Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, 37, is cruise terminal manager at Abu Dhabi Ports. The Emirati has always been passionate about her health and fitness, but never more so since losing her sister in 2009.
My sister passed away from lung cancer six years ago. Since then I have focused more than ever on maintaining a healthy lifestyle because it could happen to me, too.
I counteract busy 12-hour workdays with three one-hour walks every week with friends. This gives me the opportunity to clear my head and unwind after work.
I am also learning to ride a bicycle. Nutritionally, I am very healthy. I don’t eat junk food and avoid fizzy drinks. I had my cholesterol and weight checked a few years ago and discovered both were too high. I adjusted my diet and, at 55 kilograms, I am now 5kg lighter, which is much healthier and more comfortable.
For breakfast, I eat a boiled egg with brown toast made from bread baked at home, so we know exactly what we’re eating. Before I reach the office, I drink half a litre of water, flavoured with fresh cucumber, lemon and mint, and drink another two-and-a-half litres throughout the day.
At 11am, I eat an apple or low-fat Greek yogurt and then enjoy a late lunch or early dinner of soup or salad. I don’t eat a lot but it works for me as I have more energy and focus.
I’m actually a real foodie and love to relax by dining out, either with a friend or on my own. I’ll eat any kind of food, from Italian, Indian and Chinese to a good steak or indulgent dessert. The key is to eat in moderation.
People have to love themselves and love their life. This means being healthy and minimising the risk of heart disease, diabetes and, for me especially, cancer.
Olly Wood, 31, is one half of Hollaphonic, the Dubai-based electronic music duo. The British national offsets his love of coffee with plenty of water and rigorous team sports.
I get up at 7am, jump in the shower and arrive at work at 9am. I love a good coffee but try to intersperse cups with green tea and around three litres of water every day. For lunch, I often eat scrambled eggs, which in my opinion is the greatest egg invention in history. It’s moderately healthy and massively tasty. I tend to mix it with chives and fresh tomatoes, and eat it with sourdough.
For dinner, I plot meals such as soup and salad or barbecued meat and always try to eat healthily.
I’m constantly moving throughout the day, which helps keep me physically fit but I also play one-and-a-half hours of football every Wednesday and Saturday. I’ve played since I was a kid and I love the team spirit.
To relax, I like to socialise. My wife and I often go to the cinema or out for dinner, and I have gigs throughout the cooler months that keep the weekend packed with fun and friends. Nothing helps me unwind more, however, than travelling. I love exploring new places and plotting future adventures. One of my favourite destinations is Galle on the south-western tip of Sri Lanka, and I love New York City in winter. I’m so interested in people, places and cultures; the world is amazing and I plan to see all of it. I take one long holiday a year for two weeks and then sprinkle the rest of the year with long weekends.
If I don’t lead a balanced lifestyle, I get tired and experience headaches and indigestion. For me, staying healthy is essential.
Wonho Chung, 33, is a comedian, TV presenter and actor. Raised in Jordan and a resident of Dubai, the Korean/Vietnamese personality keeps the kilos at bay with a strict nutrition plan.
For the last two months, I have been on a real health kick. I get up by 8am, drink coffee and eat breakfast before heading to the gym for two hours. If I have a busy day, I take all my food and snacks in a bag, so I’m prepared. If I cook dinner at home, I eat a clean and simple meal, like protein and salad. The Dubai lifestyle, however, means that most evenings I am out with friends or on client dinners. I try to choose the healthiest dish on the menu and avoid carbs, so no dessert for me.
When I’m on the road touring or filming, I tend to gain weight. Suddenly my clothes don’t fit as well, my skin is dry and my energy levels drop. Working out every day helps alleviate stress as I can work out any frustration.
Being healthy is all about preparation. I spend 15 minutes each morning getting my food bag and gym bag ready. That way, no matter what last-minute things emerge, I always have healthy snacks with me and the option of going to the gym.
We tend to make excuses for not going to the gym, but I firmly believe there is always time for exercise. Even if we have to get up earlier or say no to more social engagements, we can always squeeze in a workout. The main thing is to change your habits so that exercising becomes part of your life.
People shouldn’t look perfect, but when I start to get fitter and healthier, I feel happier about life.
Rosemin Manji, 35, is fashion and beauty director at luxury management firm, RR&Co. From Great Britain, she balances inconsistent eating with ballet-inspired workouts.
My schedule is challenging. My clients are based internationally so I have conference calls late at night and often attend events in the evening. I try to be in bed by 10pm but if I am at a function, it is closer to midnight. Regardless of when I sleep, I wake up by 8am and eat a light breakfast, such as muesli and fresh ginger tea.
For lunch, if I am in the office, I often eat a pumpkin, quinoa and beetroot salad at my desk, but sometimes I have client lunches, which means my eating is inconsistent.
To compound the problem, I comfort-eat when I am stressed. I have learnt to control this by keeping a big jar of natural almonds and dried cranberries so I can munch on something healthy.
To compensate for the extra calories, I go to Physique 57, a ballet-barre-based workout that combines cardio, strength-training and stretching with high-impact music, once a week. I also do yoga and reformer Pilates. To relax, I go to my local spa. The hammam is always nice and keeps my skin glowing. I also enjoy a full-body massage.
One thing my mum taught me is balance and, although I am still learning, I try to do everything in moderation. Some days I go for walk in the park behind my house and other days I go to the beach and swim.