Beat Obesity - Beat Diabetes

Obesity has continued to grow within the UAE, and so does the prevalence of obesity-related diseases and health complications.  Among these many health challenges, diabetes remains as a major concern in the country. Latest figures from the International Diabetes Federation reveal that 19% of the UAE population is affected by diabetes, and that the country ranks fifth in the region for diabetes prevalence.

Health complications such as nerve damage, eye and foot problems, as well as possible kidney damage, are just some of the concerns associated with uncontrolled diabetes.  Experts agree that controlling one’s blood sugar levels is the best way to treat diabetes and decrease its symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet along with regular physical activity can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Right Bite, the pioneer in healthy meal delivery service, joins the global call for greater awareness and education to fight diabetes in light of the celebration of World Diabetes Day on November 14. Here are top recommendations for a diabetes-busting healthy diet from Right Bite dietitian Riham Shamseddine:

1.     Shed off the extra pounds if you are overweight or suffering from obesity

·         Aim for a healthy weight loss of an average of 0.5 to 1 kg per week, under the supervision of your dietitian or your physician

·         Follow a healthy and balanced regimen that includes meals from all the main five food groups (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein and dairy products)

2.     Eat more frequent but smaller meals

·         Eating small meals but more frequently at consistent times helps improve blood sugar levels

·         Aim to have 3 main meals with 1 – 2 healthy snacks as recommended by your healthcare provider

·         Avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast as it helps you kick start your metabolism and prevents hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar) from happening

3.     Practice portion control

·         Eating smart is not enough. Portion control is very important as it is essential to consume the right amount of calories if we are planning to lose weight. Weight gain is one of the major risk factors for diabetes

4.     Forget the myth of eliminating carbohydrates from your diet plan

·          Eat carbohydrates in moderation, as they should constitute around 45% of your total daily intake

·          Choosing the right type of carbohydrates, which are a major source of energy, helps in regulating blood sugar levels

·          Choose complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and quinoa and whole-grain breads instead of the white and refined ones. Whole-grain is rich in fiber which keeps you full for a longer period and is essential to decrease the absorption of glucose in the blood

·          Avoid simple sugar such as table sugar, honey, candies, sodas, cookies and cakes

·          Make sure to include fruits daily especially the ones with the edible skin and stay away from dried fruits and fresh juices even if fresh and unsweetened or without any added sugar

·         Consume more green leafy vegetables at each meal as they are also rich in fiber and help reduce the absorption of glucose in the blood

5.     Reduce your sugar intake

·         Practice smart swaps: replace sugar-coated cereals with unsweetened and plain whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal

·         Avoid adding sugar to your beverages. You can flavor your beverages with fresh lemon wedges, peppermint, ginger or cinnamon sticks

·         Substitute flavored puddings or sweets with fresh fruits, plain yogurt, or yogurt with fresh chunks of fruits

·         Stay away from artificial sweeteners and zero sugar beverages and sweets

·         6.     Lower your intake of salt to maintain a healthy blood pressure

·         Don’t add salt to your meals, use spices and herbs to flavor your favorite dishes

·          Avoid condiments such as mustard, ketchup, soy sauce as they are very high in sodium

·         Avoid the use of cooking stocks and ready-to use cooking powders

·          Limit the consumption of cold cuts and smoked meat/fish

·          Cut down on ready-made foods, soups, frozen meals, olives, pickles and canned items as they are also very rich in sodium

7.     Include the “good fats”

·           Avoid the use of saturated fats (solid fat at room temperature) like butter and ghee

·          Choose unsaturated fats like olive oil to dress your salads

·           Substitute salted and roasted nuts with unsalted, raw ones

·           Consume skinless chicken breast  instead of chicken thighs and wings

·          Replace lamb with beef fillet as the fat percent is much less

·           Aim to consume at least twice a week a fatty fish like fresh salmon or tuna as they are rich in the heart healthy omega-3 fatty acid

8.     Use the Plate Method to guide you

·         Keep only about 1/4 of your plate for starchy foods including starchy vegetables or grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat pasta

·         Fill half of your plate with green leafy and non-starchy vegetables

·          The last quarter is for your lean protein foods such as fish, salmon or skinless chicken breast; to keep portions smaller, keep the food to a depth of about the thickness of your palm

9.     Get physically active

·         Aim to be active at least 3 times a week for a total of 150 minutes. Practice your favorite sports such as dancing, swimming, football ,tennis

·         Always check your blood glucose (sugar) levels before any type of activity as high blood glucose levels with heavy activity can lead to hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar) and many other complications

·          Consult your physician prior to starting any exercise routine

Not only does a healthy lifestyle maintain proper levels of blood sugar, it also may aid in the weight loss process which is a major risk factor for diabetes

A Slice Of Happiness At 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria

Happiness for Buzzingtales came in a slice of gluten free, veggie, cheesy Pizza, at 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria. Your piece of heaven at this casual yet classy Pizzeria can be fully customized to tantalize your unique taste buds. The scrumptious tales of 800 degree doesn’t quite end with Pizzas, it pampers you with delightful Gelatos, melt in your mouth Burritos, Ricotta Cheese Bread, Specialty Neapolitan Pies that also comes with gluten free crust  and delectable Salads.

On 5^th October 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, launched its second pizzeria at the new extension of Mall of the Emirate. The grand opening was Inaugurated by H.E. Ibrahim Mohammed Al Janahi, the Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of JAFZA & graced by esteemed dignitaries and VVIP’s such as H.E. Umej Bhatia, the Singapore Ambassador to the UAE; Renuka Jagtiani, the Vice Chairperson of Landmark Group; Shahram Shamsaee, Founder at Msquared Shopping Centres; Lee Talbott, Director Leasing of Mc Arthur and Company; and Kritika Rawat, Presenter at Radio 89.1.

The predominantly black and white décor with the right dash of rustic brown & orange color created a soothing, warm & relaxed ambience. We were won over hands down by the jovial ever smiling staffs who greeted & treated us to our choice of welcome drinks/ beverages at our table. 

Mr. Manish Jeswani, (the Managing Director of Eaters LLC and franchise rights owner of the US based 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria) and Master Pizzaiolo, Chef Rosario Accaria  ( Founder of 800 Degrees Pizza) enlightened us about 800 Degrees, the ingenious pizzeria that bakes the perfect pizza.

The immaculately dressed and charming Mr. Manish obliged us with an exclusive interview where he spoke about the new & upcoming branches of 800 Degrees at Diera City Center as well as Burjuman. 800 Degrees is all set to introduce the region to the rich heritage of Naples through its delectable & exhaustive range of Pizzas. When we think of Pizza we try not to think of healthy. So we were especially enamored by the Gluten free option as well as the fresh produce and toppings at 800 Degrees.

Mr. Manish mentioned that by introducing Gluten free option, they were opening the doors of Pizza delight for those with gluten intolerance and the health conscious. Manish Jeswani, mentioned that 800 Degrees wanted the customer to be completely invested in the creation of their meal.

It was heartening to see Master Pizzaiolo, Chef Rosario Accaria get his hands in the dough and personally help his staff whip out magical Pizzas. Mine was gluten free and so it sat on a special dark brown wooden spatula like plate with a long handle. I was thrilled to choose the crust & toppings as also to watch authentic Italian Pizza being baked in the blazing oven in just 90 seconds, right before my eyes. I loved this concept of fully customize pizzas conjuring up ingenious menus.

With a goal to take the GCC market by storm with culinary delights true to taste from Naples, 800 Degree Pizza’s fresh concept relies on creating completely customizable traditional Neapolitan Pizzas that are oven baked using Almond Wood right in front of the consumer.

The concept of 800 Degrees originated in Los Angeles, California.  800 Degrees attributes its exceptional ideology to the need for authentic Italian pizzas. Pizza Neapolitan is made with just flour, salt, water and wild yeast to create a fluffy, thin and crisp crust. A rich tomato sauce indigenous to 800 Degrees alone, the scrumptious base is then topped with fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Charred in an oven to perfection using Almond-Wood and all of this is up and ready in 90 seconds. Introducing the taste of Napoli for the first time to L.A., 800 Degrees now comes to the U.A.E. with rich, sumptuous and remarkable pizzas.

About 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria: Founded by Anthony Carron in the US originally, 800 Degrees Pizza strives to honor the heritage of Old World Italian tradition with its Pizza Napoletana baked with only the freshest, ripest ingredients right in front of the eaters. Taking the UAE market by storm within the first week of its inception in Me’aisem City Center, the 800 Degrees Pizza Middle East franchise brings the true taste of Naples to the table with customizable and specialty pizzas made the Italian way. Now open at Mall of the Emirates. The Neapolitan Pizzeria is internationally located at 7 outlets in California, 2 in Nevada, Illinois and Japan.

Lafayette Gourmet 2015 Drool-worthy #GFfoodfest At Dubai Mall

The 4^th Edition of Lafayette Gourmet Food Fest 2015, Dubai Mall, concluded on September  19, 2015 with style, opulence and scrumptious spreads. The event kick started on the 17^th of September with much fan fare, attracting more than 3000 attendees along with well-known bloggers. The enormously successful event celebrated local as well as international chefs and suppliers from Food & Beverages industry. Food Fest featured a variety of flavorsome activities.

Catch A Drool Worthy Video Journal

Buzzingtales enjoyed  a flavorful, savory day of tasting myriad cuisine and enjoying food demonstration and workshops by renowned celebrity Chefs. Chef Andrew of Fatafeet raised the curtains at Foodies Lounge by unveiling the closely guarded mouthwatering enigmas of Lafayette Gourmet. Rami Taha of Ramelli Truffles unmasked a few secret recipes. The captive audience were lead along a succulent path of truffles and their usage to elevate food experiences.

Vibrant colors and unlimited spreads from numerous cuisine including Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Asian flavors, Indian Moroccan etc were a delight for the senses as well as soul. The unbelievable cake craft and finger licking dessert made us go weak in the knee. 

The Farm House with fresh farm got us in touch with nature, freshness and its miracles. Our eyes just popped out see the variety of cheese even while we kept lapping them up. Loved the date cheese to bits and absolutely recommend it.

A giddy mix of Food, flavor and loads of fun infested all at Lafayette Gourmet Food Fest. All the major international cuisines with 11 food stations, including an unconventional presence of Lafayette Gourmet Events and Catering ensured that the 3-day event was a grand success. Food lovers and connoisseurs had a smashing time tasting an infinite range of  food/cuisines, as they revealed in live music and entertainment including magicians, hang drummers, guitarists, stilt-walkers and jugglers.

Buzzingtales enjoyed the chocolate crepe of Haley Mac from Be Super Natural Kitchen as well as her educative talk about how to minimize food waste. Riath Hamed of Balqees spoke to us about the benefits of  raw Yemeni honey. The techno savvy Canadian Beef lets you buy, cook & enjoy Canadian Beef at the tap of a button through their app – “ The Roundup”. Want to know what the cherry on the top was? Philippe Marand delivered it through his chocolaty demo.

Grand Hyatt , Dubai, 2015 September Excitements

Grand Hyatt Dubai has lined up a number of promotional options to rise the heat this September for everyone who has been hibernating during the hot summer months, September brings you loads of exciting highlights and promotions at Grand Hyatt Dubai.

From the launch of the iZ Lounge, to the guest chef visit from Japan, Nutella fondue

promo and the reopening of the Poolside ladies nights there is a lot for the guests to look out for.

Chef Masaharu Sekine san will be flying down all the way from Japan to showcase his culinary skills at Sushi Restaurant. 

Guest chef Masaharu Sekine san will visit Sushi Restaurant from 3-13th of September to showcase some special Japanese sweets. Diners can either choose between sharing nine different sweets at AED87 or pick their favorite sweets from the à la carte option at AED30 each. The selection on offer includes inquisitive creations such as cherry blossom tiramisu, tofu rare cheesecake with plum jelly and dorayaki pancake with mascarpone cheese.

Panini Italian Deli & Café offers a special surprise for all chocolate lovers at AED60! 

Chocolate lovers are in for a treat this month as Panini brings you the Nutella fondue portion at only AED60. The irresistible chocolate fondue comes with strawberries, frozen passion fruit truffle, small Amaretto and lemon tea cake.

You got to check out the newest venue in town;iZ Indian Tandoor Restaurant – New “iZ Lounge” and iZ has a biryani promotion iZ has opened up “iZ Lounge”; an intimate and exclusive drinking venue offering a selection of Oriental and Indian finger foods alongside an array of premium drinks, grapes and hops as well as some signature beverages.

The royal dish of Nawab and Nizams, biryani is considered one of the most significantly influential dishes in Indian cuisine. Take yourself on an excursion of the classic, lavish and perfectly seasoned biryani with seafood, kathal, lamb, mushroom, chicken or vegetable biryani ranging between AED40 and AED50 per dish.

Poolside Restaurant – BBQ’s and ladies nights are back starting 23rd September.

Starting 23rdSeptember, the restaurant is back in action with their sizzling weekend barbeques, daily shisha service and ladies nights every Wednesday, where ladies receive four complimentary drinks and 50% off the food menu

About Grand Hyatt

Grand Hyatt features large-scale, distinctive hotels in major gateway cities and resort destinations. With presence around the world and critical mass in Asia, Grand Hyatt hotels provide sophisticated global business and leisure travellers with upscale accommodation. Signature elements of the Grand Hyatt brand include dramatic architecture; innovative dining options; state-of-the-art technology; spa and fitness centres; and comprehensive business and meeting facilities appropriate for corporate meetings and social gatherings of all sizes. For more information, please visit www.grandhyatt.com.

Tribeca Movie Mondays

Integrating entertainment and wholesome goodness of organic healthy food Tribeca – Kitchen & Bar,Dubai, launched Movie Mondays on 17th August. Each week Tribeca will play homage to some of the most iconic movies of all time

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The first award winning title to be showcased was Pulp Fiction on 17^th August. Each week at 8:00pm Tribeca will screen a different cult classic movie selected by the team. The Guests are invited to enjoy the movie for only 50AED, the price includes a glass of organic wine, house beer or spirit, a bag of organic popcorn and the use of their own Bluetooth headset, ensuring they never miss a line.

The movie theatre setting is a comfortable mix of sofas and bean bags in a relaxed lounge style setting, giving the evening a laid back vibe. The silent waiter ordering system ensures that guests can order food and drinks with no disruption to the movie. The finger food menu consists of classic cinema treats like organic hot dogs and burgers coupled with the slightly more health conscious but equally delicious sweet potato fries.

The line up for the coming weeks is:

31st August – Zoolander

6th September – Back to the Future – Part 1

13th September – Rocky VI

20th September – Star Wars

About TRIBECA:

Tribeca is a restaurant & bar featuring wholesome and organic food and alcoholic beverages, live entertainment and an impressive collection of art from local artists which is also for sale. With an indoor and outdoor capacity of 400 plus, Tribeca is located on the first floor of the JA Ocean View Hotel, in Jumeirah  Beach Residence. The Tribeca’s kitchen is headed by Chef Giovanni De Ambrosis, serving Mediterranean and Organic, Contemporary Cuisine. Tribeca is founded by Bond Cap LLC’s CEO Michael Vrankovic, who heads the investment and strategic management firm specializing in the Entertainment, and Food & Beverage sector.

 T: +971 5 343 6067

E: reservations@tribeca.ae

Vesna Vrankovic – Tr!beca – Creative Director

Vesna started modeling at 15, although she didn’t really get serious about it until she finished high school. After graduating from the University of Western Sydney, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Vesna embarked on her marketing career, working for Berlei Australia but also continued to work as a model in Sydney. Through her 15-year modeling career to date, Vesna has worked with a host of creative and talented people, all of whom have inspired her. Vesna has walked runway shows for some incredible designers including Carolina Herrera, Philip Plein and Galliano, and her career highlights include campaigns for brands such as Johnson and Johnson, Lee Jeans and Goldwell. Working with such prestigious names has seen her model for shoots in incredibly beautiful places such as Bali, Californian coast, New York City and stunning Islands such as Nurai Island.Along this journey Vesna has lived in and visited some of the world’s most elite cities including Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, Milan, Hamburg, Auckland, Vienna and since 2008 has found her residing in Dubai, UAE. Throughout this time Vesna has had the privilege of experiencing some of the world’s most exclusive food and beverage venues, these later proved to be part of her inspiration behind Tr!beca.After the birth of her son, Vesna developed a passion for organic food as she sought a healthier lifestyle for her and her family. Vesna strives to live a full life and strongly believes when it comes to both food and lifestyle, moderation is key! Vesna enjoys a glass of organic wine or an organic martini every so often and she believes “life would be bitter without dessert!” With a healthy concept, a zest for life, her interiors vision and passion for the industry, the Tr!beca brand was born.

Bosporus- Another Bridge To Turkey Opens At Wafi Dubai

On Saturday 6^th June 2015, Buzzingtales attended the grand opening of the 5^th Bosporus (Turkish restaurant ) restaurant at Wafi Mall. Named after the Bosporus Bridge in Turkey which connects Europe and Asia, Bosporus Restaurant at Wafi is indeed “Your Bridge To Turkey”.

In line with its expansion plan in the UAE, Bosporus Restaurant opened its fifth branch in Wafi Mall with Turkish splendor in full galore. With a floor area of 15,000 square meters and a capacity of over 300 guests, the new location is the largest Turkish restaurant in the UAE and in the Middle East.

Shaikh Ahmad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Shaikh Rashed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the Turkish Consulate Mr. Erdem Ozan led the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially launch the new Bosporus at Wafi Mall last Saturday, 6^th June 2015. Emirati VIPs, celebrities, and a number of media figures attended the grand opening event.

The company explained that this expansion comes in response to the increasing demand for authentic Turkish food in the region. The restaurant was designed in keeping with the highest architectural standards; featuring an authentic Turkish atmosphere with a contemporary touch. Expected to be buzzing with families and young Dubai elite, the new Bosporus promises beautiful times, excellent food, and the same happy and vibrant atmosphere the brand is known for.

Commenting on the new opening, a board member of the Bosporus chain expressed great pleasure in opening the latest Bosporus branch, commenting that "living in the UAE was a chance to explore the authentic Turkish cuisine, which is reflected in how we built our brand. Our promise is to offer Istanbul standards in hospitality and food, and showcase the exquisite Turkish culture to people in the UAE. It is a centuries-old culture that remains young and vibrant. Turkey is a country of history, and much like the Ottoman history, Turkish cuisine comes with a touch of authenticity and originality that is loved by everybody, Arabs and westerners alike."