Preparing healthy, nutritious food can be easy and fun, says Jumeirah’s executive well-being chef

The key to having eating habits that produce high levels of energy is to avoid refined foods, says Chef Gabi Kurz.

Chef Gabi Kurz. Courtesy Jumeirah

What makes a healthy, well-balanced diet?

Food provides our bodies with the fuel source to manufacture energy, but we often forget the important part that healthy food plays in this process. The key to having eating habits that produce high levels of energy is to avoid refined foods. Basically, the more refined the food, the more energy-deficient it becomes. Another key element related to healthy food is the amount we eat. Digestion takes up more than 50 per cent of our energy reserves, so overeating has a draining effect. Lastly, a balanced lifestyle is key – the most important element is ensuring that you get adequate sleep. Sleep is when our bodies repair. Look after yourself, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and maintain a positive, happy outlook. Your body will produce bounds of excessive energy.

How can we make cooking healthy meals easy and fun?

There is no question that cooking healthy is fun. It’s more about the change of mindset one has to overcome at the start. Just think how much better a kitchen smells without deep-frying. I love the smell that comes from herbs such as rosemary, zaatar or thyme, and there are plenty of simple recipes to try. Cooking should be something people enjoy and there are always quick ways to create something delicious. You should pick what suits your schedule.

What foods are a must for the pantry/fridge?

Extra virgin olive oil – for salads and infused oil preparations. It's a pity to heat this oil; however, I do it occasionally.

Raw coconut oil – for cooking, baking and for beauty (I put it on my skin every day).

Fresh avocado – a super basic for salads, salsas, smoothies, spreads and raw ice cream. An exceptional healthy fat.

Green lettuce – vitamin-rich, raw "rabbit food" with high chlorophyll factor. It's good for improving oxygen absorption and digestion.

Parsley – great for detoxification and for taste. I sometimes juice it with apple for a delicious green super juice.

Tomatoes – for everything from salads, soups and broths, to bases for cooking healthy complex carbs such as quinoa.

Cucumbers – for their high water content, low calories and fresh taste. And I use the juice as a skin tonic too.

Pumpkin – for colour, taste and a smooth texture when cooked in purées and soups and for their support in kidney function.

Almonds (skin on) – for non-dairy milks, baking, in muesli, extra crunch in salads and their good fats. The leftover pulp when I make almond milk is a good face scrub.

Lemon – for balancing flavours, preventing browning and adding vitamin C and a fresh taste.

Cooking with chef Gabi

Learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with classes and coaching from Gabi Kurz. The Jumeirah executive well-being chef offers personal consultations starting from Dh480, which include advice on how to select and prepare food, with tailored meal plans. Practical cooking classes start from Dh295 for one hour. Visit www.talisenutrition.com for details.