Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whilst indulging in the traditional brunch? Abu Dhabi Week takes on the challenge…
Brunch has become a Middle Eastern institution of sorts. It’s a social outing, lots of fun and lots of food. It can be an opulent affair, but can also result in pain, over-consumption (of course) and completely ruining your hard work exercising during the week.
We like to get our money’s worth – so we avoid the breads and love to stroll around to scope out what’s on offer, but we also want to stick to our health plans… or try to! We investigated how to brunch best, with nutritionist Adriano Lima giving us some tips.
People like to go to brunch starving – is this a good idea?
When you are in this mode, it is more likely that you eat a lot. Once all the food is in front of you, even if you are no longer hungry, there is still the temptation to eat everything, especially if it’s delicious. The solution is to avoid going out to eat when you’re starving. if you’re really hungry, the hype will certainly start there. Skipping meals can lead to overeating. It may seem counter-intuitive but you should not come to the restaurant wanting to eat everything.
What foods are best avoided at brunches?
Avoid fatty meat and avoid skin from poultry and fish – opt for the grill! Alternatively, choose dishes that are cooked or baked. Skip the bread-basket and always start the meal by eating a soup or a salad. Do not be tempted to order dishes that contain the words: fried, stuffed puff pastry, gratin, butter, cream or cheese.
There are many dishes that would not be the same without sauce, ask the chef to put two or three tablespoons on your dish so you don’t drown your food and end up with extra fats.
Opt for low calorie liquids such as mineral water, add a slice of lemon or orange for extra flavour.
How can we avoid over-indulgence?
Avoid the excesses and repetitions, but of course salads, soups and low calorie foods in general are advised. Help yourself to salads that help accelerate calorie burning and reduce absorption.
Try whenever possible to combine carbohydrate and protein, which gives enough satiety and avoid serving up a lot of sauce.
Remember; slow motion. Much of the pleasure derived from eating comes from savouring what’s on your plate: Really taste the food that is in front of you, put down the knife and fork several times throughout the meal, join in the conversation, giving your body time to digest the food and truly realise when satiated.
Can we still have dessert?
Choose a small variety of treats, ones that you like, but NO REPEATS!
Natural fruit or ice cream is always the best solution in terms of dessert if you want to keep the calories down.
Lima says: “Just remember, tomorrow is another day. If you spoil your diet, don’t give up! You can always start again without any problems.” So even if you are brunching, all is not lost. Stick with these tips and you can indulge and not feel like you are missing out.
