My Little Pink Lifestyle Book. A FooDiva Guide.

I turned 50 in April. And I realised that I have lived in Dubai for just under half of my life, moving here nearly 24 years ago. 27^th August 1999, to be precise. Thanks to dining out for a living for over a dozen years, I have developed a personal interest in health, nutrition and biohacking to instill some kind of balance in my life. Countless books, podcasts, newsletters and online courses take up my free time. Call it a hobby and passion project. So I have created a rather extensive round-up of go-to practitioners, services and information sources in Dubai and online, covering health, wellness, diet, nutrition, exercise – as well as a broader category of what I am labelling as feel-good essentials that are not necessarily health related, but you may benefit from. So here is My Little Black Pink Lifestyle Book – A FooDiva Guide, relevant for both women and men. Don’t worry, food still plays a role. All tried, tested, and, where appropriate, tasted.

I hope you find this guide useful – and please do share any of your own discoveries in the comments or on social media so that everyone reading can take note. I will make a conscious effort to update this post with any newbies I uncover on my lifestyle journey.

If you’re solely interested in reading restaurant recommendations, then head over to FooDiva’s annual guide here – and sign up to my Substack newsletter.

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

I prefer to investigate health issues holistically as a starting point, resorting to conventional medicine as a second route. So, firstly, here are some functional doctors and practitioners who address the root cause of a health issue, rather than solely focusing on the symptoms:

• Dr. Nas Al-Jafari: Hugely enlightening dietary, lifestyle and exercise advice based on a blood panel and saliva tests. At DNA Health & Wellness Clinics.
• Dr. Yongjie Lu: Acupuncture at Top Medical Centre, Grosvenor House. A godsend for alleviating migraines and insomnia.
• Davor Aladrovic: Physiotherapist at HealthBay Clinic who resolved muscle spasm issues in my neck.
• Youssef Youssef: An osteopath and kinesiologist who has helped relieve gut issues. Now practising at Adria Medical Centre.

Conventional doctors:

• Gastroenterologists: Dr. Filippos Georgopoulos practises at both Al Zahra Hospital and HeathBay Clinic. Despite following conventional medicine, he understands the power of stress on the body, and will steer away from prescription medication unless absolutely necessary. Another gastro at HealthBay who has helped with gut issues is Dr Neil Galletly.
• Neurologists: Dr Emilia Saulle at HealthBay Clinic and Dr Vittorio Iantorno at King’s College Hospital London’s Dubai branch.
• Dr. Janeta Atanassova: My long-time gynaecologist at Well Woman Clinic. She also only resorts to medication if required.
• Dr. Alexandra Economacos: Breast radiologist at Mediclinic City Hospital for annual mammograms and ultrasounds that she herself conducts, taking the time to explain in layman terms.
• Dr. Ilari Pajamaki: Orthopaedic doctor at Mediclinic Parkview who has resolved bone and muscular issues for my whole family, alongside physiotherapist Robert Howe.
• Dr. Khasha Ilbak: Dentist at Dr Michael’s Dental Clinic on Jumeirah Beach Road (formerly Micris). For dental hygienists, Alaa Karazi and Wala Shehada at the same practice.
• Opthalmologists: Dr. Ammar Safar and Dr. Luisa Sastre at Moorfields Eye Hospital. And for an optician – Tharsika Varathalingham.
• Dr. Irena Gjoshevska: Dermatologist at HealthBay Clinic.

A few other bits and bobs:

• Valeo Health: Efficient at-home service for blood tests, with comprehensive app-based feedback on results and a follow-up online consultation.
• iHerb: Affordable vitamins and supplements from a US website with delivery well within a week. Before starting any new supplements, I refer to Examine.com for evidence-based analysis.
• Hotflash newsletter: Peri/ menopausal newsletter by well-respected Dubai-based health journalist Ann-Marie McQueen, who I have known and trust since her editorship at The National.
• Oura smart ring: Who needs a Fitbit or Apple watch when you have this clever ring that tracks sleep, activity and readiness in much more detail…and only requires charging every five days. Plus you still get to wear lovely watches.
• Hume Health Body Pod smart scales: The next best thing to an InBody machine analysis, found in doctor surgeries and some pharmacies. A home scale that analyses 17 body position metrics straight to your phone through an app.
• Acupressure mat: When you want a quick fix as an alternative to an acupuncturist, this acupressure mat recommended by a functional doctor not only alleviates back issues, but will have you nodding off in minutes. An Amazon purchase.

DIET, NUTRITION & ALL THINGS FOOD:

• Jeannette Hyde of The Gut Makeover: A UK-based nutritionist whose Substack newsletter is a treasure trove of science-backed nutritional and dietary advice. Her monthly group Zoom sessions for paid subscribers are also worth signing up for.
• Glucose Goddess: Jessie Inchauspe is a French biochemist who has taught me and millions how to minimise glucose spikes with a few simple dietary hacks. An engaging Instagram page with user-friendly graphs and fun videos; as well as two books. She has changed the way I eat, and despite having to dine out for a living, I am able to maintain my weight.
• Through Dr. Nas further above, I purchased the Ultrahuman glucose monitor for a couple of weeks, but whilst the results were enlightening, I became obsessed, which stressed me out – so I ditched it. On the other hand, my husband found the tracking both fascinating and enjoyable.
• Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre: In my 30s, I used to swear by regular colon hydrotherapy sessions, typically post-travel. Nowadays, I typically book a session once a year. With Asha Jones, an Ayurvedic practitioner and colon hydrotherapist at DHTC – a holistic venture supported by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Works well to alleviate a sluggish bowel and water retention – and in the process, shed a kilo or two.
• Health Nag: A Dubai-based company offering a three-day liquid colon cleansing programme with fibre sachets of psyllium husks, greens, enzymes and probiotics. It’s quite intense on the bowel, and I’ve only ever managed one full day, but nevertheless, stubborn weight drops off.
• Hello Chef: A weekly recipe and meal subscription service with the choice of three or four boxes a week across various dietary requirements, low-carb included. Choose recipes from the website, and the boxes rock up on your selected delivery date with the ingredients, ready to cook. I have been addicted to this service since lockdown, which, convenience aside, also guarantees zero wastage.
• Serves Gourmet: Savoury tray bakes cooked by a chef and delivered straight to your home – pre-cooked and chilled to either heat up in the oven, or pop into the freezer. There’s a choice of a staggering 32 main course dishes, as well as sides and desserts. Two portions: mini for three people, or family size for six.
• The Broth Lab, The Clean Living Company & Soule Soups: Collagen-rich bone broth for a healthy microbiome and skin elasticity, amongst many benefits. Even though beef boasts more collagen, I prefer the flavours in the chicken option from all three companies.
• The Raw Place, Go Organic & Organic Press: Three local companies that deliver low-fructose, cold-pressed and organic veggie juices, soups and salads. I typically sign up to a three-day programme post-travel that works wonders for shedding weight gain.
• Eat Your Books: If, like me, you have hundreds of cookbooks, you might want to use this indexing website with a search functionality for specific recipes and ingredients, which in turn will identify the right book on your shelf.
• Gourmet food and beverage retailers: To supplement groceries from Kibsons when we’re not Hello-Chef-ing, I shop, mostly online, from the following homegrown independent retailers. I’ve secured several discount promo codes for you, which you can find HERE.
  • Prime Gourmet: Dubai’s OG butcher for premium Australian and Japanese meat with four standalone stores in Dubai, plus concessions in Depachika Food Hall and Union Co-op supermarkets. Plus an online store. The Italian chief butcher Flavio has recently introduced a smash burger brand available in-store and across all the delivery aggregators – The Butcher’s Burger by Prime Gourmet.
  • Odeon: You can’t miss this gleaming white villa on Jumeirah Beach Road – a French deli with an online presence.Seafood platters including shucked oysters. French cheese. Buckwheat galettes. And béarnaise. I’ve also booked Odeon for home party catering.
  • The Fishmonger: A sibling to Prime Gourmet with two branches on Umm Suqeim Street and Town Centre, Jumeirah 1 – as well as online. Dubai’s first dedicated bricks-and-mortar fishmonger selling sustainably fished seafood, deli-style seafood salads and incredibly well-priced sushi platters which I have been ordering on repeat – available across all delivery aggregators.
  • Maison Duffour: From my research, the only retailer of sulphate and nitrate-free pork charcuterie.
  • Les Gastronomes: Premium protein, cheese and condiments including a showcase of UAE brands.
  • The Fabrique: Preservative-free smoked turkey breast available online and from its JLT store.
  • Maison Morand: This French-owned business offers striking pre-prepared cheeseboards. Both via its website, and a physical branch designed like a jewellery store in The Greens. Well worth popping in.
  • Yellow Block:Another winner on the aesthetic front with cheese and charcuterie boards curated by designer Ray Yafi. The special occasion packaging makes these ideal gifts for friends who love savoury. She even offers deconstructed cheesecakes, and grazing tables for home entertaining.
  • Serves Gourmet: Savoury tray bakes cooked by a chef and delivered straight to your home. Pre-cooked and chilled to either heat up in the oven, or pop into the freezer. There’s a choice of a staggering 40 main course dishes, as well as sides and desserts. Two portions: mini for three people, or family size for six. You can even top up with a ceramic oven dish for home entertaining.
  • Birch Bakery: For all things sourdough and breakfast muffins.
  • Baker’s Kitchen: Gluten-free oat bread that freezes well.
  • Nabtih and Maknoon: Two different online retailers of Palestinian extra virgin olive oil, alongside herbs and spices. The latter stocks a broader Levantine range. Both offer exquisite gifting options.
  • Zois Fine Food: A taste of home with Greek condiments and a vast fresh olive display at Depachika Food Hall.
  • Pauline Cake:A luxury homegrown dessert atelier by 28-year-old pastry chef Polina Filimonova. Perfect for cake or dessert gifts, like the Basque cheesecake that I ordered for a friend’s dinner party. You can even personalise with names, greetings and candles – all on the user-friendly website.
  • Butter By The Dozen: Freshly baked cookies delivered warm. Quirky special occasion sleeves make these an eye-catching gifting option.
  • Sna’ap Chocolate: By pastry chef Nouel Catis, the original creator of Dubai chocolate. My preferred gift option when visiting friends overseas.
  • Avantcha: Teas galore including my go-to white bud silver needle, and herbal teas for Mr S. Website aside, there’s a slick and snazzy tea bar in Al Quoz.
  • DrinkDry: 0.0% zero-alcohol wines, beers and spirits. Thomson & Scott’s Noughty sparkling is my go-to, as is the relatively new Tanqueray Seville Orange Gin drop. Mr S also enjoys the Belgian blonde malt, Bière Des Amis.
  • MMI: MMI needs no introduction, but this guide would be amiss without my go-to alcohol supplier. And did you know there’s now an app by the name of MMI Cheers Club offering chilled delivery within two hours? Well now you do ? The app also champions the Cheers United initiative in support of Dubai’s hospitality industry with over 75 offers across restaurants, bars, pool and beach clubs.
  • Monviso for Italian natural mineral water. Use promo code FOODIVA25 for a 25% discount. A longstanding key partner of my dining experiences.

EXERCISE:

• Alexandra Chalouhy: My Pilates Reformer instructor who happens to be my neighbour 🙂
• Jack Atieno: My PT (a freelancer) for weights and boxing in my compound’s gym. Whatsapp: +971 (0)55 8722095.
• Adisa Sonne-Schmidt: Breathwork and cold plunge practitioner. Whatsapp: +971 (0)58 5778020.
• Jason Grima: Despite ditching HIIT, a friend organised a group circuit session with this personal trainer at 24 Fitness in Al Quoz and we had a blast.

FEEL-GOOD ESSENTIALS:

• Hair & nail salons: SaSalon in Dubai Internet City – book the Italian owner Salvatore or his brother Matteo for hair cut and dye. Also an excellent nail technician for overlay manicure and gelish pedicure. Mane Hair & Beauty Salon – Anthony at this JLT salon. Both salons are adept with short hair.
• Massages galore: Yinyang Connection Spa for no-frills, deep tissue and cupping massages by my go-to Chinese therapist Bonnie at the JBR Walk branch. Kaina Home for affordable at-home massage services. I book the deep tissue or lymphatic drainage with a Balinese masseuse. For similar services, albeit pricier, Solace Home Spa and Reva.
• Essa Beauty: I refuse to go down the invasive route on my face, or body for that matter – and will age gracefully, I hope. Instead, I try to limit sugar, alcohol included, which does wonders for skin. About once a year, I treat myself to a facial, ideally one that boosts the production of collagen and elastin, and thereby tightens the skin.
• Temperature-regulating duvets: I’ll buy anything for a good night’s sleep. These duvets are from Next.ae.
• Wide Thread Tailors: A brilliant, well priced at-home tailoring service for alterations. A simple Whatsapp booking will have a tailor at your door, with clothing returned in a few days.
• Fine Art Frames: For picture framing. On Al Wasl road.
• Driving licence renewal: Al Jaber Optical’s mobile eye testing van for home visits in Dubai and Sharjah. RTA-approved. AED260. Book a date and time via Whatsapp 055 6002266. The licence renewal is also processed in the van, and the physical card delivered within four days.
• Honey: A free browser extension that automatically finds and applies discount coupon codes at checkout with a single click. Covers many local shopping websites, saving plenty of dirhams.
• Money management: I wouldn’t be able to make use of these services here if my finances were not in order. For retirement planning and investment guidance, Andrew Hallam’s best-selling book, Millionaire Expat, How To Build Wealth Living Overseas, as well as the Simply FI Facebook group with some admins based in the UAE – are eye-opening, brimming with practical advice. For a trading account, I use Saxo.
• And lastly, for UAE wills, something we should all have here: We used Dubai-based legal consultants Meyer-Reumann & Partners to write and register our DIFC mirror wills. A very efficient service.

A bientôt.

FooDiva. x

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