Let's break it down: I order a salad every other day at work, as I love salads and want to maintain my calorie intake. The restaurant I order from charges Dh33 for a classic salad with an additional charge of Dh5 for every topping (which is a necessity as the classic one is way too basic and will not fill me up). On top, the delivery charges are Dh5. My total bill ends up being Dh43 at least - which is ridiculous because, if I ordered fast food or a falafel sandwich, it would be covered within Dh20!

 

Here's another example: many fast food chains in Dubai sell normal sandwiches or burgers for under Dh25 whereas their salad will be above Dh30 (and is sometimes the most expensive meal on their menu). This is a prime example of how a fast food joint or an international franchise wants to sell the products they are actually known for versus healthy dishes. Ironically, these are the same joints that plaster salad banners across town to promote their healthy menu that is double the price and, unknowingly (or knowingly) promote their saturated junk food at a much lower cost.

 

Strangely, these days, tasty fast food is cheap and not-so-tasty salads are expensive. What are people going to do with a tight budget? Resort to the fattening dishes over expensive bland salads or low-fat food items, of course.

What's ironic is, only people who care enough about their health will purchase a healthy dish every day or signup for monthly healthy food packages. Does this mean that healthy food is only restricted to consumers who are well off? What about the not-so-well-off section of society - labourers or drivers - who worry about putting on weight and eating healthy? They may just choose to depreciate their health conditions in order to save a few bucks.

 

The obvious answer to the question is 'yes'! A few weekend trips to Ripe Market for organic veggies along with a monthly healthy meal delivery service will probablyb leave you wondering whether you can make it to the next pay day.

 But eating healthy at home in the UAE does not have the same effect. In comparison to other cities I have lived in, especially New York, the price of groceries is actually pretty reasonable. You can buy big juicy mangoes, bananas, jackfruit, dragonfruit, bitter gourd, okra and all sorts of fabulous imported fruits and vegetables from nearby countries that are almost as fresh as they are when picked because they haven't flown as far, and therefore tend not to cost as much. We really are spoiled for choice in the UAE for the range of foods on offer. A trip to Carrefour to pick up a carton of milk can steal a few hours of your day, as you can't help wandering around the huge aisles bursting with fresh fruit, veg, herbs, fish, meat and - my favourite aisle - dietary requirements.

 

In comparison to other cities I have lived in, especially New York, the price of groceries is actually pretty reasonable. You can buy big juicy mangoes, bananas, jackfruit, dragonfruit, bitter gourd, okra and all sorts of fabulous imported fruits and vegetables from nearby countries that are almost as fresh as they are when picked because they haven't flown as far, and therefore tend not to cost as much. We really are spoiled for choice in the UAE for the range of foods on offer. A trip to Carrefour to pick up a carton of milk can steal a few hours of your day, as you can't help wandering around the huge aisles bursting with fresh fruit, veg, herbs, fish, meat and - my favourite aisle - dietary requirements.

 

 

Cooking for one each week in the UAE is definitely achievable on a Dh200-300 budget, including the odd indulgence of fish and meat. That being said, meat can be the most expensive part of your diet, especially if you want to pay for quality organic cuts. But as a vegetarian, vegan or someone trying to eat more plant-based foods, it is not only inexpensive but your body and the environment will thank you for it later! My top tip (and the secret I almost hate to share), is to get to the Farmers' Market (early) on Friday mornings and get to know local producers who sell the most amazing fresh, organic produce at a fraction of store prices. Plus, if you become a bit of a regular, they might even throw in a few freebies every now and then! Healthy food, healthy body and a healthy bank account? Win, win, win!