When Astha Pawar, a 30-year-old Bengalurean observed a lack of awareness about nutrition and food among young adults in town, she decided she had to make a start — towards clean eating. Her recent venture, Fitness Cafe, aims to help city folk with the same. But, the former management professional-turned-entrepreneur’s intent doesn’t stop at that. The young fitness enthusiast is all set to introduce and familiarise the underprivileged around town to eating healthy through her quarterly charitable offering in orphanages around town. In a candid chat, she tells us more...
“While I’ve been a foodie all my life, I was also extremely particular about what I ate. That’s when I discovered how a lot of half-baked information was floating around. I know people who’ve avoided carbs entirely, but there are some excellent carbohydrate options around — like millets over maida. I’ve wish to reach out to people and explain the myriad benefits of running a close eye through the macro-nutrients in your food,” reveals Astha, an ISSA Certified fitness nutritionist, who’s also prepping to offer free sessions on nutrition and healthy eating in schools and colleges in Bengaluru.
Having ventured out with her debut venture in December last year, Astha reveals how the journey has been an enriching and insightful one. “Being an entrepreneur is not easy. But the high you get from running your own business is unparalleled. More than just viewing my start-up as a profit-making channel, I wish to reach out to the underprivileged and enable access to healthy foods and its importance to women and children hailing from rural areas, slums and downtrodden background.”
Through the venture, Astha distributes free nutrient-rich meals to orphanages in and around JP Nagar. “I’ve so far reached out to two orphanages and will be doing this as a quarterly ritual to spread the message more effectively. Through the concept, I wish to offer nutritious meals for free to children aged from four to 18 in particular,” she reveals.
On days, when she isn’t on the run, there’s always time for binge-eating, which she balances with rigorous workouts. She signs off by stating, “I love exploring cafes in Bengaluru. But I balance it out with a mix of zumba, boxing and strenuous workouts. The days are packed, but I’m loving the rush!”
