BACK HOME IN NORWAY, IT’S QUITE NORMAL FOR US TO HAVE OUR LAST MEAL OF THE DAY BY 5PM” — HALLVARD BORSHEIM

When he moved to Dubai about five years ago, he admits he “might have lost the plot early on” — just like every other expat who gets caught up in adapting to what is commonly understood to be the ‘ Dubai lifestyle’. But he now tries to cook as much as possible, as he finds it makes a lot of difference to his daily energy levels and health. Plus, he says, it’s so much easier to keep track of what you eat if you prepare it yourself. Ironically enough, the same Dubai lifestyle “requires” decent health — “otherwise you just can’t keep up with work and the hectic living” — and Morgan says it helps that a lot of the people he socialises with have the same kind of approach to food and active living.

Being a vegetarian, dinner for him usually consists of a lot of beans, bulgur, quorn products ( meat substitutes), vegetables and, at times, egg and dairy products. “I normally have a late night smoothie made out of frozen fruits, coconut milk, a bit of peanut butter and omega 3 oil too,” he adds.

It’s a lifestyle — but also a personal investment. “I believe it’s an important part of your career path as well,” says Morgan. “If you know how to practise that sort of discipline in your life, you inevitably bring that character with you to the office as well.”

“ALL THANKS TO MY WIFE”

Norwegian expat Hallvard Borsheim is an air traffic controller. He works any one of three shifts in a day, and is usually done with dinner between 6 and 7pm. The irregular work hours, however, can get in the way of being done with meals early on. A Spartan athlete, he often competes in obstacle races too, so what he eats is quite important and he doesn’t skimp on the carbs. “It’s usually lots of chicken, pasta, potatoes and other vegetables for me. Sometimes, I eat an extra meal — like nuts or fruits — but no heavy meals before bed.”

Eating at seven is actually late for him, compared to when he’s back home. “I come from a farm,” he says. “When I was home, we usually had dinner at midday, 12 or 1pm, which is quite normal in Norway. We have a third meal at 5pm but