Expats and Emiratis alike like eating out, given the estimated 7,000 – 8,000 eateries open on a commercial basis in Dubai alone. However, the nation has been linked with a more inactive lifestyle; lengthy working hours devoted at a desk as well as time spent indoors, along with the hot environment, have led to rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease.
So, is Dubai going to wreck your diet? We look at what nutritious foods you can consume and how nutritious eating is still achievable in Dubai despite the temptations.
Why Is Healthy Diet Crucial In Dubai?
Nobody needs to be informed that poor food and lack of physical activity are serious issues in the UAE. This has resulted in creating a major challenge when it comes to weight management in Dubai.
The Global Burden of Disease study conducted in 2013 found that over 66 percent of men and 60% of women within the UAE have become overweight or obese.
94% of the Emiratis and expats said they enjoy trying new restaurants and cuisines. This has given a significant rise to the need of authentic dietitians in Dubai who can help keep the health of the country’s residents in check.
What are the dietary habits of the people in Dubai?
Due to its large expat community, Dubai offers a diverse range of cuisines from around the world, including:
- Indian
- Emirati
- Italian
- Levantine and Lebanese
Based on the KPMG 2017 UAE Food & Beverage Assessment, many Emiratis and expats eat outside at least once a week, with brunch being a particularly prominent pastime on Friday (the first day of the weekend). It is a Dubai tradition that is appreciated by both residents and tourists.
Rapid-service and informal restaurants have become popular and cost-effective options for dining out. Burgers and the shawarma wraps are extremely popular, and formal dining is often regarded as a once-in-a-while treat.
Takeout and dining experiences are very tempting because there are so many international dishes accessible at all hours of the day. Owing to the higher percentage of people suffering from obesity related issues, the popularity of weight loss treatments have gone up as well.
Factors influencing nutritious eating in Dubai
Overtime
In accordance with UBS Prices and Earnings 2015, the average length of overtime done in Dubai is five hours. This implies that many people work the limit of 48 hours per week – or perhaps longer – rendering the lack of time as well as convenience the key reasons for dining outside or ordering in.
Import charges
Shopping for groceries can be expensive due to the greater prices connected with importing specific commodities, forcing many solo residents as well as couples to opt for fast food or visit low-cost establishments.
Weather
Summertime temperatures can easily approach 50 degrees Celsius, prompting residents to devote more time indoors, which, when combined with less activity, increases the probability of eating.
Taxation
A new 5% VAT tax now applies to numerous products, potentially raising day-to-day expenditures. This charge will apply to all food, as part of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s efforts to strengthen the region’s economic situation in the aftermath of falling oil prices.
Is eating out harmful to your health?
Restaurants or fast-food-style meals are often rich in salt, sugar, carbohydrates, or fat, with few healthful dietary options which help in weight management
However, due to an increasing shift toward healthy food in Dubai, more restaurants are now catering to clients who are seeking new ingredients and creative spins on established cuisines.
With a specialized Food Watch application and digital platform, Dubai’s regulatory authority is promoting greater transparency. This allows residents to monitor their food from ‘farm to fork’ and examine the nutrient content of about 20,000 establishments, including school cafeterias, making nutritious eating much easier.
Diners may now use a new Healthy Food emblem to verify the health benefits claimed by restaurant meals.
What are the most effective methods to eat healthily in Dubai?
There are several actions you may take in Dubai to maintain a healthy diet.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting your daily fat intake to a maximum of 30% of your total dietary intake.
Saturated fats (like those made from ghee or coconut oil, for instance) should be replaced with non-saturated fats (e.g. an olive as well as sunflower kinds).
Aim for equilibrium in your daily dietary regimen by consuming the appropriate proportions of a wide range of meals.
Explore healthier options, such as Emirati cuisine, which is heavily influenced by Arabic, Iranian, and Lebanese cuisine and features barbecued meats, one-pot stews, pulses, and salads.
Minimize deep-fried items and creamy sauces, and reserve desserts like Luqaimat (sweet deep-fried dough spheres) along with Knafeh (sweetened cheese) for special occasions.
Dubai’s Healthy Eating
Finding nutritious food in Dubai is simple, and there are lots of nutrition-focused options around to help you develop better habits.
While Dubai’s diverse cuisine can put anyone’s good intentions to the test, the city has begun taking steps to combat the obesity epidemic.
There is growing recognition that the increasingly passive lifestyle associated with city living has detrimental health consequences. The hot heat and normally long hours of work may remain constant, but Dubai’s restaurant menu is increasingly filled with nutritionally oriented cuisine that fits its citizens’ excellent intentions towards a nutritious diet.
This is supported by government initiatives to promote a significantly more open attitude to food, with a growing number of eateries allowing consumers to make more educated decisions regarding what they eat.
Conclusion
At Allied Medical Center, We understand the importance of developing and maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet. Our weight management programs will enable you to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle. We offer a wide range of Diet & Nutrition services such as:
- Nutritional Programs
- Patient Assessments
- Food Allergies and Bowel Diseases
- Eating Disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Anorexia Bulimia
- Obesity and Binge Eating
- Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes
- Hyperlipidemia
Visit our website https://www.alliedmedicalcenter.net and keep checking our blogs and services to stay updated.