Omar Al Duri introduces Healthy Lunch Box for improved diet

Matt Jones - Editor 11:17 21/05/2015
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  • Curbing obesity: Al Duri (c) has developed a health lunch box menu.

    Omar Al Duri is highlighting the benefits of UAE youngsters leading healthier lifestyles as he warns they are “on the road to obesity”.

    In a bid to curb weight and dietary issues among youngsters, Al Duri has introduced his Healthy Lunch Box menu in a quest to get kids eating healthier across the UAE.

    He does believe the nation is addressing the issue and has come a long way in recent years, and now recognises the need to eat a balanced diet, aware that getting started early means you don’t have to later in life when it could be too late.

    Al Duri has been hugely encouraged by the reaction to the campaign, from schools, pupils and parents, and is delighted that kids are taking an active role in their futures.

    “Kids in the UAE are on the road to obesity,” says Al Duri. “I’ve seen what goes into packed lunches and it’s not good. It’s massively frustrating because to provide our children with better meals is so easy.”

    The 31-year-old health and fitness professional believes variety is key, and insists youngsters can still enjoy their favourite dishes.

    “Far too often it appears boring or monotonous so you need plenty of variety to keep it interesting,” he adds.

    “Parents can change the way they label healthy eating options. A salad is always going to be a salad but you can still eat your favourite foods, just alter them by adding healthy ingredients.

    “You can still eat steak fajitas, just don’t use any processed foods, use natural ingredients. Add more vegetables to pizzas and grill 
    burgers instead of frying.

    “Out here it’s dangerous because we live in a 24-hour culture. You can order anything to your door, anytime. The sodium and salt content in meals is so high here and kids are not aware of what they’re eating.”

    Al Duri’s roots are based in the Middle East. He is British, born and grown up in London, but his father is Iraqi and his mother is from Saudi Arabia. He moved to the UAE seven years ago and he is more affected by the obesity problem than most.

    He says: “The Arabic culture is super generous, the people are lovely and you always have to try something once. There’s a culture of it’s rude not to finish your plate. 

    “There’s lots of rice and meat but if it becomes a daily occurrence that’s when it becomes a problem. Kids think it’s normal to eat as much as possible.”

    He now gives up his own time to educate and implement change when it comes to what children are eating at school.

    “I want to give my time to help educate. Not just the children, but the teachers and parents,” he says. “Help and advice with time invested can save lives.”

    Al Duri has already attended mum’s groups across the UAE where he talks to parents about how easy it is to prepare good food.

    Making small changes can have the biggest impact, such as employing food ambassadors in schools to educate pupils, while teachers and parents can use role models in sport as shining examples of wellness.

    “Sporting idols should be used in more than one way,” says Al Duri. “Take Usain Bolt or Cristiano Ronaldo. Use what they eat and how they train and in a split second it’s in their minds and, gradually, the mindest changes.”

    One sportsman who is already on board with Al Duri’s campaign is former England rugby star Mike Tindall.

    The ex-Gloucester man, a 2003 Rugby World Cup winner with England, is now a pundit for Middle East-based beIN Sports. He is an advocate of keeping your body in the best shape to encourage better performance, and believes that mentality must start at a young age.

    “It is so important for kids to be eating the right way,” Tindall said. “Healthy food gives kids the energy they need to succeed. It is essential towards having an active lifestyle.”

    “The earlier you start eating well the better. By starting early it becomes routine and sustainable into adult life.”

    Advocate: Tindall (l) has given his full support to the cause.

    Al Duri pledges not to rest until changes have been made, but is aware that the tide is already turning.

    “There is no doubt that the country is on the right track,” he said. “Kids are more active, play more sport and are fitter but there is still work to do and that’s where I can help make a difference.

    “It’s about getting started early so you don’t have to go back and start again when you’re older. If you start early it becomes a way of life.

    “You don’t have to be super healthy all the time, just be aware of what you’re eating. We can’t leave it until when someone weighs 250kg, is in a wheelchair and it’s too late.

    “It’s not a case of telling Arabic people their methods are wrong, what they’ve been doing is wrong. It’s a case of this is what we can do and what we can achieve together.” 

    Al Duri’s new Healthy Lunch Box menu can be found in-store at Dubai Marina’s Ultra Brasserie as well as contacting Omar through his social media channels.

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