Habitually Healthy: Two-Wheel Camping
It really is strange. People hear ‘Dubai’ and think of an amazing urban environment, towering skyscrapers, and unlimited luxury. But if you take a ride off the beaten track you’ll discover the UAE has much more to offer. Camping in the desert is extremely popular this time of year, with the cool, winter evenings making the outdoors bearable. And you don’t always need an oversized 4×4 to access the top camping spots.
Completing your journey on a robust bike can add another dimension to your desert adventure. The Cycle Hub in Dubai have a range of Specialized Mountain Bikes available to hire on a daily basis or take the plunge pick up a new set of wheels.
Pack your tent, and enjoy a night under the stars and roasting marshmallows around the campfire.
Of course, your body will need to refuel. If you are riding the trails to your chosen camping grounds, you’ll need something practical to pack. One of my favourite, and super-quick recipes is for Paleo Granola. It’s gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free making it a healthy choice too. Easily eaten as a snack or for an early breakfast while watching the sunrise from the comforts of your tent.
It’s easy to store, easy to eat, and high in nutritional value to keep you going. And you don’t have to worry about liquids spilling or your food getting smashed! ■
Recipe:
Paleo Granola
4 portions (or 12 handfuls for snacking)
• 100g almonds with skin on
• 50g coconut flakes
• 50g walnuts
• 50g hazelnuts
• 50g raw pistachios
• 10g sesame seeds (white)
• 20g honey or maple syrup
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, make sure that the honey or maple syrup is spread nice and even and is coating the nuts equally.
Spread out on an oven tray, make sure nothing is overlapping, this will ensure that it browns evenly.
Place in a preheated oven at 160c for 15 minutes or until its nice and browned.
LET COOL before trying! As hard as it is to resist trying it, the sugars in the honey or maple syrup will be super hot and you will burn your mouth.
Once cool store in an airtight bag or container. The mix will then last up to 4 weeks if stored correctly.
Serve with almond milk, or eat dry as a snack.
Words + Photos by: Robert Jahn
