As the Global Wellness Summit opened in Dubai, one of the early themes emerging across expert panels is nutrition simplification.
In a nutshell: cutting through fads and getting back to behaviours that reliably support energy, recovery and long-term health.
So what’s new?
We're seeing a shift towards 'foundational fuelling', with speakers from the GWS Nutrition Futures track highlighting two trends gaining real traction that is backed by fresh research:
1. Whole-grain carbohydrates are returning to centre stage
After a decade dominated by low-carb messaging, researchers presented new meta-analyses linking higher whole-grain intake with:
- Improved metabolic flexibility
- More stable energy during exercise
- Better gut health, linked to reduced inflammation
Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, from the UAE University College of Medicine, spoke at the Summit’s 'Future of Performance Nutrition' panel.
"Elite sport and everyday health are both moving away from restriction," he said.
"The pendulum is swinging back to balance - whole grains, fruit, lean proteins, and smart timing around training."
Oats, quinoa, wholegrain pasta and brown rice were cited as foods helping athletes maintain consistent energy across long sessions or tournaments.
2. Protein timing is outperforming protein quantity
Rather than pushing ever-higher daily totals, performance dietitians at the Summit emphasised distribution - 20 to 30g of protein ingested evenly across meals and snacks.
A new paper presented by the University of Maastricht found that steady distribution supports:
- Better muscle repair
- More stable appetite
- Improved training readiness
The athlete perspective
The 2012 Olympic heptathlon champion, Jessica Ennis-Hill, spoke at a separate event earlier this year about the shift away from over-complication:
"There was a time when everyone was chasing miracle foods or the perfect macro split," she said.
"But the athletes who last are the ones who nail the basics - carbs for energy, protein for repair, and enough variety to stay healthy and enjoy your food."
Why this matters for everyday readers
The Summit’s takeaway is clear:
It’s less about trendy hacks and more about building a fuelling system you can actually sustain.
So try this quick reset inspired by the research:
1. Add one whole-grain source to your main meals this week
2. Aim for three to four protein 'anchors' per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack)
3. Pair carbs with movement: carbs for energy, protein for recovery
It's a simple formula, backed by genuinely new science.
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