Taste it Share it
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING HEALTHY
BY MATHEW BRODERICK
A
s a biology teacher and
restaurant reviewer, I am
often at odds with myself as
I eat lots of amazing food,
but I am aware of the health dangers.
Combine that with the typical busy
teaching lifestyle, and I find my weight
increasing, my body tired, and my
overall health slipping away from me. I
do not need to be a Biology specialist
to know that I am not looking after
my body well enough to meet the
demands of teaching.
However, there are so many healthy
options for UAE educators; from home
delivery options to healthy cookbooks,
healthy dining and takeaways. As
a self-confessed ‘foodie’ and lover
of all things buttery, I automatically
dismissed the healthy takeaways but
have been mightily impressed by
Kcal, The Fit Food Kitchen, and Jim’s
Kitchen Table. These places provide
a superb range of great-tasting food
that keeps the calorie count relatively
low. A special mention goes to Tawa
Bakery in Abu Dhabi for their gluten-
free menu; the food tastes as good,
whether that be chocolate eclairs,
cakes, or pizza.
store cupboard essentials and ‘cheat’
jars of different pastes has made my
life easier and cheaper. I can already
feel healthier and this is bringing extra
‘energy’ into my teaching.
A second book that I would also
recommend, is Recipes From Modern
Flavors Of Arabia by Chef Suzanne
Husseini. This is a great chance to
embrace the wonderful diversity of
Middle Eastern cuisine, but with a
modern touch. I have tasted Suzanne’s
Freekah Salad and it brought
together classic ingredients such as
pomegranate and freekeh, but created
the only salad that I have ever posted
on Instagram. This book is a great
starting point for those of you that
want to be healthy and embrace the
local culture while doing so.
My hot new tip for you to try, if you
fancy a special night out, is Toro Toro at
Jumeirah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi.
Prepare yourself for a Latin American
feast, by chef Richard Sandoval, but
get there early and enjoy some of the
best views on the terrace, with your
pre-dinner drinks. The guacamole is
smoked and out of this world, but be
sure to order the Crispy Prawns and
Beef Empanadas, to feel as happy as
I did.
What are your healthy go-to recipes
that keep you going during a tough
teaching week?
Bon appetit!
Matt Broderick
@finediningmatt on Instagram
As part of my role, I am fortunate
enough to review newly-opened
restaurants in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
With that in mind, you cannot beat
quality home-cooking, especially if it is
quick and easy to boot. Not to mention
how much your family will love you
when you produce restaurant-quality
dishes.
My recent quest for healthiness was
kick-started by a UK television show;
Jamie Oliver’s Quick and Easy Food. A
TV cookery show will always introduce
me to a new dish or two, but this
particular series had me adding fifteen
new recipes to my repertoire (much
to my wife’s delight!). I bought the
accompanying book and have been
cooking quick, healthy meals ever
since. Each recipe has pictures of the
five ingredients, as well as the finished
dish, so that home cooks can cook
with confidence. In recent weeks, my
wife has been treated to Epic rib-eye
steak, Ginger shakin’ beef, Sticky lamb
chops, Quick Asian fishcakes, as well as
a less-than-healthy Cherry chocolate
mousse (oh my, that was good!).
So, how do I fit all of this in, as a
teacher and parent? The key is to
plan ahead and do your weekly shop
on Saturday. Jamie’s method of using
42 |
Jan - Feb 2018
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After The Bell
Mathew is a teacher of Science in Abu Dhabi. He is the author of 18 science
books, an editor for international curricula and an experienced food journalist.
Follow Matthew @finediningmatt on Twitter.