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PORTION DISTORTION

What is portion distortion and how can we avoid it

Portion Distortion subtly nudges you to eat and drink more than you need to. You may be comfortably full but because there’s still food on your plate or some drink left in your cup, you’re very likely to finish it. Why?

image: carrot cake demonstrating portion size.

The link to the full article below provides a clear understanding of this phenomenon and explains why it’s contributing to a growing rise in people being overweight and frankly spending more than they need to in restaurants and coffee shops.

It explains how the phenomenon is all around us and here to stay. But more importantly it gives you some practical ideas on how avoid it.

Raemona Magazine – Article by Monica Kapila October 2022

Image : one breakfast shared between two
CLICK THE PICTURE TO GO TO THE FULL ARTICLE ON PORTION DISTORTION

Anything that helps us naturally eat or drink a bit less without us radically changing how we eat out, shop or cook is definitely something to have a second helping of.

If you want to hear more about this topic listen to this podcast from the BBC’s Food Chain programme April 2021.

More podcasts on ALTERNATIVE HEALTH at MonicMoments.com the author’s podcast channel.

Advert: 20% discount code for ECC adventures. Visit their site
CLICK FOR 20% DISCOUNT USING CODE DOINDUBAI20 till Nov 31st

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HIKING IN THE UAE – awe inspiring outdoor adventures

Time to go hiking in the UAE but where would you go, which company would you choose and are you fit enough? Read on for answers to all these questions. Just pack your boots!

THE SIDR TRAIL HIKE

We know people who LOVE hiking in the UAE with Chris of ECC Adventures

Why? Because Chris is the founder, Program Director and one of the Lead Guides for ECC Adventures.

Not only is he qualified with a very well established and recognized outdoor instructor body, he’s also got a Wilderness First Responder certification too.

But all the guides who leads treks with ECC Adventures have these certificates, so that’s very reassuring. We know people who’ve gone on numerous trips with them and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chris and his team at ECC Adventures.

Plenty of hiking in the UAE but what would be best for me

That depends on how much time you have and your hiking ability. You can choose from easy half day hikes and treks to more challenging overnight trips.

Some of the regular trips featured by ECC Adventures

The 7 Summits or Al Bidya trail

THE SEVEN SUMMITS TRAIL

This 7-summits/Al Bidya hike is a combination of two entry-level hikes, ideal for beginners and families with children.

The Seven Summits trail begins at the Big Flag in Fujairah then continues across seven summits or forts, representing the seven Emirates that make up the UAE.

You finish the loop where you started at the beautiful gardens, an ideal spot for a quick snack after the hike. This is roughly a 2 hour trail and you walk about 4 km.

The Sidr Trail

Reflect along the Sidr Trail as you take in its quiet waterways, bountiful shade, and teeming life.

As your eyes scan the white and green speckled waters of this Wadi it’s likely you’ll come across the hardy garra fish, toads, and other tiny wildlife. This is roughly a 4 hour trail and you walk about 8 to 9 km.

The Sunrise Trek in Al Aqa

THE SUNRISE TRAIL AT AQA

Al Aqa, or “The Pearl of the East Coast”, strikes the perfect balance between land and sea.

As you set off in the early hours, you’ll certainly energize your typical morning routine as you keep up the pace and endurance on this challenging ascent.

Forewarning, the exhilarating ridge trail isn’t for the faint of heart as you will be exposed to some heights on the steep edges along the way. 

The trail’s proximity to Sandy Beach and Snoopy Island lends itself perfectly to a post-hike swim.

After the hike, you’ll have certainly earned that little extra time for some sun and relax! This trail is about 3 km but still takes almost 4 hours, there is an elevation gain of 320 meters.

Where to find out which hike would suit me and which days

Go to the ECC Adventures HOME PAGE. Have a look at all the trips on offer, select your date and you’re set.

They can even offer customised private treks for special events if you like. Just contact them via the link below. Please mention you heard about them from Monica at DoinDubai.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON ALL TRIPS TILL 30th NOVEMBER

ECC Adventures have kindly offered all our readers a special 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL TRIPS booked by 30th November.

Just use the code DOINDUBAI20 when you check out at the payment page for your booking.

20% OFF WHEN YOU USE CODE DOINDUBAI20 TILL NOVEMBER 30 2022

More than just taking a hike

ECC see it as their responsibility to nurture and share a love of the outdoors. They aspire to instill self-confidence through challenging participant’s limits and teaching environmental knowledge and ethics in order to continue preserving outdoor spaces. They fulfill this mission via a range of activities including:

  • Recreational outings
  • Soft/hard skill workshops
  • Ecological programs
  • Leadership/team building workshops
  • Cultural and historical educational sessions
  • Integrated instructional programs
  • Wellness development

So take a walk on the wilder side but on the safe side with ECC adventures this winter in the UAE. Thank you for sharing this post.

Disclaimer

This post was written in conjunction with ECC Adventures, but the views are all my own. The company was recommended to me by a close friend who regularly goes on trips with the ECC Adventures.

More ideas for trips within the UAE

More ideas for trips within the UAE include a trip to Sir Baniyas Island Abu Dhabi or Qasr al Sarab also in Abu Dhabi.

Qasr_Al_Sarab_Room_ViewP
QASR AL SARAB ABU DHABI

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CHASING THE SUN multi sensory photographic exhibition of UAE sunsets

A new collection at the Picasso Gallery Al Quoz – Chasing the Sun is a multi sensory photographic exhibition of sunsets all over the UAE.

Chasing the Sun by Veronique De Suerte

The artist behind this collection of arresting photographs of sunsets from different locations all over the UAE is Veronique De Suerte.

DoinDubai-Monica-Kapila-Chasing-the-Sun-Sheikh-Zayed-Mosque-photo
A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION BY VERONIQUE DE SUERTE

Veronique uses both DSLR and mirrorless cameras for her work and when it was permitted even a drone! She’s always loved travel and has channeled this passion into a business via her photography.

We were invited to a preview of her exhibition at the Picasso gallery last weekend. The photograph above shows a sunset view of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

A multi sensory experience

Veronique wanted to share a real sense of place along side the photographs themselves so she has incorporated sounds and lighting to enhance the viewing experience.

All her photographs are printed on high quality German cotton paper. Each photograph has only three prints that will be sold.

VERONIQUE WANTS YOU TO FEEL A SENSE OF PLACE

The Picasso Gallery in Al quoz next to Al Serkal

Chasing the Sun show is on at The Picasso Gallery – an art gallery and showroom next to Al Serkal avenue in Al Quoz. But do hurry to see the show as it’s only on till 31st of October 2002.

PART OF A PHOTOGRAPH UNEQUALLED DUBAI

Gallery opening times

From 11 am to 6pm every day.

If you’re going to Al Serkal then do wander around the cafes and shops before you go. We really like Pekoe for some lunch. Full updated post on Al Serkal coming soon.

Location map

Find out more about the artist go to her instagram and website

Artist’s instagram

Artist’s website

Disclaimer: This post was written in conjunction with the artist but the views are all my own.

NOTE

If you want to go to some of those places in the UAE and check out those sunsets for yourself, then do avail the 20% discount from ECC Adventures with code DOINDUBAI20 till 31st November.

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DIWALI IN DUBAI Eating, shopping, dancing and powerful characters

Updated OCTOBER 2022

Diwali in Dubai

This year Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls on Monday the 24th of October and while Diwali is a Hindu festival, it’s now celebrated all over the world. Dubai is no exception! Diwali in Dubai is a big event!

CONTEMPORARY INDIAN STARTER FROM INDEGO BY VINEET

There are actually 5 days connected to the festival of Diwali starting from October 23rd through to October 27th. Each day holds a different significance with the 23rd being Dhanteras typically associated with buying gifts of gold, and the 24th is Choti Diwali or Little Diwali.

The Diwali story

The Diwali story’s got all the elements of a classic Good conquering Bad tale. Wicked stepmothers, multi headed demons, beautiful princesses, it’s all there.

Hindus all over the world celebrate the triumphant homecoming of Prince Ram, his wife Sita and their brother Laxsman from a gruelling 14 years spent in banishment in the jungle.

They were banished as part of an orchestrated request by Ram’s step mother Kaikeyi as a last wish from her husband King Dashrath. He ruled the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya.

CHARACTERS FROM THE DIWALI STORY

Story has it that the night the weary travellers were returning home was one without any moonlight to show the way. Excited villagers decided to light small clay earthen ware lamps using oil and wicks to make it easier for them to navigate their way back.

So Diwali is really a mix of 2 words, Deep and Avali, DEEP meaning light and AVALI meaning row.

They also lit up the sky with firecrackers, hence the present day fireworks again to show the rightful rulers of the Kingdom of Ayodhya the way home.

Celebrating Diwali in Dubai

You’ll see many houses in Dubai lit up with tiny diyas in rows, often on the entrance or porch of a house re enacting what the villagers did. Houses are often spring cleaned during this period so that good luck and prosperity can visit in the form of Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth.

Families share gifts of money and new clothes as well organize huge Diwali feasts where authentic Indian varieties of burfi (sweet fudge made from ingredients such as milk, coconut, almonds, cashewnuts and sugar) and desserts like ras malai (a soft cheese based milk dumpling soaked in cream and pistachios) and ladoos play a starring role.

If you don’t want to give heavy Indian Diwali sweets this year then try making some gorgeous energy balls instead, then be creative about how you package them up!

Traditionally the best Diwali sweets shared with family and friends were always homemade.

ENERGY BALLS RECIPE

ENERGY BALLS DOINDUBAI MONICA KAPILA fennel and sesame seeds
LOOKS LIKE A LADOO BUT IT ISN’T

There are Diwali brunches, dinners and even fireworks displays in Dubai. We loved our Indian meal at Indego by Vineet at the Grosvenor House hotel.

Click the picture to see our experience of that on Instagram.

CLICK TO SEE OUR EXPERIENCE AT INDEGO BY VINEET

Emirates airlines announced it’s serving traditional Indian sweets to celebrate Diwali on Indian routes in all cabin classes!

Authentic Indian favorites like motichoor ladoos, mixed nut tribooj and angoori rabdri are being served in it’s cabins and lounges.

SELECTION OF TRADITIONAL DIWALI SWEETS

Dal kachoris and vegetable samosas for those of us with less of a sweet tooth. Some brilliant biscuits – Nan Khataai served in Emirates lounge in Cape Town too!

Diwali Shopping in Dubai

The Meena Bazaar area of Bur Dubai is a great place to visit during this festive time. Shop fronts are festooned with orange marigold flowers and there’s an excited buzz in the air.

People stock up on garlands, both real and fake, intricate rangoli pattern makers and stencils – see the one below. You can see which colour I’ve used the most for my Diwali rangoli designs!

DoinDubai Diwali in Dubai Monica Kapila Rangoli Stencil
RANGOLI STENCIL FOR MAKING DIWALI DESIGN

They buy vibrant rangoli powder colour for doorways, hand-painted clay diyas, shiny brass candle holders everything linked to traditional worship at home.

ENTRANCE TO A HOME IN DUBAI DECORATED FOR DIWALI

The fact that gold is around 1700 dollars a Troy ounce hasn’t deterred people buying jewellery at this auspicious time. Plenty of offers abound at major jewellery shops all over Dubai. Get down to Bur Dubai and experience Diwali in Dubai yourself.

And if you just feel like a simple or more elaborate INDIAN THALI MEAL then choose from our selection here.

Money Saving Deals DoinDubai Monica Kapila Andrha Thali
VEGETARIAN THALI MEAL IN DUBAI

Diwali Gift ideas

You can’t go wrong with gifting anyone a candle at Diwali time. We love all the candles from PURE CANDLES DUBAI AED 180

GIFT A SOY WAX DIWALI CANDLE FROM PURE CANDLES

If you don’t want to make your own energy balls then get down to LITTLE URTH BY NABZ AND G. Buy some from there! They’re as good as good as home made (I’ve tried them!), nicely packaged too.

AED 50 or so for a generous portion.

Monicas-Weekend-DoinDubai-Free-Goodie-Bag-vegan-energy-balls-
NUTRIENT DENSE NO NASTIES ENERGY BALLS BY NABZ AND G

Or buy some bite size Indian inspired brittle bars from VARAK EDIBLE LUXURY get some for yourself too! Better than burfi and biscuits! Click the link and go to the Brittles page. 8 bites for just AED 27 with my discount code!

MONICA10 code for varak dubai brittle bars

Tell me about any cool Diwali gifts you’re giving or receiving this year. Please also SHARE THIS POST with your friends and to all my loyal DoinDubai readers:  

Warmest wishes for a prosperous and peaceful Diwali in Dubai and all over the world.

Never mind the markets and British politics for now.

HEALTHY HAPPY DIWALI TO YOU ALL

NOTE JUST IN..

The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah will celebrate Diwali with a performance by the world’s largest dancing fountain, The Palm Fountain. 

From 14 to 28 October from 6pm to 10pm, every 3rd performance will be a popular Hindi song! So visitors can dress up and head to the nearby eateries for delicious deals as they enjoy the show.  

Also Diwali Fireworks at Global Village on the 28th October 2022 in the evening!

DIWALI FIREWORKS OCT 2022 AT GLOBAL VILLAGE
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