(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Local TV personality and health expert Ghida Arnaout lets us in on the secret to looking good even after all the late night feasts
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Lebanese-born Ghida Arnaout has been working in the health sector in Dubai since 2010. Currently working as a clinical dietitian at Slim’N Lite diet center she also manages her own blog which focuses on extreme sports and fitness in order to inspire people around her to lead a healthier fitter life. Ghida who is a regular sight on Physique TV maintains her work ethic is grounded on promoting and serving society’s wellbeing and general health. With that in mind we talk to her about staying in top shape this Ramadan
What is the biggest tip you can give in order to stay healthy this Ramadan
Ramadan should not be considered an excuse to become unhealthy. On the healthy lifestyle level Ramadan should be regarded as a month just like any other. Although the timings of your meals will differ the quality should remain the same and the quantity should be a bit less considering the slowing down of your metabolism late at night.
How does Ramadan usually affect training regimes What are the normal problems one encounters
A lot of people fasting might find it hard to train. If one decides to train during the day they might suffer from dehydration and muscle fatigue quickly. So it’s always better to train just 30 minutes before Iftar time or 2 hours after.
Do people tend to give up their regimes during Ramadan What would you say to those people to convince them to do otherwise
A lot of people might think that because they are fasting they can go on and eat whatever they like after they break their fast thinking their body needs more food. However they should keep on following the same healthy lifestyle that they usually follow during normal days.
How do the eating patterns affect weight gain People are often told not to eat heavily at night. How can you get round that during this month
Although the rule is not to eat and sleep this rule has an exception in Ramadan. Having to fast for more than 8 hours requires energy and that’s why it is very important not to ever miss the Suhour meal which requires the fasting person to wake up and eat a nutritious meal just before dawn.
What is your favourite form of exercise
Rock climbing running and most watersports especially paddle boarding and wake boarding.
Can you give one example of an introductory exercise anyone can do at home.
Stair climbing and jumping rope! Instead of using the elevator get used to using the stairs. It might be difficult at the beginning but you will get used to it.
Given that people find it difficult to go outside during the summer can you recommend an indoor exercise activity
Any aerobic class pilates zumba yoga walking on the treadmill body pump class circuit training crossfit. Luckily Dubai is loaded with indoor classes and activities.
What food should one focus on eating to maintain a healthy weight What does your diet mainly consist of
To maintain a healthy weight one should always burn more than he/she consumes. That would be done by following the right calorie count and exercising. I make sure to always have complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread brown pasta and quinoa; I rarely eat any red meat and tend to focus more on grilled fish and chicken breast. I have a lot of vegetables and I tend to add raw nuts and seeds to my daily diet whenever I can. I actually have my healthy food delivered to me every day from Slim’N Lite diet center. I try to stay away from simple sugars as much as I can and avoid sodas.
Which restaurants do you enjoy going to Do they serve healthy food
I think you can find healthy food wherever you go if you look deep into the menu! I love Italian food so I try to pick the dishes that have less cream and more tomato sauce. And I’m recently hooked on the salads at Tom&Serg.
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