The program, which airs daily, teaches viewers across the GCC simple and smart recipes and healthy cooking secrets. It is presented by ICLDC’s nutritionist Fatima Sadek and chef Fayez Al-Rimaoui.

Now in its second year, the hour-long series features Sadek and Al- Rimaoui presenting a complete healthy eating experience, including shopping tips and healthy cooking techniques.

Thirty episodes are being aired daily throughout the holy month, featuring specially-prepared recipes, including traditional Ramadan favorites prepared with lighter ingredient options to support healthier eating.

“A balanced diet and regular exercise are the two key ingredients to maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat, ICLDC’s medical and research director and consultant endocrinologist.

She indicated that both obesity and diabetes have a high prevalence among the populations of the GCC states, much of which can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyles.

“According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes affects more that 285 million people with five GCC countries featuring in the top eight worldwide. Indeed, there is a staggering increase in type 2 diabetes among younger people which can be linked to obesity due to physical inactivity and an unbalanced diet,” said Barakat.

Yousef El-Deeb, chairman of Fatafeat TV, acknowledged the on-going need for a TV show that focuses on lifestyle education. “This is the second year that we have joined forces with ICLDC to show that healthy eating is possible and to spotlight that healthy cooking can be fun. Sukar Mazbout also shows that a balanced diet starts with smart shopping,” he said.

He added that Al-Rimaoui has proved to be a hit at engaging family audiences as he prepares nutritional dishes while engaging in some vibrant debate with ICLDC’s knowledgeable nutritionist, Sadek.