What types of meal plans does Fitlab offer?

Fitlab offers a wide variety of meal plans to make sure we cover the needs of almost everyone from athletes to busy professionals, moms, kids and individuals who wish to lose weight or simply maintain a healthier lifestyle. Fitlab also caters to some medical conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension, PCOS, and Metabolic Syndrome.

What are the delivery options available, and is there a delivery fee?

Your meals will be delivered on a daily basis in a chiller bag with ice-packs. And the delivery fee is included in the total price of the meal plan.

How do I skip a day within my plan?

You can do that smoothly from your dashboard. Keep in mind that any change should be made 48 hrs prior to the desired date. There will be no food delivery on the skipped day.

What if my requirements differ from the meal plans provided?

In such a situation, reaching out to our sales team is the solution. They'll provide expert advice to help you select the most suitable option. You can also book a consultation with our nutritionist for further assessment and assistance. If your requirements can be accommodated by Fitlab then one of the listed meal plans will definitely align with your needs.

Can I choose my delivery time slot, and what days do you deliver?

We are very flexible with the delivery time. You can choose from different time slots available for each area according to your convenience.

What happens to the days I skip? Do I lose them?

Nothing is lost with Fitlab! All skipped days will be automatically added at the end of your subscription.

Are the meals customizable to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

Yes. We try our best to accommodate food modification requests whenever possible, but certain ingredients are integral to the dish and we will be unable to remove them. In the event we can’t remove a certain ingredient from a dish, you can choose another meal or double up on a single meal on that day. You can view the ingredient list while choosing your meals, so you can avoid a meal with any dislikes or allergens. We currently do not provide gluten-free, dairy-free or keto meal plans.

How often do you update your menu, and can I switch meals within my plan?

The menu is updated every 2 weeks and new meals are added to our meal list every month. You can always choose and change your meals as many times as you wish easily from your dashboard 48 hrs prior to the desired change date. Our cut-off time is 5:00 pm.

What happens if I'm not home during the delivery time slot?

This depends on the delivery note you left when placing your order. If it is “Leave it at the door”, the driver will keep it at your doorstep and you’ll receive a message that your order was delivered. If your note is “Get it by hand”, you’ll get a call to reschedule your delivery. In both ways, it is highly recommended to unpack the food and refrigerate it as soon as it arrives.

Do I have to reselect my meals for the shifted days after I skip days in my meal plan?

Sure. Meals on these days will be randomly selected from available options. Log in to your dashboard 48 hours beforehand to select your desired meals for those days.

What regions do you currently deliver to?

We deliver to almost all the Emirates. We are working very hard to extend our services to the few areas currently beyond our reach.

Is there a limit to how many days I can skip?

No, you can skip as many days as you wish from your meal plan.

How do I know which meal plan is right for my fitness goals?

You can do that by taking a quiz. You can also use our calorie calculator to calculate your daily caloric needs, this will help you choose the right meal plan variation. And if you think you need further assistance, our Nutritionist is a click away, you can easily book a consultation through our website or app.

Can I change my delivery address after placing an order?

Yes, of course you can do that through your dashboard. Keep in mind that any change should be made 48 hrs prior to the desired date of delivery. Our cut-off time is 5:00 pm.

Can I pause my meal plan temporarily?

Absolutely. If you are outside the country or just want to have a break, you can pause your subscription and resume it at your convenience. You can do that through your dashboard. Keep in mind that we’ll need 48h to accommodate this change.

Can I request specific portion sizes for my meals?

We cannot build our meals according to certain macros provided by the client. However, our lunch and dinner come in three different sizes already to cover the needs of everyone, and for the snacks, breakfast, and side salads it’s one size. But you can always customize your plan to add, remove or replace any meal you think is out of range for your fitness goal.

Can I add multiple addresses?

Yes, you can do that through your dashboard. You can add multiple addresses and choose different time slots for each address, and have your food delivered to the desired address with no extra charges! Always keep in mind that any change should be made 48 hrs prior to the desired date of delivery. Our cut-off time is 5:00 pm.

Is there a limit to the pause period?

Yes. The maximum time of meal plan pause is 45 days.

Are nutritional facts and calorie counts provided for each meal?

Yes, the energy in Calories and macros in grams of protein, fat and carbohydrates for each meal are provided on both the website and the label on the meal.

Do you offer contactless delivery options?

You can choose to take the delivered chiller bag either by hand or leave it at the door.

How far in advance do I need to notify you if I want to resume my meal plan?

You can resume your plan anytime from your dashboard 48 hours in advance. After resumption, your menu will be system generated, randomly chosen from the meals available on the shifted days. Make sure you choose your desired meals.

What is the shelf life of FitLab’s meals?

It is generally safe to consume ready-to-eat food within 3 days if it has been properly stored. We recommend that you consume the meal within 2 days to ensure the best quality and freshness.

Is there a fee associated with pausing the plan or skipping days?

No. of course not! You can skip days, pause and resume your meal plan with no extra charge.

Should I heat my FitLab Meals?

The label includes serving instructions, where we suggest the optimal way to enjoy the meal. However, feel free to consume the meal the way you like it. For heating, you can either choose a microwave or a stovetop. The average heating time for the microwave would be 60-90 seconds.

Can I skip a day on short notice, or is there a cut-off time?

Any changes should be made 48 hours in advance, before our cut-off time which is 5:00 pm.

What happens to my payment during a paused period?

Your money will be reserved until you resume your meal plan. Nothing will be lost with Fitlab.

What is the mode of payment accepted by FitLab?

You can pay by card, ApplePay and GooglePay. We accept all kinds of card payments. You can also split your payment in 4 interest-free installments with Tabby.

Can I cancel my plan? Will I get refunded?

If you decide to cancel your plan, we're here to help. An exit fee applies, and any refund will be based on the remaining days of your plan. Reach out to our support team for assistance.

What is the refund processing time?

Refunds typically take 5 to 7 business days to appear on your original payment method. If you haven't received it after this time and you've received a refund email from us, contact your bank for assistance.

Satisfy your sweet tooth the healthy way! These 7 lightened-up Emirati desserts let you enjoy traditional flavors without the guilt.

April 28, 2025

Traditional Meal Plans

7 Healthy Takes on Emirati Desserts for Dubai Food Lovers in 2025

Dubai is a city that loves food. Emirati desserts are a big part of its culture. Think of treats like luqaimat, khabees, and date-based sweets. These desserts are rich in flavor and history. But many of them can be high in sugar and calories.

That doesn’t mean you have to give them up, though. With a few simple changes, you can enjoy healthy Emirati desserts in Dubai while still savoring their traditional taste. Here are 7 nutritious takes on classic Emirati sweets that every food lover will love.

Why Healthy Emirati Desserts Matter

Emirati desserts often use dates, honey, and nuts. These ingredients are naturally good for you. Dates are full of fiber, honey has antioxidants, and nuts provide healthy fats. However, modern recipes sometimes add too much sugar, refined flour, or unhealthy oils.

This can make the desserts heavy and less healthy. By tweaking these recipes, you can enjoy traditional UAE recipes without feeling guilty. Let’s see how to make these desserts lighter and tastier.

1. Lighter Luqaimat

Luqaimat are small, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with syrup. They’re sweet, soft, and loved by everyone. To make them healthier:

Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour. It adds fiber and keeps you full longer.
Bake the dough balls instead of frying them. Baking cuts out extra oil but keeps them crispy.
Drizzle with natural date syrup instead of processed sugar syrup.

These changes make luqaimat lighter and better for you. Plus, they still taste amazing.

2. Date Energy Balls

Dates are a key ingredient in Emirati cooking. Turning them into energy balls is an easy way to make a healthy dessert:

Blend pitted dates with nuts like almonds or walnuts. Nuts add protein and healthy fats.
Mix in spices like cinnamon or cardamom for flavor. These spices are common in Emirati dishes.
Roll the mixture into small balls and chill them.

Date energy balls are perfect for snacks or desserts. They’re sweet, filling, and packed with nutrients.

3. Healthier Khabees

Khabees is a creamy pudding made with semolina, milk, and sugar. It’s often flavored with cardamom and saffron. For a lighter version:

Replace sugar with honey or mashed bananas. These are natural sweeteners.
Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of full-fat dairy. This makes it lighter and creamier.
Top with fresh fruits like pomegranate seeds or figs. Fruits add color and vitamins.

This version of khabees is still rich and satisfying but much better for you.

4. Guilt-Free Balaleet

Balaleet is a unique dish combining sweet vermicelli with savory eggs. It’s often served for breakfast or dessert. Here’s how to make it healthier:

Use whole grain vermicelli instead of regular vermicelli. Whole grains have more fiber.
Sweeten with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. This reduces the sugar content.
Add toppings like nuts or seeds. Try pistachios, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for crunch and nutrients.

This twist on balaleet is flavorful, balanced, and better for your health.

5. Sago Pudding with Fresh Toppings

Sago pudding is a classic Emirati dessert made with tapioca pearls, milk, and sugar. For a healthier version:

Cook the sago pearls in almond milk or oat milk. These options are lower in fat.
Sweeten with mashed dates or a drizzle of honey. Dates are naturally sweet and full of fiber.
Add toppings like fresh berries, shredded coconut, or toasted nuts. These toppings make the pudding more exciting.

This pudding is creamy, indulgent, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

6. Chebab Made with Whole Grains

Chebab is a type of Emirati pancake often served with honey or syrup. To make it healthier:

Use whole wheat flour or oat flour instead of white flour. Whole grains are more nutritious.
Sweeten with mashed bananas or a touch of honey. Bananas make the pancakes moist and sweet.
Serve with fresh fruits like mango slices or berries. Fruits add natural sweetness and color.

These pancakes are light, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. They’re also much better for you.

7. Lightened-Up Ghuraiba

Ghuraiba are buttery shortbread cookies flavored with cardamom. They’re a favorite during celebrations like Ramadan. For a healthier version:

Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative. This cuts down on saturated fat.
Use almond flour or whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Almond flour is gluten-free and nutritious.
Sweeten with honey or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar. These are less processed options.

These cookies are still rich and flavorful but much lighter and better for your health.

Sample Menu of Healthy Emirati Desserts

Here’s a sample menu to try these desserts throughout the week:

Monday

Breakfast: Date energy balls with a cup of herbal tea.
Dessert: Baked luqaimat drizzled with date syrup.

Wednesday

Snack: Whole grain chebab pancakes topped with fresh berries.
Dessert: Lightened-up khabees with pomegranate seeds.

Friday

Dessert: Sago pudding with toasted nuts and shredded coconut.
Snack: Ghuraiba cookies paired with almond milk.

This menu ensures variety and balance. Each dessert is both delicious and nutritious.

How Custom Meal Plans Can Help

If you’d like to try these healthy Emirati desserts in Dubai but don’t have time to cook, consider using custom meal plans or a healthy food delivery service . Many services in Dubai specialize in creating meals that are both traditional and nutritious. You can order pre-made desserts or get recipes and ingredients delivered to your door.

For example:

Some services offer ready-to-eat versions of these desserts.
Others provide step-by-step recipes so you can make them at home.

Either way, these options make it easier to enjoy nutritious sweets without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Reimagining traditional UAE recipes as nutritious sweets lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—flavor and health. Whether you’re baking luqaimat, blending date energy balls, or experimenting with sago pudding, these desserts prove that eating well doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods.

At Fitlab , we celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the UAE while promoting healthier lifestyles. Our programs and resources are designed to help you rediscover traditional dishes in a way that supports your wellness goals. Visit us today to learn how we can help you embrace a balanced approach to food.

Start small, experiment with these recipes, and enjoy the joy of guilt-free Emirati desserts. Here’s to healthier eating!