Wonder if you are getting the right mix of food to carry you through the day? In an age of high-stress living, the least you can do is to give your body the vital nutrients it needs to keep your fighting fit.

A fix of fruits is something you should not overlook, but a lot of us do simply because it’s a fairly painful habit. Think about it: not only do you have to remember to buy fresh fruit and then store it, you also have to cut and peel and carry them around with you. Many of us choose to take the short-cut: pick up a ready-to-eat fruit salad, hygienically wrapped in a convenient take-away box. You just need to swing by the supermarket, or stop by at the nearest café selling peeled-and-chopped fruit for takeaway — and you’re set for the day. Many of us who balk at the idea of eating fruits by themselves are actually pretty all right with packed fruit salads. Fruity takeaways are modestly priced: anything between Dh10 to Dh15, which is not a high price to pay to keep the doctor away. At Spinneys (Ramada Roundabout, Bur Dubai, 04-3555250), you get even get one kind of fruit in the take-out container so if you are a pineapple aficionado, or if melons do it for you, then go ahead pick out your personal favourites from the brood on the fresh fruit shelf. Prices vary; a melon medley will cost you less than 
Dh5, but if the berry-infested ones will be more expensive, but never more than Dh10 or Dh12. Columbus Cafe at the Mall of the Emirates (04-3414244) may primarily cater to your caffeine needs, but packs a mean fruit salad, bursting with kiwi and strawberry goodness — and the portions are huge. Jungle Juice at Times Square (04-3418601) packs you fruit salads — or sends them across since the outlet also has an efficient delivery system — with toppings such as honey, cream or orange juice, and a very decent mix of seasonal fruits (in mango season, for instance, you are assured of bright and juicy chunks).

Spinneys, Mankhool Road

Dh5 to Dh12 *****

Columbus Cafe, Mall of the Emirates

Dh15  *****

Jungle Juice, Times Square

Dh12 to Dh17 *****

My Favourite Restaurant

Saravana Bhavan

I recently moved from Chennai, India, to Dubai and amongst other things that I miss the most — my friends, family and colleagues — --I found myself missing delicious, authentic South Indian dishes like curd rice, tomato rice, lime rice and the various dosas. A friend recommended Saravana Bhavan and I am so glad he did. Perfect for a casual dinner with friends and family, the dishes served at the restaurant remind me of home! What’s more, eating there is also easy on the purse. The place is not really ideal for a special occasion because it’s almost always crowded, even on weekdays. The dosas are the best — especially the masala dosa, though it can be a little heavy on the stomach. The place earns a couple of brownie points on account of its cleanliness and hygiene.

Menaka Menon, Dubai

Try this: Tomato Rice

Not every vegetarian restaurant serves tomato rice. Served only on certain days, the tomato rice here tastes great — it is a combination of rice, tomato, mildly spicy masala and peanuts. Eaten alone, the dish tastes great. For those who insist on having a side dish, try curd.

Address: Saravana Bhavan, Near Lulu Park, Karama, 04-3345252