Rania Gamal is much more than just a pretty face. This stunning young woman has aced in her career as Dubai’s top model, hosts a number of local television shows, and is obsessed with keeping up with her fitness regime.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Rania, and noting down some pearls of wisdom on fitness, health and overall beauty and well-being. If you are an aspiring model yourself, you might find her advice on the UAE modelling scene very useful! Read on for more.
One of the biggest excuses for not working out on a regular basis is the lack of time. Please give us some tips on how to incorporate exercise into today’s extremely packed lifestyle.
If you are feeling lazy or too busy or just not in the mood, you can break up your workout and do something simple, like going for a walk or do some long stretching while watching tv. Doing a little workout is always better than doing nothing. Also, have some motivation, do it for a new dress that you like, do it because you want to impress your husband or do it because you love yourself and your health. You have to find that motivation from within.
Any tips for someone just starting out on an exercise regime? What is the best way to start.
The best way to get started, in my opinion, is to join different group classes to boost your will and determination. Trying different workouts will also give you an opportunity to find what you really like the best and what fits for you.
You look so stylish in your gym gear! What brands do you wear? Any tips on working out in style?
I love working out in style just getting my gym clothes on and shoes gets me in the mood to go and sweat with a style. My favourite brands are Nike, Puma, and some of the Victoria Secrets sport clothing.
Do you count your calories? What tips can you give us on eating well, and staying slim?
I used to do so but it doesn’t really work this way. There are things you can’t count, and imagine every time you need to get something in you mouth that you need to count calories? Life is meant to be fun! My tip is don’t over eat and eat healthy and drop this calories counting idea out of your head. Generally speaking eat grilled food, drink green tea and stay of the bad carbs (pasta, sugar, white rice, white bread). We should all be counting stars instead :)
What is your favorite post-workout snack?
A banana is a great snack or a protein bar – no more then 220 calories and low sugar. Sometimes I make my own healthy delicious protein shake with fresh frozen fruit and a scoop of protein powder.
Can you please share an easy, healthy recipe with us?
Chia seeds and coconut milk pudding, which works great for breakfast. It is high in anti-inflammatory omega-3’s and fiber, and is super easy to make. you can make it with coconut milk or almond milk or normal milk. I call this The Rania Rush Breakfast:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup light or full-fat coconut milk, depending on preference
1/2 tablespoon honey
Directions:
- Mix chia seeds, coconut milk, and honey together in a small bowl or glass mason jar. Let it set in refrigerator overnight.
- Remove it from the fridge, and make sure your pudding looks thick and the chia seeds have gelled. Top with fresh fruit and nuts, and enjoy immediately.
Please share your beauty regime with us! What, in your opinion is essential for maintaining a youthful, glowing complexion?
Always take good care of your skin, buy a good cream that suits your skin type, drink lots of water, add lots of antioxidant food into your diet, and take collagen supplements. And don’t forget that sports will make you younger! Also try doing some flexibility exercises, they are great for you.
Any tips for hair care?
Best tip is, get good quality natural oils, mix them together and apply the mixture into your hair. For example, you can mix avocado oil with coconut oil and castor oil.
What are your must-have beauty products?
My nightly equation is a great face cream plus a great smile equals a good night sleep.
Any tips for someone who is also considering a career in modelling? How does it work in the UAE, and where to start?
I would say start by taking good care of your body, modelling isnt as easy as people tend to think, there is a lot more to it. You will need to build your portfolio and get some experience on how to pose. Also think about what the client is looking for. Start to learn and understand your face, your body posture and what kind of modelling would you like to do. Then last but not least you need to believe in yourself and keep on pushing for your dream.
