FEATURE
Where to go in Abu Dhabi for food that’ll keep you fuller for longer and stop you snacking
The lowdown on low GI foods
How low can you go? No, we’re not talking about hitting the dance floor, we’re taling about your diet. Eating food falling on the low range of the glycemic index (GI) is said to help keep blood sugar levels steady (think no more sugar crashes at 3pm), keep you fuller for longer, help with weight loss and even reduce cholesterol levels. While it’s popular with diabetics, you don’t have to be on insulin to reap the benefits of a low GI diet – and the even better news is there are plenty of places in the capital serving dishes that are far from boring.
LOCA POZOLE
Trendy Mexican outlet Loca serves a soup that is a good option for those looking to start their meal off right. The chicken soup features a red chilli broth with hominy (which is basically dried maize kernels) and fresh avocado. GI rating: 35
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (02) 5823639. Taxi: The Galleria. locauae.com
GRILLED LOBSTER WITH YELLOW CHILLI SAUCE
Seafood is a great low GI option. Case in point is this moreish grilled lobster in yellow chilli sauce served at Sho Cho. It’s paired with steamed brown rice. GI rating: 48.5
Souk At Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3am. Tel: (02) 5581117. Taxi: Souk At Qaryat Al Beri. sho-cho.com
FRESCA SALAD
Another Latino hotspot, Bu! serves a fresh and tangy fresca salad made of pear, apple, tangerine, hazelnuts, hibiscus and mixed greens. Best of all, it also includes almonds – which have a very, very low score on the scale – and are said to help lower your overall GI rating when eaten with other foods. GI rating: 45
World Trade Center Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed noon to 2am, Thur and Fri noon to 3am. Tel: (02) 6668066. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. butrinity.com
QUINOA TABBOULEH
Adding more protein to this Levantine salad, Café Bateel’s tabbouleh with a twist is served with quinoa rather than bulgur wheat. But all the rest of the usual suspects are still there including mint leaves, pomegranate, onions, cucumber, parsley and tomatoes, so the taste is comparable. GI rating: 53
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6712284. Taxi: Galleria Mall, Al Maryah. bateel.com
SALMON SORRENTO
The salmon at Italian restaurant Buca di Beppo comes in a lemon butter sauce topped with tomatoes and capers. GI rating: 41
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (02) 6656247. Taxi: Yas Mall, right in front of Ferrari World. bucadibeppo.ae