In the last two decades, obesity rates in Gulf states have increased dramatically. In the UAE alone, 66 percent of men and 60 percent of women are obese.
We're here to tell you that you don't need to be part of that trend.
An increase in junk food consumption is behind the obesity spike. But so is idleness. This is an Arab world where urban spaces are traditionally designed around highways and large main streets. In short, our cities aren't pedestrian-friendly, so we are walking less and letting the calories sit.
Here are a few hacks to keep you healthy:
1. In Dubai, ditch the cab and walk to the nearest metro station
Sneak more activity into your daily routine without changing your day at all! It'll make all the difference.
Try walking, instead of driving, to the closest metro station to you. And if you insist that this is too long of a trip to take on foot, let your cab drop you off a few minutes before your stop.
2. Sneak a walk along Abu Dhabi's corniche
Night walks in this fall/wintery weather is the definition of relaxation, and Abu Dhabi's family corniche is just the right spot to get it done.
Forget closed-off gyms where the music makes you feel like you're in a club, and head outdoors. Grab a friend, or your earphones. And if you can make this a part of your everyday, the results are fantastic.
3. Go for a night run along Kite Beach in Dubai
The track on Kite Beach is another spot for pure relaxation outdoors. Best part is, you can reward yourself with a healthy treat after your run. Your kiosk options are limitless!
4. Do outdoor stair workouts in Beirut
Living in Beirut has its perks, and exploring the city's undiscovered routes is an adventure everyone should seek. Being a hilly capital, there's no shortage of stairs to help pedestrians get from A to B.
From the hidden staircases in Ashrafieh to the more colorful ones in Mar Mikhael, and even some lesser known ones in the Ras Beirut area, there is no workout that beat stair workouts. It'll exercise your glutes, your quads, and your core muscles.
5. Go for a bike ride in Wadi Hanifa, Riyadh
Wadi Hanifa is one of Saudi's most beautiful nature spots. Get your bike and a friend, and explore the place while pedaling.
Wadi Hanifa is especially great for women, because it's one of the few places where females are allowed to cycle. Two years ago, Saudi Arabia eased its ban on women riding bicycles.
Don't forget to stop by the lake!
6. Dubai Mall is actually a great place to take a stroll, especially when it's hot out
And make sure to take the metro.
You'll get a workout without even trying when your trek from the metro to the actual mall. You'll get an additional workout when you walk the actual mall.
It seems counterintuitive, but remember that Dubai mall is the world's largest indoor shopping center. So there's plenty of walking space.
7. Go quadding in Red Sand Dunes, Riyadh
Instead of planning a trip to the mall, or to a restaurant, opt for outdoor activities. There's a number of unexplored and undiscovered destinations in Riyadh.
Strengthen your quads as you ride the four-wheelers in the Red Sand Dunes, all while enjoying the extraordinary view!
8. And finally, the fastest track to health is health-consciousness
Healthy minds live in healthy bodies, as the famous Arab proverb goes. But the reverse is also true. Healthy bodies need healthy minds, or rather, health-conscious minds.
It all starts with awareness. Keeping track of your daily movement as well as your consumption is half the job, because it will keep you in check. That's why Lipton created the Lipton Green Tea Fit Cart, to help you keep track of your lifestyle while you're on-the-go.
Have a great, healthy week!