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Healthy Eating on a Budget – Affordable Nutrition Options in the UAE

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Fresh, affordable, and nourishing—healthy eating in the UAE doesn’t have to be expensive.

In today’s fast-paced world, eating healthy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Especially in the UAE, where busy lifestyles and fast food temptations are common, maintaining good nutrition can significantly improve your quality of life. The good news? Eating healthy doesn’t mean spending a fortune, even in a region known for luxury.

Whether you’re a student in Sharjah, an expat in Dubai, a busy parent in Abu Dhabi, or an entrepreneur in Ajman, this guide is for you. You’ll find practical and affordable ways to nourish your body and mind—without draining your wallet.

Go Local – Natural + Affordable = Healthy Meals on a Budget

Local and regional food options can be both nutritious and budget-friendly. Visit community markets or co-ops for fresher, more affordable produce. Here are some budget-friendly staples available across the UAE:

Brown rice

Brown rice

  • Brown or basmati rice – A high-fiber, healthy carbohydrate option.
  • Lentils and chickpeas – Common in Middle Eastern dishes, they’re protein-rich and very affordable.
  • Sweet potatoes and oats – Great sources of complex carbohydrates.
  • Dates – Rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants; locally abundant and cost-effective.

Buying local produce when it’s in season saves money and ensures you get food at its nutritional peak.

Vegetables in Season = Save More + Eat Fresh

Some of the most affordable and nutritious vegetables in the UAE include:

Cabbages

Cabbages

  • Cabbage, carrots, spinach, and eggplant – Often sold in bundles at better rates in local souqs or hypermarkets.
  • Okra and zucchini – Used in traditional Emirati and South Asian dishes and packed with fiber and vitamins.

Pro Tip: Bulk buy when in season and preserve by refrigerating, blanching, or using them in stews and stir-fries.

Protein Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Think beyond beef or chicken! Here are budget-friendly protein options found in the UAE:

Eggs

Eggs

  • Eggs – Always affordable and nutrient-dense.
  • Tuna and sardines (canned or fresh) – Packed with protein and omega-3s.
  • Falafel or hummus – Local favorites rich in protein and fiber.
  • Lentil soup (Shorbat Adas) – A comforting, affordable and protein-rich option.

Frozen options are also cheaper and have a long shelf life without compromising nutrition.

Fruits on a Budget

Fruits

Fruits

Instead of imported berries, go for budget-friendly fruits that are easily accessible in UAE markets:

  • Bananas – Energy-packed and budget-friendly.
  • Apples and oranges – Affordable sources of fiber and Vitamin C.
  • Watermelons and melons – Especially affordable in summer and excellent for hydration.
  • Dates and papayas – Great for digestion and full of nutrients.

Shop Smart and Plan Ahead

Planning is key to staying on a budget and eating well. Here are tips to make it work:

  • Create a weekly meal plan to reduce impulse buying.
  • Cook in bulk—soups, stews, or rice dishes can last for days.
  • Shop at night markets or discount grocery stores like Union Coop, Viva, or Lulu.
  • Avoid processed snacks and fast foods; they’re usually more expensive and less nutritious.

Hydrate Right + Affordable Superfoods

Water is still your best friend, but other local options include:

  • Zobo-like hibiscus tea – Rich in antioxidants.
Karak chai

Karak chai

  • Karak chai (without sugar) – For a healthier, spiced tea fix.
  • Homemade fruit juices or infused waters – Refreshing and chemical-free.

And don’t forget UAE-available superfoods like:

Moringa powder, turmeric, ginger, and garlic – Affordable, natural immunity boosters.

Conclusion:

Eating healthy in the UAE doesn’t require fancy diets or imported food trends. It’s about making smart, conscious choices—buying local, planning ahead, and embracing the abundance of nutrient-rich foods already around you. With the right strategies, you can enjoy a wholesome lifestyle without overspending.

ALSO SEE: 4 Vitamin Supplements for Skin Glow 

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Health

4 Reasons Why Shorter Workouts Might Give Results

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I used to believe a solid workout meant spending hours at the gym. Where it is long enough to sweat buckets, and you can feel every muscle ache, pushing yourself to the limit. Think about it, life gets more busy, you don’t have all the hours to spend in a gym house. These days, you can get a solid session done in 20 minutes, and honestly, it works. You can’t drift off, scroll on your phone, or take long breaks. You just go, move from one exercise to the next. By the end of the session, there’s sweat, a racing heartbeat, and a strong sense of accomplishments.

Focused Movement

With limited time, every exercise becomes focused. You don’t have hours to waste, so you pay attention to form, effort, and breath. That single-minded approach strengthens both body and mind, it’s about doing things properly rather than doing them for longer.

Quick Cardio Gains

Imagine the sun just starting to peek over the city skyline. The streets are quiet, but your legs are moving fast, up a flight of stairs, along the empty promenade, your breath coming in sharp bursts, so twenty minutes feels short, almost too short, but every step, every push, every movement hits a bit harder than you expect. By the end, your heart is racing, your muscles are awake, and somehow, it’s enough. More than enough. Short workouts are all about making every second count. They take what might feel like a small effort and turn it into something that builds strength, stamina, and momentum you can carry through the day.

 Strength Without Burning Out

Shorter workouts push the body just enough without draining it completely. There are Moves that work multiple muscles at once—like squats, rows, or push-ups, they make every minute count. Because energy isn’t wasted, it’s easier to stay consistent and keep training day after day

You Stick With It

Perhaps the biggest advantage is consistency. Fifteen-minutes is realistic. It’s something that fits easily into a busy day—before work, between meetings, or once the kids are asleep. Once it becomes routine, even these short sessions start to add up, creating real, noticeable results over time.

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend hours in the gym to be fit, that small tasks and work out can really make a difference. Remember it’s more of intensity and less of duration.

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Health

Detox Drinks for Weight Loss Without Hitting the Gym

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Do you feel overweight, busy and probably tired of hitting the gym?

Also you have changed your diet, but still feel stuck in the same body.

It’s frustrating, right?

However, there is good news, weight loss isn’t only about sweating at the gym or living off vegetables. Sometimes, it starts with what you drink.

Detox drinks are drinks you can make at home, made with vegetables, fruits and herbs that support the body’s natural detoxification. They are often rich in fiber and antioxidants that can help improve digestion and reduce bloating.

These drinks aid in weight loss by reducing fluid retention and supporting healthy metabolism. In this article I’ll be showing five detox drinks for weight loss so you don’t spend time at the gym.

 

Drink enough water daily —Pinterest @Rajam

Water

This is the most effective detox drink, your body runs on it, your skin loves it and your digestion works better with it. Drinking enough water not only makes your digestion smooth, but also boosts your metabolism and can help you eat less without realizing it.

Studies show that having two glasses before a meal can cut your calorie intake noticeably. You can spice up your water with slices of lemon, cucumber, even mint leaves or ginger and lime. It makes it more fun than drinking it plain.

 

Green Tea — Pinterest @ Flickr

Green Tea

Another great detoxing agent,  very rich in antioxidants called catechins and a little caffeine. Green tea boosts the body metabolism, aids weight loss by enhancing fat oxidation, while also calming inflammation. Take this in the morning before or between meals.

 

Ginger Lemon shot—Pinterest @ Easyhomemade

Ginger- Lemon Drink

Do you want to reduce your bloated stomach, then take this. Warm water + fresh ginger + lemon juice = helps the body’s digestive system work smoothly. Ginger is perfect for bloating, lemon gives you vitamin C and fresh and warm water is a gentle wake up call to your body system.

Make it part of your morning ritual and you’ll feel a difference in your belly within days.

 

Aleo Vera Juice —Pinterest @ Stylecraze

Aloe Vera Juice: For Your Gut and Glow

A wonderful detox drink that can reduce bloating, soothes your gut and alleviates the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS. It is also  full of antioxidants and vitamins that gives your skin a nice boost.

Mix a tablespoon of pure aloe vera juice with water and drink it first thing in the morning, and you’ll be setting your body up for a calmer stomach, better digestion, and a healthy, refreshed start to the day.

 

Kerela Juice —Pinterest @stylecraze

Karela (Bitter Gourd) Juice

Karela is bitter, but good for not just detoxing but overall health. It is packed with nutrients, fiber and compounds that regulate blood sugar and support weight loss. If you can’t handle the taste, mix it with apple juice to soften it.

A Real Talk Reminder

Your liver and kidneys are your body’s natural detoxifiers and they work 24/7. The truth is no drink can melt fat overnight. But the right drinks can:

  • Keep you hydrated
  • Support digestion
  • Reduce bloating
  • Help you feel more in control of your appetite

Be gentle and kind to your body, cut off sugar and junk food. Start small,  build the habit and you will start to notice the difference.

Read this: More Than Skin Deep: Understanding Acne and Taking Back Control

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Health

The Drink That’s More Hydrating Than Water? 

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Surprise, It’s Milk. When you think hydration, your mind probably jumps straight to water. It’s Pure, clear and essential. And you’re not wrong, water is life. But what if I told you there’s a drink that hydrates your body even better than water? One that doesn’t just quench your thirst but also replenishes and sustains your hydration levels longer? That drink is milk.

Yes, the same milk you poured over your cereal this morning. Or maybe haven’t touched in years. It’s time to reconsider it, because science says it beats water at its own game.

Why Milk Keeps You Hydrated Longer

There’s something surprisingly effective about milk when it comes to hydration and it’s not just about the liquid itself.  First off, milk naturally contains sodium and potassium, the same electrolytes found in fancy sports drinks. But unlike those sugary bottles, milk delivers these in a form your body knows how to use. These electrolytes do something critical: they help your body hold onto the water it absorbs, instead of flushing it out the minute you’re done drinking.

Then there’s the protein and sugar in milk both of which slow down how quickly your stomach empties. The result? The liquid hangs around in your system longer, giving your body more time to actually benefit from it. And it’s not just speculation. Milk > Water? Science Says Yes — And Here’s Why

When it comes to hydration, water’s always been the gold standard. It’s clear, calorie-free, and vital for life. But here’s a twist: plain water might not actually be the best way to stay hydrated.

In a 2016 study, scientists at St. Andrews University in Scotland compared how long various drinks kept the body hydrated and the findings caught many off guard. Milk didn’t just hold its own against water, sports drinks, and even specially formulated medical hydration solutions, it outperformed them all.

Why Does Milk Hydrate Better Than Water?

Milk’s secret weapon lies in its composition. Unlike water, which passes through your system quickly, you might think milk’s for your cereal or for building strong bones. But here’s something most people don’t know

It’s actually one of the best drinks for staying hydrated. Why? Because milk isn’t only liquid, it’s got a combo of carbs, protein, and fat. That combo actually slows down how quickly your stomach empties — which means your body gets more time to soak in all the hydration. In plain English? The water in milk doesn’t just fly through your system, it hangs around, keeping you hydrated for longer.

And here’s the kicker: milk naturally comes with electrolytes like sodium and potassium — the same stuff your body loses when you sweat. So whether you’ve just wrapped up a workout or spent the day under the sun, milk might just rehydrate you better than plain ol’ water.

Conclusion

So, should you ditch water? Absolutely not. Water is still essential. But when it comes to hydration that sticks with you, milk has a quiet edge. It’s nature’s original rehydration drink — rich, nourishing, and made to fuel life. So the next time you’re parched? Skip the plastic bottle, reach for the real thing. Your body will thank you.

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