Bara’a Osama Al-Ries

Clinical dietician, Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi

Calorie counting is one of the healthiest ways to consistently keep track of your energy intake, but it can be a complicated process. Some people don’t lose weight even when keeping a record of what they’re eating and this happens if you’re counting calories without taking into consideration the quality of your meals. Make sure you don’t ignore what your dishes are made of – are they high in fat, sugar and carbs? Because fat and sugar in particular won’t help you get trim, regardless of how few calories it’s claimed are in them. Make sure you eat balanced meals that include all food groups (lots of veg, fruit and salads) and drink lots of water. In addition, regular exercise will help you keep the weight off. Yes, it is true. Sand running is a more intensive workout and has other benefits, but there are also times when it’s good to run on a pavement. In terms of calories consumed, running on sand is clearly a more difficult workout and you will burn more, as more effort will be required from your muscles. Running on sand is also better for your joints, because the sand acts as a buffer and minimises stress. However, if you are training for a specific event that takes place on solid terrain, such as a road, then of course it makes sense to run on the pavement, as you’ll be training for maximum efficiency. The decision of whether you run on sand or on concrete should be based on what you want to achieve.