1 whole manakish
Lighter swap: Have half with eggs and vegetables on the side: about 380 kcal with far more protein.
Full breakdown →
1 whole manakish (akkawi)
Lighter swap: Ask for half cheese, half za'atar and add tomatoes and cucumber: about 500 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 large piece
Lighter swap: Squeeze lemon on top and pair with a salad instead of a second piece.
Full breakdown →
1 small bowl + 1 bread
Lighter swap: Swap bread for cucumber and carrot sticks: about 230 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 bowl with olive oil (no bread)
Lighter swap: Ask for less oil on top: saves about 80 kcal.
Full breakdown →
2 eggs, no bread
Lighter swap: Add an extra egg white and have one slice of bread, not a basket.
Full breakdown →
1 small bowl with olive oil + 1 bread
Lighter swap: Skip the olive oil drizzle and add cucumbers and mint: about 300 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 paratha with 2 eggs
Lighter swap: Ask for the eggs in Arabic bread instead: about 330 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Breakfast
توست أفوكادو مع بيض
480kcal
Café portion, 2 slices with 1 egg
Lighter swap: Add a second egg and have one slice of toast: same calories, more protein.
Full breakdown →
1 regular café bowl
Lighter swap: Ask for no honey or granola on top and add Greek yoghurt: about 350 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Breakfast
كورن فليكس مع حليب
250kcal
1 bowl (40 g + 200 ml low-fat milk)
Lighter swap: Add a scoop of protein or Greek yoghurt on the side so it keeps you full past 10am.
Full breakdown →
Breakfast
فليكس محلى بالسكر مع حليب
300kcal
1 bowl (40 g + 200 ml low-fat milk)
Lighter swap: Switch to plain cornflakes with berries: about 50 kcal less and far less sugar.
Full breakdown →
Breakfast
حبوب بالشوكولاتة مع حليب
290kcal
1 bowl (40 g + 200 ml low-fat milk)
Lighter swap: Mix half chocolate cereal with half plain cornflakes to cut the sugar.
Full breakdown →
50 g oats with 250 ml low-fat milk
Lighter swap: Already a great choice. Top with berries instead of honey and stir in protein powder.
Full breakdown →
1 standard wrap (with garlic sauce & fries inside)
Lighter swap: Ask for no fries inside and garlic sauce on the side: about 400 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 standard wrap with tahini
Lighter swap: Ask for extra salad and tahini on the side: about 480 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Street Food
صحن شاورما دجاج
950kcal
1 plate with fries, garlic sauce & bread
Lighter swap: Swap the fries for salad and skip the bread: about 600 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 wrap with tahini
Lighter swap: Ask for extra salad and tahini on the side: about 400 kcal.
Full breakdown →
5 pieces
Lighter swap: Have 3 pieces with hummus and a big salad for a filling, lighter plate.
Full breakdown →
Street Food
رول دجاج بالبراتا
520kcal
1 roll
Lighter swap: Ask for it in Arabic bread instead of paratha: about 400 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Street Food
ساندويش شيبس عمان
520kcal
1 paratha sandwich with cheese
Lighter swap: Make it an egg sandwich instead and keep the chips as a small side: about 380 kcal.
Full breakdown →
2 pieces
Lighter swap: Have one samosa with a chicken tikka skewer for more protein.
Full breakdown →
3 small pieces
Lighter swap: Two pieces plus a laban gives you more protein for fewer calories.
Full breakdown →
3 pieces (fried)
Lighter swap: Choose the baked version when you can: about 220 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Half the rice, add a side salad: about 500 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Choose chicken or fish machboos, or half the rice: about 600 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 bowl (about 300 g)
Lighter swap: Go easy on the ghee on top: each spoon adds about 110 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 bowl
Lighter swap: Fill up on the meat and vegetables, leave some of the soaked bread.
Full breakdown →
1 bowl
Lighter swap: Add extra vegetables to the stew and have a smaller portion of dough.
Full breakdown →
1 bowl (chicken or fish)
Lighter swap: Ask for less ghee: saves about 100 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 plate with omelette
Lighter swap: Have half the vermicelli with two eggs on top for a more balanced breakfast.
Full breakdown →
3 pancakes with date syrup
Lighter swap: Have two with cream cheese or eggs on the side instead of extra syrup.
Full breakdown →
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Share the rice, keep the meat, add salad: about 650 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Order a half portion with raita and salad: about 450 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Switch to chicken biryani or share the rice: about 550 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Restaurant
دجاج بالزبدة مع خبز نان
1,000kcal
1 curry portion + 1 butter naan
Lighter swap: Swap to chicken tikka with plain roti: about 550 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 bowl dal + 1 cup rice
Lighter swap: Add a chicken tikka side to make it a high-protein meal.
Full breakdown →
1 plate with bread & garlic sauce
Lighter swap: Skip the bread, swap fries for salad: about 600 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 plate with fries & garlic sauce
Lighter swap: Ask for grilled vegetables instead of fries and sauce on the side: about 500 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Restaurant
هامور مشوي مع رز
600kcal
1 fillet with rice
Lighter swap: One of the best restaurant picks. Ask for salad with half the rice for about 450 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 plate with bread
Lighter swap: Choose shish tawook or chicken kebab instead: about 200 kcal less.
Full breakdown →
1 plate
Lighter swap: Take more meat and less rice, and go light on the jameed sauce.
Full breakdown →
8 pieces (salmon or California)
Lighter swap: Add sashimi or edamame for protein and skip the mayo-based sauces.
Full breakdown →
1 regular bowl
Lighter swap: Ask for half rice, half greens and sauce on the side: about 450 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 restaurant bowl
Lighter swap: Ask for the dressing on the side and fewer fried bread chips: about 150 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 restaurant bowl
Lighter swap: Already a great choice. Add grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
Full breakdown →
1 small bowl (about 150 g)
Lighter swap: Dip vegetables instead of bread to keep it light.
Full breakdown →
3 pieces
Lighter swap: Choose baked kibbeh when it is on the menu: about 100 kcal less.
Full breakdown →
6 pieces
Lighter swap: A good mezze pick. Pair with grilled chicken for protein.
Full breakdown →
1 large round
Lighter swap: Use half a bread with mezze and fill the rest of the plate with salad.
Full breakdown →
1 medium portion
Lighter swap: Swap for a side salad or grilled vegetables: saves about 250 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
بيتزا مارغريتا
500kcal
2 slices (12-inch pizza)
Lighter swap: Have 2 slices with a big salad instead of a third slice.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
سباغيتي بولونيز
700kcal
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Ask for a smaller pasta portion with a side salad: about 500 kcal and still high in protein.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
فيتوتشيني ألفريدو
950kcal
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Choose a tomato-based pasta instead, like arrabbiata: about 400 kcal less.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
باستا ألفريدو بالدجاج
1,100kcal
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Ask for half the sauce and extra chicken, or share the plate: about 650 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
بيني أرابياتا
550kcal
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: One of the lightest pastas. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it high-protein.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
باستا كاربونارا
900kcal
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Share it as a starter, or switch to a tomato-based pasta: about 400 kcal less.
Full breakdown →
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Ask for light pesto and add chicken: same taste, about 200 kcal less.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
باستا بصلصة الطماطم
500kcal
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: A light choice. Add a protein like chicken or tuna so it keeps you full.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
باستا بالصلصة الوردية
800kcal
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: Ask for more tomato and less cream in the sauce: about 600 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
باستا بالمأكولات البحرية
600kcal
1 restaurant plate
Lighter swap: A strong restaurant pick: high protein and a light tomato sauce.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
لازانيا باللحم
650kcal
1 restaurant portion
Lighter swap: Have a smaller square with a big green salad instead of garlic bread.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
ماك آند تشيز
750kcal
1 restaurant bowl
Lighter swap: Order it as a side to share rather than a main: about 300 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
بيتزا بيبروني لحم
600kcal
2 slices (12-inch pizza)
Lighter swap: Choose thin crust and blot the oil off the top: about 480 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
بيتزا دجاج باربكيو
560kcal
2 slices (12-inch pizza)
Lighter swap: Thin crust with light cheese: about 450 kcal and still high in protein.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
بيتزا دجاج تكا
540kcal
2 slices (12-inch pizza)
Lighter swap: Have 2 slices with a salad instead of a third slice.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
بيتزا ميت لوفرز (لحوم مشكلة)
700kcal
2 slices (12-inch pizza)
Lighter swap: Swap to chicken BBQ or chicken tikka pizza: about 150 kcal less per 2 slices.
Full breakdown →
2 slices (12-inch pizza)
Lighter swap: Add grilled chicken on top for protein without many extra calories.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
بيتزا أربع أجبان
640kcal
2 slices (12-inch pizza)
Lighter swap: Order a margherita instead: about 140 kcal less for the same cheesy taste.
Full breakdown →
Pasta & Pizza
بيتزا هاواي بالدجاج
520kcal
2 slices (12-inch pizza)
Lighter swap: Thin crust saves about 100 kcal across 2 slices.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
وجبة تشيز برجر
1,100kcal
Burger + medium fries + soft drink
32gProtein
140gCarbs
46gFat
Lighter swap: Keep the burger, swap the fries for a side salad and the drink for a zero: about 550 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
دجاج مقلي
500kcal
2 pieces
Lighter swap: Remove the skin or go grilled: about 300 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
سلطة سيزر بالدجاج
550kcal
1 restaurant bowl
Lighter swap: Dressing on the side and fewer croutons: about 380 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
كلوب ساندويش مع بطاطا
900kcal
1 sandwich + fries
Lighter swap: Ask for salad instead of fries and no mayo: about 550 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
كرواسون بالزبدة
350kcal
1 large café croissant
Lighter swap: Choose an egg sandwich on brown bread for more protein at similar calories.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
تشيز برجر
300kcal
1 regular fast-food cheeseburger
Lighter swap: One of the lighter fast-food picks. Skip the fries and soft drink to keep it that way.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
دبل تشيز برجر
450kcal
1 fast-food double cheeseburger
Lighter swap: Ask for one slice of cheese and no sauce: about 380 kcal with the same protein.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
دبل سماش برجر
850kcal
1 restaurant burger (2 patties, cheese, sauce)
Lighter swap: Go single patty, sauce on the side, and swap fries for salad: about 550 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
برجر دجاج كرسبي
520kcal
1 burger (fried fillet, mayo)
Lighter swap: Choose the grilled chicken burger instead: about 400 kcal with more protein.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
برجر دجاج مشوي
400kcal
1 burger (grilled fillet, light sauce)
Lighter swap: A strong choice. Ask for extra lettuce and tomato and sauce on the side.
Full breakdown →
Fast Food & Cafés
دبل برجر دجاج
800kcal
1 burger (2 crispy fillets, cheese, mayo)
Lighter swap: Go grilled, or single fillet with no mayo: about 450 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 cup (150 ml)
Lighter swap: Ask for half sugar: about 90 kcal a cup.
Full breakdown →
1 medium (about 350 ml)
Lighter swap: Ask for half the condensed milk, or switch to a regular latte: about 190 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium, full-fat milk
Lighter swap: Switch to low-fat milk: about 130 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 small cup (finjan)
Lighter swap: Practically zero calories. The dates on the side are where the calories are.
Full breakdown →
1 single shot (30 ml)
Lighter swap: Practically zero calories. A great pre-workout pick-me-up.
Full breakdown →
1 double shot (60 ml)
Lighter swap: Still almost zero calories. Watch the sugar sachets: each one adds about 20 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium, black
Lighter swap: One of the lightest café orders. Add a splash of milk rather than cream.
Full breakdown →
1 medium (about 350 ml), full-fat milk
Lighter swap: Switch to skimmed milk: about 80 kcal with the same protein.
Full breakdown →
1 regular (about 240 ml), full-fat milk
Lighter swap: A smaller, stronger coffee, so it is naturally lighter than a large latte.
Full breakdown →
1 medium with whipped cream
Lighter swap: Skip the whipped cream and ask for half the chocolate syrup: about 220 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium with whipped cream
Lighter swap: Order a small with skimmed milk and no cream: about 180 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium (about 350 ml), full-fat milk
Lighter swap: Ask for one pump of syrup instead of three: about 180 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium, sweetened
Lighter swap: Ask for it unsweetened with oat or skimmed milk: about 130 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium, sweetened
Lighter swap: Go for a karak with half sugar instead: about 90 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Hot Drinks
شاي بالحليب والسكر
60kcal
1 cup with 2 tsp sugar
Lighter swap: Cut to one sugar or use sweetener: about 30 kcal a cup.
Full breakdown →
1 small cup, medium sugar
Lighter swap: Order it "sada" (no sugar) for almost zero calories.
Full breakdown →
1 cup with nuts & cinnamon
Lighter swap: Have a small cup and skip the extra coconut and nuts on top: about 200 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
عصير برتقال طازج
180kcal
1 large glass (400 ml)
Lighter swap: Eat two oranges instead: half the calories and you keep the fibre.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
عصير أفوكادو (كوكتيل)
600kcal
1 large cup with honey & nuts
Lighter swap: Ask for no honey, no cream and a medium size: about 300 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 bottle (240 ml), full fat
Lighter swap: Choose low-fat laban: about 100 kcal with the same protein.
Full breakdown →
1 glass (300 ml)
Lighter swap: Ask for no added sugar: about 200 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 can (330 ml)
Lighter swap: Switch to the zero-sugar version or sparkling water: 0 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium (about 350 ml), full-fat milk
Lighter swap: Switch to skimmed or almond milk: about 90 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
آيس سبانش لاتيه
300kcal
1 medium (about 350 ml)
Lighter swap: Ask for half the condensed milk, or switch to a regular iced latte: about 150 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium with whipped cream
Lighter swap: No whipped cream and half the chocolate: about 200 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 medium with whipped cream
Lighter swap: Order a small, no cream, light caramel: about 200 kcal. Or switch to an iced latte.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
آيس ماتشا لاتيه
200kcal
1 medium, sweetened
Lighter swap: Ask for it unsweetened: about 120 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
كولد برو / آيس أمريكانو
5kcal
1 medium, black
Lighter swap: The best summer coffee for fat loss. Add a splash of milk if you need it.
Full breakdown →
1 regular cup
Lighter swap: Ask for half sugar: about 140 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
ليمون بالنعناع
200kcal
1 large glass (400 ml)
Lighter swap: Ask for it with no sugar or with sweetener: about 30 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
عصير بطيخ طازج
140kcal
1 large glass (400 ml), no added sugar
Lighter swap: Make sure it has no added sugar, or eat watermelon slices instead.
Full breakdown →
1 medium (about 400 ml)
Lighter swap: Add Greek yoghurt or protein and skip the honey to keep you full longer.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
ميلك شيك شوكولاتة
650kcal
1 medium (about 450 ml)
Lighter swap: Have a small, or blend a protein shake with milk and cocoa: about 250 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Cold Drinks
بروتين شيك (مع ماء)
120kcal
1 scoop whey (30 g) with water
Lighter swap: One of the best snacks for fat loss. Blend with milk if you need extra calories.
Full breakdown →
1 bottle (500 ml)
Lighter swap: Choose the zero-sugar version or brew your own: almost 0 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 can (250 ml)
Lighter swap: Choose the sugar-free can (about 10 kcal), or have a black coffee instead.
Full breakdown →
1 glass (250 ml), diluted
Lighter swap: Dilute it more and add ice: half the calories, same Ramadan taste.
Full breakdown →
1 glass (300 ml) with pine nuts & raisins
Lighter swap: Have a small glass and skip the extra raisins: about 100 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 bottle (250 ml)
Lighter swap: A good protein drink. Choose plain over flavoured, which can add 60+ kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 bottle (330 ml)
Lighter swap: A light way to rehydrate after training. Pick one with no added sugar.
Full breakdown →
5 pieces with date syrup
Lighter swap: Stop at 2–3 pieces and go light on the syrup: about 150 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 portion (about 150 g)
Lighter swap: Share a portion: half the calories and you still get the taste.
Full breakdown →
1 bowl
Lighter swap: Have a few spoons and share the rest: about 250 kcal.
Full breakdown →
3 small pieces
Lighter swap: One piece with Arabic coffee hits the spot: about 110 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 cup
Lighter swap: Choose a small cup and top with pistachios rather than syrup.
Full breakdown →
Desserts & Snacks
تمر مجدول
200kcal
3 dates
Lighter swap: Pair 2 dates with a handful of nuts to stay full longer.
Full breakdown →
Desserts & Snacks
مكسرات مشكلة
180kcal
1 handful (30 g)
Lighter swap: Pre-portion one handful instead of eating from the bag.
Full breakdown →
Desserts & Snacks
بروتين بار
230kcal
1 bar (60 g)
Lighter swap: A solid snack. Check the label: some bars are closer to 300 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Desserts & Snacks
فشار بالملح
550kcal
1 medium cinema bag
Lighter swap: Get a small size or share the medium: about 275 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Desserts & Snacks
فشار بالجبن
600kcal
1 medium cinema bag
Lighter swap: Swap to a small salted popcorn: about 300 kcal less.
Full breakdown →
Desserts & Snacks
فشار بالكراميل
700kcal
1 medium cinema bag
Lighter swap: Go half sweet, half salted in a small size: about 350 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Desserts & Snacks
فشار مايكرويف بالزبدة
420kcal
1 full bag (about 85 g)
Lighter swap: Pour out half into a bowl and share the rest: about 210 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Desserts & Snacks
فشار سادة بدون زيت
95kcal
3 cups (about 24 g)
Lighter swap: One of the best snacks for fat loss: big volume, low calories. Season with spices, not butter.
Full breakdown →
1 standard bar (50 g)
Lighter swap: Choose a fun-size bar (about 80 kcal) or a protein bar with a similar taste.
Full breakdown →
1 standard pack, 2 fingers (50 g)
Lighter swap: Have one finger and save the other for tomorrow: about 125 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 four-finger bar (41.5 g)
Lighter swap: The two-finger bar is about 105 kcal and still hits the spot.
Full breakdown →
1 standard bar (51 g)
Lighter swap: Choose a fun-size bar: about 90 kcal.
Full breakdown →
1 pack, 2 bars (57 g)
Lighter swap: Eat one bar and share the other: about 140 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Chocolates
شوكولاتة ديري ميلك
240kcal
1 bar (45 g)
Lighter swap: Swap for 2–3 squares of 70% dark chocolate: about 120 kcal and more satisfying.
Full breakdown →
Chocolates
إم آند إمز بالفول السوداني
230kcal
1 bag (45 g)
Lighter swap: Pour a small handful into your hand instead of eating from the bag.
Full breakdown →
1 pack, 2 bars (43 g)
Lighter swap: One bar is about 120 kcal. Pair it with a coffee and stop there.
Full breakdown →
3 pieces (37.5 g)
Lighter swap: Have one piece slowly with Arabic coffee: about 75 kcal.
Full breakdown →
Chocolates
شوكولاتة داكنة 70%
120kcal
2 squares (20 g)
Lighter swap: The smartest chocolate pick: rich enough that two squares feel like enough.
Full breakdown →
Values are estimates for a typical Dubai restaurant portion, based on published nutrition data and standard recipes. Portions and recipes vary between restaurants.
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