Healthy Eating Options | Abu Dhabi

“Just because you’re not sick doesn’t mean you’re healthy.” Unknown

Overindulgence is the name of the game in the UAE. We are inundated with an abundance of five-star hotel restaurants, celebrity chefs aplenty and gourmet dining experiences and that’s without all the festive fare that we have all been tucking into last month. But fear not, there are many healthy options available too, here are my top six places to go for that feel good guilt free meal, healthy smoothie or juice to counteract our ever expanding waistlines.

Nectar Smoothie and Juice Bar, located inside Bodytree Studios makes the most amazing concoctions for the lycra clad pilates and yoga set looking for a post-workout healthy treat. It’s colourful and tasty range of juices and smoothies are made fresh to order with locally sourced fresh seasonal ingredients and without any additives or sweeteners. The menu is constantly evolving and alongside the drinks is a range of healthy snacks including kale chips, raw paleo granola and powerbites. Don’t be alarmed you don’t have to work out to enjoy a Nectar treat as everything is also available for walk ins and takeaway, the juices, smoothies, organic cashew milk and snacks can even be pre-ordered and purchased to enjoy at home. Take my advice and try a Sustainable Energy juice with a shot of chia seeds for that ultimate green boast. Visit www.lifeisnectar.com for more information and full menu.

Nolu’s Cafe has two venues, its original location at Al Bandar and the newer large contemporary Nolu’s Downtown at The Galleria mall, both offering a sizeable menu of American-Afghani inspired cuisine. The healthy and wholesome menu offers a multitude of flavours from breakfast through to dinner that will satisfy even the most conscientious healthy diner. ‘Build your own’ salad bowls, sandwiches or burger options are offered along with, soups, seafood, meat kabobs, cold pressed juices and so much more to enjoy while eating-in or takeaway. Visit Nolu’s Cafe on Facebook for all the latest news, menus and home delivery options.

The Raw Place prides itself on its 100% raw, vegan and organic ‘grab and go’ concept here in the capital that offers the most delicious range of cold press juices. With two venues, one in the Souk, World Trade Centre and the other at Al Muneera Beach Plaza it’s a great place to pick up a healthy breakfast or a fresh salad for lunch or dinner. The piece de resistance of the menu is the drinks selection, if you haven’t tried their non-dairy chocolate mylk yet, you simply must it’s my favourite even though it’s a little pricey for the size. Walk-ins, takeaway and delivery are all available too, so you have no excuse not to try their extensive range of juices, smoothies and raw foods, perfect for a New Year detox too. Visit www.therawplace.com for more information and menu.

Quick service eatery Urban Bites has a wide range of freshly prepared sandwiches, soups and salads to eat in at their Khalidiya restaurant or to takeaway. Their range of fresh and healthy salads are packed full of nutrition and so-called superfoods, you can create your own salad with all your favourites. If you are on the run or need a healthy lunch delivered straight to your desk, Urban Bites has got you covered, their premium organic coffee is really good too. Visit www.urbanbites.me for the full menu, location and delivery options.

BiteRite offers a wide selection of nutritional and tasty food and have recently introduced a new menu. Don’t let the lime green walls and dark furniture put you off trying the selection of well priced Euro-Indian food. Yes, the BiteRite Resto Cafe on Muroor Road is in need of a makeover but the food most definitely is of a high standard developed by a team of nutritionists and chefs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available to eat in, takeaway or have delivered, BiteRite caters for your all your cravings in a healthy way. Visit www.biterite.ae for latest menu and product ranges.

For the ultimate post-festive detox and cleanse, Keep It Simple offers a range of nutritional plans delivered to your doorstep every morning. Designed to aid cleansing and weight management, plans are tailored for individual requirements with a selection of juices, smoothies, soups and salads. I tried the three-day plan and found it a great way to rid my body of sugar and toxins even if it did leave me craving toast and marmite. Visit info@keepitsimple.ae to see the range of plans, prices and delivery options.

So instead of making New Year’s resolutions you won’t keep or joining the gym that you might visit once or twice make a conscious effort to eat healthier in 2016, the Abu Dhabi outlets mentioned above will kick-start you on the right track for a positive and nutritionally brighter future. Happy New Year!