Pune Inc: From Kalyani Nagar to all across the city — a unique and artistic way to deliver good health

“There’s a strong belief in my mind that it is very important for you to enjoy the food that you’re eating in addition to being balanced and nutritional. For instance, I had my favourite oat bowl for breakfast today. It is a combination of chocolate and fruit with oatmeal,” says Chhutani, who is also a jewellery designer.

Some bowls have as many as 22 ingredients that provide a balance of proteins, carbs, vitamins, and other nutrients. (Express Photo)

Chhutani started during the pandemic when people were locked down at home, and paying attention to their health and food. “I used to create dishes, including savouries, and had a habit of clicking pictures, whether it was my salad bowl, fruit bowl, noodle dish or pasta. Whatever I made, I would upload an image of it on social media. One day, I did this with my oat bowls. I have been eating oats for years. I flavour it in an interesting way,” she says.

Chhutani’s first client was a friend who had followed the posts online — she suffered from acidity and found that it helped. The orders started to come more frequently, accompanied by lavish appreciation posts. “The Bowl Therapy started three years ago at a small scale as a passion project. Whenever I used to decorate the bowls with fruits and other ingredients, I used to feel very good. My clients’ feedback has always motivated me,” she says.

It was from customers, who suffered from diabetes or acidity, among others, that Chhutani came to know that the bowls were helping them. She began to study more about oats and found that these are high in nutritious value as they are rich in antioxidants and soluble fibre, among others.

Chhutani says the bowls, which also come in vegan avatars, don’t have any sugar artificial ingredients, including sweeteners. (Express Photo)

According to the American Heart Association, extensive studies on oats have associated it with “plenty of heart-healthy benefits, such as lowering cholesterol (both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol) and helping with weight control”. The study warns that oats alone cannot benefit anybody if they are binging for the rest of the day.

Chhutani says the bowls, which also come in vegan avatars, don’t have any sugar artificial ingredients, including sweeteners. “I use very little honey and, sometimes, dates to season it a little bit if there are few fruits in the bowl. Mostly, fruits have their own sweetness. I try to make the bowls so beautifully that you eat it with your eyes first,” she says.

Today, her clients include pregnant women, working people who want the bowls delivered to their offices, the elderly, doctors, gym trainers and fitness enthusiasts. “Many parents order bowls for their children for snacking time,” says Chhutani. “For me, it is still not a business and remains a passion,” says Chhutani.

She has customers all over Pune — and this poses a unique challenge. How does the bowl stay beautiful when it has to be dashed off to Karve Nagar, Deccan, Aundh, Baner, Kalyani Nagar and Pimpri Chinchwad? “Sometimes, the trip takes an hour. In my cloud kitchen, I have to make sure everything is ready and kept in the fridge. Everybody is fond of the decoration. Each bowl is crafted by me and looks different. I explain to the porter how to transport the bowls so that they reach clients perfectly. I have not received any complaint, thankfully,” she says.

Today, her clients include pregnant women, working people who want the bowls delivered to their offices, the elderly, doctors, gym trainers and fitness enthusiasts. (Express Photo)

Since she is getting a response, including from small villages, Chhutani is planning to train other startup founders and share her recipes. “I am so happy because health has been such a concern for us. I know that I can put recipes on my Instagram handle but it will take a little time because I have a good customer line and cannot stop my work to make videos. But, I am thinking of how to grow in the right direction,” she says.