ensure their goals and macros, micros are on track and that they are completely taken care of. And as mentioned, a customized meal plan per their preferences and allergies so that they enjoy the meals shared.

What challenges did you face while setting up with business and your key learnings?

A: The key business challenge has been the high rate of customer attrition. Most subscribers achieve their weight loss goals in a target span of 2-2.5 months and thus do not resubscribe to the plan. To combat this issue, we have diversified our business portfolio into DIY plans and retail products as alternate revenue streams. These new offerings have also enabled us to hold on to the customer even after they discontinue. We are also slowly and steadily shifting our focus from weight-management plans to chronic and lifestyle diseases for longer client retention.

As an entrepreneur, the biggest lesson learned has been to be agile. The quicker you make a decision, the quicker you can succeed or fail at it. I have consciously tried to create a culture of trial and error at Nucros, leading the team to be more creative and empowered. Thanks to a strong independent team, most tasks and decisions are made autonomously without waiting for any approval. Another important lesson learned has been to drive operations using technology. This has helped us in creating standardised and automated processes where we can accommodate over 100 clients with a smaller workforce thereby creating cost efficiencies.

What are your growth and expansion plans?

A: Since our start in July 2020, we have achieved around 10 per cent growth month-on-month till Dec 2020 and 20 per cent growth month-on-month with a total revenue of Rs 76 lacs till March 2021.We are looking to double the revenue every year with the help of our existing revenue streams and projected expansion into other tier-1 markets.

Expansion strategies for specific segments:

* Diabetes/ Heart/Renal/Liver Disease — Plans underway to expand share in this segment through doctor referrals. Future penetration plans include direct tie-up with select hospitals that can outsource meals for in-hospital patients.

* PCOS/Fertility/Pregnancy/Lactation (Women TMs Health) — Apart from the existing doctor referral system for our meal subscription program, we are planning to increase share in this market through Pan-India expansion with retail food products such as smoothie premixes and healthier food swaps for insulin resistance, etc.

* Weight Management — To increase share in this highly competitive market, we are planning to launch an app to expand our services offering and provide a seamless experience to both our meal subscription and DIY customers.

ALSO READ-Modern Indian Food With A London Touch

READ MORE-‘Curly Tales’ of food and travel

Categories
Food Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Always prefer a nutritious meal

Food rich in fiber helps your body to dispose of the toxins, regularise bowel movement, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A few basic changes to our whole wheat flour, dosa idli batter, and chapati can lead to more fiber…writes Puja Gupta.

Picking up a perfect meal may not be possible all the time. The fact that fancy diets are difficult to follow is because they try to eliminate all ingredients that are well accustomed to our taste pallet. It’s important to follow a diet that helps in reaching our fitness goals in a flexible and comfortable manner.

However, making major changes to your diet can sometimes seem very overwhelming. Instead of making big changes, it may be better to start with a few smaller ones, by tweaking your regular cooking style, chapati, curries, dal and soups be a welcome change and add value to everyday nutrition.

Diksha Chhabra, Founder, Diksha Chhabra Fitness Consultations, shares a few ways you can make load your meals with nutrition and that too effortlessly.

Power of Protein:

We have seen our mothers and grannies making paneer or curd at home with leftover milk. Ever wondered what that water like substance is? Often thrown as waste after making paneer or seen as leftover after the curd is set is actually pure milk protein that gets filtered during the process. It’s a quick digesting class one protein which the human body can easily absorb and can benefit of. Instead of throwing the residual water after making paneer or removing it from curd to make it thick and creamy, use it in kneading your dough for chapati, or add it to dals, vegetable curries, soups and even for cooking rice and pasta. Our Indian vegetarian meals lack class one source of protein and this can positively increase the nutritional value of simple everyday meals.

Power of Fibre:

Food rich in fibre helps your body to dispose off the toxins, regularise bowel movement, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A few basic changes to our whole wheat flour, dosa idli batter and chapati can lead to more fibre. Adding multiple grain like jowar, bajra, oats, ragi, legumes in our flour or batter doubles up its nutritional value and fibre content. The same can be done if you are fond of baking cakes and cookies. The more the number of different kinds of grains in your plate, the healthier it is.

For your sweet tooth:

There is a great way of having your favorite ice cream, make it with frozen fruits at home with no added sugar. Fruit with natural pulp like banana, mango, chikoo, coconut cream, or papaya can be frozen in the refrigerator for few hours after which once you blend it in the blender it gets nice creamy ice cream. You can also add berries, nuts, or dark chocolate to enhance the flavor. Juicy fruits like orange, watermelon, sweet lime, kiwi can be great options for making popsicles once its juice is extracted. Also, instead of sugar-laden thick shakes with artificial flavors and milk, adding fruits and yogurt can be a game-changer to your list of healthy and guilt-free desserts or snacks.

Also Read-Some snacks for your Mom

Read More-Virtual School Breaks With Healthy Snacks