The start of a new year is often viewed as a time for new beginnings. New dreams, new resolutions. A time to look ahead in hope. Towards a future, bathed in the golden glow of happy expectations. 2021 was a year that ebbed and flowed like the tide. Just when we thought the pandemic was waning, the second wave hit us with a ferocity we had scarcely expected. And now, as things slowly limp back to normalcy, a new variant, rising cases and a fear of uncertainty continue to remain. But what remained unwavering was our commitment, at The Organic World, to continue to give you that better choice a curated line up of healthier products whether it is organic, natural, pesticide-free or toxin-free. Our “Not In Our Aisle List” is an industry first initiative - a stand that we have taken to ensure what you see on our shelf is truly good for you and a healthier alternative to conventional counterparts. It is a list of 25 (and growing) ingredients that we have banned from the shelves of The Organic World. These ingredients are commonly found in conventional products but NOT at The Organic World. And to make our range of better choice products more and more accessible to our customers. Over the last quarter of the year, we launched four new stores across Bengaluru – in HRBR Layout, Jayanagar, Banashankari and JP Nagar RBI Layout. And before I sign off, I want to take this opportunity to thank you. For staying with us and trusting us. For making us your partner on the journey to better choices. I and every member of The Organic World could not be more grateful. And as we tread gently and mindfully into 2022, giving you that better choice will continue to remain our endeavour. In the products you see on our shelves that will empower you to lead a healthier life and create a healthier planet. In our customer promise. In everything we do, to help you to a better life and a better world. Here’s to looking ahead in hope and gratitude. Wish You and Your Loved Ones A Gentle, Joyous and Kind 2022. Gaurav Manchanda Founder & Managing Director, The Organic World
WHY DID WE COME UP WITH OUR not in our aisle list? Why did we premise our brand promise on ‘better choices’? This is because we want to make the consumers aware of the compromise that they are making across the consumption basket in their daily life - a compromise they are not aware of. Of how they are exposed to chemicals - from their toothpaste and tea and biscuits, to their atta, dals, rice, home cleaners, personal and beauty products - practically every single touchpoint through the day. Make them aware about how, by opting for these chemical laden products, we have normalised making compromised choices. And how, every single product at The Organic World is a better choice - for them, for the community and the environment - thanks to our stringent curation standards. We do the work - thereby ensuring our customers can trust our products 100%. What differentiates our products is that we are a far more responsible retailer for the conscious consumer. We focus on giving customers a ‘better choices’ range with a curated line up of healthier products whether it is organic, natural, pesticide-free or toxin-free. How have we ensured this? Through our Not In Our Aisle List. It is an industry first initiative - a stand that we have taken to ensure what you see on our shelf is truly good for you and a healthier alternative to conventional counterparts.
Our Not In Our Aisle List is a list of 25 (and growing) ingredients that we have banned from the shelves of The Organic World. These ingredients are commonly found in conventional products. They include high fructose corn syrup found in soda, juice, candy, breakfast cereals and packaged snacks; artificial flavourings/colours found in most snacks and packaged foods; TBHQ found in biscuits, microwave popcorn, butter substitutes and chicken nuggets; Carrageenan found in cottage cheese, ice cream and vegan dairy substitutes, phthalates, parabens & sulfates found in most personal and beauty care products, as well as a range of toxins and acids that you will find in conventional home cleaning products - but NOT at The Organic World. So we only if a brand conforms to the Not In Our Aisle List, do we onboard them.
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The first harvest of the year, usually in January is celebrated with much gusto and festivity throughout the country – as Lohri in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, Sankranthi in states like Karnataka and Rajasthan and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Perhaps the most well-known of these harvest festivals is Pongal – celebrated grandly across four days, especially among the farming community. There are several traditions that are followed during the four days of festivities. New clothes are a must! Homes are cleaned and kollam, beautiful rangolis made of rice flour paste, are drawn outside homes. Freshly harvested sugarcane is usually arranged in the shape of a tripod, rice and dal is cooked with milk and jaggery and offered to the Sun God. Farmers adorn their sickles and ploughs with sandalwood paste. Cattle are bathed, garlanded and worshiped. You are likely to see their horns polished bright with vibrant colours!
And if there is festivity, can food be far behind? Here are some of the most popular dishes eaten during Pongal, with rice of course, being the highlight ingredient!
SAKKRA PONGAL This is easily the star of the show! Traditionally cooked in a pot over a fire, this sweet rice dish is made with green gram, rice and jaggery, milk and ghee. It is rich, delectable and a must-have – first offered to the gods and then straight to your plates! VENN PONGAL If there’s sweet, can savoury be far behind? Savoury, peppery and fragrant, this is another must have on your Pongal menu. Rice is mixed with moong dal, ghee, cashew nuts, curry leaves, black pepper and other whole spices and cooked. Served piping hot, with a dollop of ghee, sambar and chutney, this flavoursome dish is a year-round favourite! PAYASAM No festive celebration is complete without payasam. The southern counterpart of the North Indian kheer, payasam is made with milk, jaggery and sugar, along with moong dal, or semolina, rice or even millets, along with dry fruits. Thick, sweet and decadent it is the perfect meal ender!
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COCONUT RICE & LEMON RICE Pongal is a celebration of rice and a couple of the other popular dishes include Coconut Rice and Lemon Rice. While the former is delicately spiced with fresh coconut, whole spices, curry leaves and ginger, the latter bursts with the tangy flavour of lemon, chilies, and curd leaves along with peanuts. These dishes are usually served with curries, curd and pickle. VADA Crispy vada, served with chutney and sambar is a true South Indian delicacy! It is an integral part of the Pongal spread, usually as the crunchy accompaniment. It is made with urad dal or channa dal batter and lightly spiced. MURUKKU Made of urad dal, this crunchy, spicy snack is a must-have during the feasting! Round in shape, with its typical coils, it is hard to just stop at one! You can make them at home or pick up wholesome, organic options with us!
The goal of Green Sense is to provide consumers with wholesome and organic food products. They offer a range of pure and organically grown spices, herbs, grains, cereals, flours and much more, grown following the principles of organic agriculture.
and we buy back all of it. We process them in our state-of-the-art facilities and pack them for resellers, importers and distributors etc.
TOW: Why did you decide to set up Green Sense? GREEN SENSE: Agronic Food was set up in 2009 since I wanted to create something sustainable at work, society and for mother earth. When I paid a visit to the farms, I became aware of the degree of depletion of soil quality which compelled me to grow the produce not only sustainably but also organically. It was also backed by a vision to present a gamut of indigenious herbs and spices to the world. Green Sense was set up in India seeing the market situation of adulterated products, and also because of the fact that a lot of companies entered into the market in the name of organic and supplied non certified organic food. The whole idea to set up Green Sense was to make available real, raw, organic and unadulterated food to the Indian market. TOW: What sets you apart from other brands in a similar space as well as conventional products? GS: Chemicals & pesticides affect soil quality and the environment in the long term. One of the solutions to the issue has been organic farming. Our company works on a Farm to Fork (producer, processor & exporter) approach giving us a higher degree of quality control and we employ fair pricing methods without a middleman. Our company offers the largest range of organic products under one roof in India. We manage our produce from the farm level to dispatch, making our product prices really competitive. Our initial step involves conversion of land from conventional to organic and formation of a cooperative. Thereafter, we extensively train our farmers in the conversion period. They grow the crops as per our demand
TOW: Can you tell us a bit about your processing cycle? GS: Organic farming & processing ensures that no chemical, synthetic fertilizers & preservatives are used from farm to fork. The process is completely hygienic & monitored at every step. One of the main elements in organic farming is traceability, meaning every grain can be traced back to the farm where it was grown. With multiple food & quality certifications (Organic, BRC, HACCP etc.), we ensure 100% ethical & organic produce. BRC Certification is considered to be the highest mark of food safety & quality internationally. Our products have validated their need and existence as a solution as we have improved our customers’ health by decreasing their consumption of toxic chemicals, improved the life of 40,000 farmers working in affiliation with us by training them and reducing their exposure to fertilisers leading to skin and respiratory diseases. TOW: Can you tell us a bit about your product assortment? GS: We offer a plethora of pure and organically grown spices, herbs, grains, cereals, flours, cold pressed oils and much more. Feel Good Mixes were specifically introduced to make an impact in the life of people, to boost immunity , so that they have health and convenience. Our aim is to keep adding more products to the ‘Feel Good’ category that really helps to improve the quality of life of consumers and society at large. Our Chyawanprash is made of 54 certified Ayurvedic ingredients and is India’s only USDA 100% certified organic chyawanprash. Golden Ghee is curated by renowned nutritionist Mr Luke Coutinho, it is a unique combination of A2 Cow Ghee, Lakadong Turmeric and Pepper. Our A2, hormone free cow Ghee, the Indian superfood, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda as a therapeutic agent & a preferred cooking medium. It is rich in healthy fats, especially saturated fats which are the building blocks of brain cells. Curcumin, the main bioactive compound in Turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory & antioxidant effects. It helps in disease prevention & has many health benefits.
TOW: What are your vision/growth plans? GS: Chemicals & pesticides affect soil quality and Improving the lives of people associated with our business, and giving them and their family the quality of life they deserve. To further create more opportunities for sustainable farming and employment, thus ensuring a better future for our farmers and reduction in the cost of good food. Our expansion plans for 2022-2023 include a new processing unit and new machinery, expanding to a pan India presence with distributor model of retail brand Greensense, building a new warehouse in North America
and Europe for better market penetration, expanding presence to over 40 countries, increasing total production area by 300% with a fully equipped laboratory and increasing our farmer base to 50,000 involving state governments and NGO at ground level. TOW: What does partnering with a retailer like The Organic World mean for you? GS: We always aim to associate with like minded people whose vision is beyond making profits, the ones which are trying to make a difference. We wish to reach the maximum number of people and let them feel the difference, what real organic food tastes like. www.theorganicworld.com
what type of rice
RI CE
Rice is an integral part of everyday Indian meals. Whether it’s mixed with sambar or rasam, used in a pulao or biryani, part of desserts or even snacks (think rice cutlets!), no meal is complete without these beautiful and fragrant grains. Little wonder then that India is among the top rice consuming nations in the world! At Wellbe we understand how it is important to have implicit faith in what you are buying, so that you can create wholesome and healthy meals for your family. Our kitchen staples are cultivated organic produce using sustainable methods and grown with non-genetically modified seeds and high in nutritional value. Here’s a ready reckoner for the different types of organic certified rice, available in the Wellbe stable.
should you buy?
UMA PRASAD General Manager, Operations Wellbe Foods
BASMATI BROWN/UNPOLISHED RICE Source: Rajasthan Organically grown, this rice has a flavourful taste and rich aroma. The unremoved bran layer gives it the brown colour and makes it nutritionally richer as compared to polished grains. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, making it incredibly healthy. These long, slender rice grains are used in biryanis, kheers and even risottos. SONAMASURI WHITE RICE Source: Karnataka This white, medium-grain rice is easily among the most popular varieties of rice. A bowl of organic Sonamasuri white rice contains a high quantity of dietary fiber and important nutrients such as calcium and iron and is rich in carbohydrates and protein. Its calorie content is lower than long grain rice. RAJAMUDI RED RICE Source: Karnataka (Mysore) A type of red rice, it was earlier grown exclusively for the Wadiyar dynasty or the Maharajas of Mysore. Unpolished, it has a natural red and brown pattern. The red colour is due to the presence of a flavonoid called anthocyanin. It is a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants and iron and has a low-glycemic index.
HAND POUNDED RICE Source: Karnataka Did you know? Hand pounded rice is one of the healthiest varieties of rice. Pounded in a mortar and pestle, the bran remains largely intact and the grain still retains its healthy nutrients and serves as a good source of energy. This variety of rice is much healthier as compared to machine-processed rice BLACK RICE Source: Rajasthan An uncommon variant, Black rice, also known as the ‘Forbidden Rice’, delights with its mild, nutty flavor and a chewy texture. Rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, iron and copper, it is also one of the best sources of dietary fiber. It gets its signature black-purple color from a pigment called anthocyanin, which is present in a higher quantity in black rice as compared to any other coloured grains. RED RICE Source: Karnataka Red Rice is a partially hulled rice that has a nutty flavour. It has a unique blend of phytochemicals, phenolics, flavonoids (anthocyanin, which gives the red colour), along with a higher antioxidant activity. This makes it extremely beneficial for women, especially adolescent girls and lactating mothers. The rice finds a mention in many ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts.
By choosing Wellbe, not only are you choosing nutrition and better health for yourself and your family, but you are also positively impacting the environment and community.
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into the grind
It’s ‘back to the office season’ for most and time to get back to the grind. Struggling to pick yourself up after the break and get back to routine? Here are a few tips from Sisters In Sweat on how to get back into the grind, post a long break.
BE PATIENT AND HAVE A REALISTIC MINDSET Set initial goals that are small and manageable to help you stay motivated. If you can’t get up early enough for or commit to do a long workout, do a short yoga session or a beginner HIIT video just to get yourself moving. Carving out just thirty minutes of gentle exercise a day, or every other day, will give you the energy you need to get on with the rest of your day, plus help set the tone for exercising on a regular basis again.
doctor’s advice before starting again. Inappropriate management of injuries can lead to further injuries which may be more severe and require a longer recovery time.
TAKE IT EASY AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Don’t expect to bounce right back after a long break. It is natural for the body to decondition itself after a break from exercise, regardless of how intense your previous workouts were. When you do get back into exercise, remember not to push yourself too hard as this can lead to injury. Instead, start slowly, eventually increasing the duration and intensity of your workouts as you progress. Note how your body is feeling once you begin exercising and to always respect its limits. If you experience any pain or strain, then stop exercising and seek a
PRIORITIZE SLEEP, HYDRATION, AND NUTRITION Take care of your body outside the gym by getting enough sleep, hydrating, and fueling up with nutritious foods.
GET A WORKOUT BUDDY! Working out and setting goals with other people help you stay accountable and motivated. Not to mention workouts become so much more enjoyable when you’re not doing them alone!
DO NOT FEEL GUILTY FOR TAKING A BREAK Remember that taking breaks is beneficial in the long run. Look at your holiday break as an opportunity to spend time with friends and family while letting your body rest, it gives you the chance to come back even stronger. You don’t need to get back from the holidays and feel you need to work off what you ate by doing hours of cardio. Shove those negative feelings aside and see things
differently – this is your opportunity to start fresh and perhaps even try a new class or two.
FITNESS GOALS for 2022 CHELSTON PINTO
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Oftentimes we have seen that fitness related efforts are usually made as resolutions around the New Year. While enthusiasm is high, the intent often fades with time! Fitness is a journey and has to be a part of one’s lifestyle. It needs to be a change that becomes ingrained in one’s behaviour, therefore becoming a revolution and not just a New Year’s resolution. So, start somewhere, start now and build a strong foundation to make it a success!
“Don’t wait to make a resolution. No effort is wasted and delaying your fitness goals will only be pushing you further away from them”.
Realistic targets: Set realistic long-term targets that can be sustained for a lifetime. Don’t set unrealistic goals that will need you to push beyond limits. Small steps matter. Gradually build up to your goal – never rush things. Enjoy your workouts: Workouts need not always be hitting the gym or going out for a run. Take the stairs, stretch/yoga, clean the house, and dance. Plan your workouts with a buddy. Even if you can’t do it together, connect online! Take more steps every day: Move a little every hour and dedicate some time in the day to get the bulk of your steps in every day. Nutrition: Eat smaller healthier meals instead of following crash diets. Consistency is the key. Remember, lots of fruits and vegetables, get your protein in, fibre rich foods, cut down the junk, and stay hydrated. Reach out to professionals: Consult a professional for guidance and individualized plans since no one rule fits all.
HEALTHY RESOLUTIONS FOR
The start of a new year is always a good time to reflect and then look ahead. And make those healthy resolutions! Here’s what we think you should say no to this year!
ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURINGS & COLOURS IN YOUR FOOD We love brightly coloured and well flavored food - who doesn’t? But did you know that very often, the ready to eat food, or some of the ingredients you may buy may contain artificial colours and artificial flavourings? While they may add taste and colour to your food, they can have adverse health effects. Choose food products free of artificial flavourings and colour! TRANS FAT IN YOUR SNACKS Look at the label of your favourite fried crisp. Chances are you will see trans fat. Do you know what trans fat is? It’s an unsaturated fat that has undergone hydrogenation. It improves the shelf life and consistency of food items like baked and fried snacks, biscuits etc. But did you know that trans fat is suspected to increase several markers of inflammation? Resolve to eat trans fat free snacks this New Year. HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP IN JUICES A sweetener made from corn, high fructose corn syrup is found in sodas, juice, candy, breakfast cereals & snack foods. While weight gain is the most common side effect as suggested by studies, consumption of high fructose corn syrup is also suspected to increase markers of inflammation. Opt for juices and more free of high fructose corn syrup! PLASTIC Did you know by 2050 our oceans will have more plastic than fish? Make the switch to using steel and glass storage containers, use disposable plates made of areca nut for your parties. Recycle, reuse and upcycle your decorations. PALM OIL IN YOUR COOKIES Palm oil is a common ingredient used in up to 50% of the packaged food we see around us. Palm Oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from certain palms. It is used as cooking oil in several packaged foods. Palm oil is relatively high in saturated fats, which have often been linked to heart disease. Say no to snacks made with palm oil! CARRAGEENAN IN YOUR CREAM CHEESE Derived from Red Seaweed, Carrageenan acts as a thickener, emulsifier and preservative. It is found in almond milk, cottage cheese, ice cream & vegan dairy substitutes. Studies have
suggested that consumption of carrageenan could possibly lead to formation of intestinal ulcers. Say no to carrageenan this Christmas! MAIDA IN YOUR CAKES Maida or refined flour is a staple in bakes and snacks. Maida is flour that has been refined - a process that strips it of its nutrients. Consumption of maida has been linked to side effects such as weight gain, increase in cholesterol and other allied health issues. Make a better choice with products made with whole wheat flour or other alternative flours. WASTAGE OF FOOD AND BINGE EATING We tend to throw a lot of food away after our parties - so try to not overcook. And when you are eating, avoid second helpings, if you are looking at portion control. TOO MUCH SUGAR IN YOUR DESSERTS Try and opt for alternatives to white sugar in your baking. Some other options include jaggery, honey, mashed bananas and date syrup.
And say yes to… reading the ingredients label on the products you buy! This will help you make better choices! At The Organic World, our 2000+ chemical & preservative free groceries are free of 25 harmful ingredients (including those mentioned above!) that are found in conventional products but NOT at The Organic World.
JP Nagar | JP Nagar RBI Layout | Jayanagar HRBR Layout | Yelahanka | Indiranagar Whitefield | Bellandur | HSR Layout Koramangala | Malleshwaram Banashankari | Cunningham
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