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. Lanalle Dunn: General health and hormonal specialist at Jumeirah American Clinic. Appointments directly with her PA on +971 (0)54 5345939.
• Dr. Sofie Skogen: For gut issues combining nutrition and exercise advice with homeopathy and supplements. Eternel Clinic in Jumeirah or online.
• Dr. Yongjie Lu: Acupuncture at Top Medical Centre, Grosvenor House. A godsend for alleviating migraines and insomnia.
• Youssef Youssef: An osteopath and kinesiologist at Osteopathic Health Centre, who has helped relieve gut issues.

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.
• 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 Micris Dental Clinic. For dental hygienists, Wala Shehada and Nesika Stirling at the same practice.
• Dr. Luisa Sastre: Opthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

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.
• FitTrack 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Artisan groceries: To supplement groceries from Kibsons when we’re not Hello-Chef-ing, I shop, mostly online, from these homegrown independent retailers:
  • Prime Gourmet and Les Gastronomes for premium red meat and condiments.
  • Odeon for seafood platters including shucked oysters. And béarnaise of dreams. I’ve also booked Odeon for at-home party catering.
  • Maison Duffour for sulphate/ nitrate-free pork charcuterie, and buckwheat galettes.
  • The Fishmonger (new sibling to Prime Gourmet) at Town Centre, Jumeirah 1 for Dubai’s first dedicated bricks & mortar fishmonger including deli-style seafood salads and sushi.
  • As a cheesaholic, I buy cheese from multiple retailers including the first four aforementioned. Maison Morand, however, offers the most eye-catching pre-prepared cheeseboard deliveries.
  • Zois Fine Food for a taste of home with Greek produce, barrel-aged feta included.
  • Birch Bakery for all things sourdough. I also love Baker’s Kitchen for its low-gluten oat bread which freezes incredibly well.
  • Avantcha for teas galore, including my go-to white bud silver needle.
  • 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 🙂
• Sweat & Go: A reclining cycling experience with vacuum stimulation and high-power infrared lamps supercharging cardio training, body fat breakdown and circulation, amongst many benefits. In just 30 minutes, I burn a minimum of 1,000 calories. Media City and Motor City locations.
• 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. Training with friends rocks.

FEEL-GOOD ESSENTIALS:

• A couple of hair salons: SaSalon in Dubai Internet City – book the owner Salvatore. Mane Hair & Beauty Salon – Anthony at this JLT salon. Both are adept with short hair.
• Nail Corner: I have been visiting this nail salon for well over a decade for gelish mani and pedi.
• Massages galore: Yinyang Connection Spa for no-frills, deep tissue 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.

A bientôt.

FooDiva. x

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