Adopting a healthy diet is not merely a trend in the United Arab Emirates; it is truly a lifestyle. With a diverse population and strong emphasis on healthy living, UAE has become a center for wholesome and delicious foods that not only taste amazing but promotes healthy living too. The country presents Middle Eastern and international cuisines which incorporate fresh and savory ingredients, contributing to an even more flavorful food culture. The UAE caters for every need, be it a healthy snack or a full-course meal, in the most healthy manner possible.
Let’s take a peak into some of the best healthy eating strategies you can implore in the UAE:
1. Fresh Salads: They are Healthy and Artistic
These are diverse in the UAE because tabouli made with fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat is one of the finest salads in UAE salads and is far from the gentle bowl salads found in other parts of the world. In addition, salads that feature mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and pita bread braised in a creamy lemon dressing (fattoush) are also quite popular in the region. Why it’s healthy: With the combination of low calories and rich in ingredients such as fiber and vitamins, these salads are quite nutritious.
2. Grilled Kebabs:
Tasty and Packed with Lean Protein With grilled kebabs, chicken, lamb or beef are usually sautéed with spices and olive oil before being skewed and grilled on an open flame to preserve the taste. Kebabs are usually served with fresh bell peppers, tomatoes and onions which make the meal even more delicious.
Why it’s healthy: Aside from being grilled, kebabs are an excellent source of lean protein. The fresh vegetables served help to furnish fiber and vitamins further balancing the meal. Moreover, grilling keeps the dish light, flavorful, and low in sodium.
- Fresh Fish: Nutritious and Contains Omega-3
Owing to the coastal status of the UAE, seafood is vital in their local cuisine and fresh fish is always a healthy option. Hamour, a common fish in the UAE, is frequently grilled or steamed which showcases its natural flavors. Elsewhere, shark and kingfish are also commonly eaten, usually in the form of healthy grilled or baked dishes.
Why it’s healthy: Fish is one of the primary natural sources of omega-3 oils which helps in maintaining heart health and boosting brain functions. Additionally, fish contains relatively low fats and high protein which makes it an essential food for a healthy diet.
- Hummus and Baba Ganoush: The Perfect Pair
Baba ganoush and hummus are definitely some of the healthiest dishes one can get while in UAE. The famous dips have satisfying taste as they are made with wholesome products like chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and garlic are used for hummus whereas roasted eggplant with tahini and lemon juice are used for baba ganoush. These dips are best when served with warm, whole-grain pita bread or uncooked vegetables.
Why they’re healthy: Baba ganoush and hummus both benefit from robust health enhancing features, packed as they are with fiber, healthy fats, plant protein, antioxidants and vitamins. And that explains their high relevance in any healthy diet.
- Smoothie Bowls: A Colorful and Energizing Start
The UAE has seen a rise in smoothie bowls as a unique and nourishing breakfast alternative. These bowls contain blended fruits such as acai, mango or berries, and are later on garnished with granola, seeds, nuts, or fresh coconut. For those who love berries or tropical fruits, smoothie bowls are the perfect option to start off a busy day.
Why they’re healthy: Smoothie bowls promote healthy living and cleansing, as they consist of plenty of fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, and coconut. The sweeteners boost energy levels, while the fiber and healthy fats support metabolism, digestion, and prolonged energy.
- Traditional Arabic Mezze: Small Plates, Big Flavors
In the UAE, mezze is a healthy social feast that offers many small plates of food. Some common mezze are mutabbal, a smoked eggplant dip, labneh, strained yogurt drizzled with olive oil, and tabbouleh, all tasty and made with the freshest ingredients and olive oil.
Why it’s healthy: Like most Mezze dishes, these are plant-based and offer a blend of nutrients from vegetables, legumes, and grains. There is also a good amount of healthy fats, probiotics, and fiber which helps for a light, balanced meal.
- Date-Sweetened Treats: Naturally Sweet and Nourishing
Dates are a basic food item in the UAE and are renowned for their natural and healthy sweeteners. As opposed to sugary foods, you may come across various date-based desserts like energy balls and pastries stuffed with dates and almonds.
Why it’s healthy: Dates are among the more healthier options, having rich fibers, antioxidants, and necessary minerals such as potassium and magnesium. They are virtually sugar free, making them a healthy dessert or snack that provides the body with natural energy.
- Fresh Juices: Refresh Yourself and Nourish at the Same Time
Fresh juices are one of the healthy eating customs in the UAE, which is very important because of the warm weather. You’ll find freshly squeezed juices made from ingredients like oranges, pomegranates, watermelon, and carrots. Some stalls offer more complex combinations that include flavors such as ginger, mint, and lime.
Why it is Healthy: Freshly made juices offer a perfect combination of hydration and vitamins, which is beneficial in the hot temperatures of the UAE. They serve as a better alternative to sugary beverages because they include a rich amount of sugars, antioxidants, and hydration.
- Shakshuka: A Powerful Breakfast from the Middle East
Shakshuka is a famous breakfast dish in the UAE served with poached eggs and flavored with a mixture of spices including tomato, pepper, cumin, and paprika. It is mostly served with pita bread or whole-grain bread together with fresh salad.
Why it is Healthy: Shakshuka is rich in proteins due to the eggs and provides a healthy portion of tomatoes and pepper with its low calories. It is calorie depriving but nutrient packed, so it is an excellent breakfast that will leave you full for hours.
- Vegan Quartiers and Herb Cafes: Altering Trends
There has been a spike in the number of vegan and vegetarian cafes across the UAE due to the increase in demand for plant based cuisines. These cafes serve healthy food items such as wraps, and a variety of salads and loaves, using healthy ingredients grown locally.
Why They Are Healthy: A vegan diet is generally less fatty and less dense in calories than one consisting meat. Such meals are a wonderful choice for anyone wishing to eat more responsibly as they contain ample amounts of important nutrients, fiber, and free radical fighting antioxidants.
Conclusion: Balanced Diet with Healthy Choices
The UAE is a mix of an advanced and traditional state, and so is this remarkable country’s food culture that is highly indicative of it. To eat healthy in the UAE is to be free to use lots of fresh ingredients, spices, and foods which need to be well prepared and soothing to the body as well as the mind. From the grilled fish, fresh salad, and smoothie bowls, the UAE has numerous healthy dishes that suit different tastes and preferences. Experience UAE’s food culture and relish the wholesome, fresh, and flavorsome cuisine for yourself!