Hadil AlKhatib’s journey began with a question that too many women hear: ‘Is it all in your head?’ After years of battling unexplained health issues, she decided to take matters into her own hands, exploring the world of holistic wellness and gut health. What followed was a transformation that didn’t stop with her own healing. Through her award-winning concepts, The Broth Lab, Catcha Matcha, and The Roost Rotisserie, the gut health coach has crafted spaces and solutions for a healthier, more intentional way of living.
Your journey began with your own experience living a fast-paced life in the UAE. What inspired you to focus on gut health and holistic well-being?
My journey to wellness was born from a personal health catastrophe. Every award-winning concept I’ve built was crafted in the crucible of my own healing quest, sparked by a health crisis after the birth of my eldest child. I found myself struggling with mysterious symptoms that defied explanation. Doctors couldn’t pinpoint the cause, and instead of answers, I was met with dismissive phrases like, “It’s all in your head.” Those words cut deep, leaving me confused, fatigued, and profoundly depressed for years.
But I refused to let that be the end of my story. Somewhere in the darkness, I began to dig deeper, unintentionally embracing a holistic approach. And then, as if by magic, I started to heal—not just physically but on multiple levels. That spark of hope wasn’t enough, though. I craved understanding, a way to make sense of my journey.
I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in NYC, graduating with a deeper grasp of the connection between nutrition and health. From there, I pursued advanced courses in gut and hormonal health, diving into the intricate science of “secondary foods” and how they support the body. At the heart of my healing was bone broth—a cornerstone remedy for gut lining repair, addressing nutrient deficiencies, and nourishing the body from the inside out.
I became my own guinea pig. I replaced my morning coffee with bone broth, swapping caffeine for sustained energy. I embraced organic matcha, grass-fed proteins, and free-range poultry. Every meal I cooked—for myself and my family—was enriched with bone broth. The results were nothing short of transformational. Changing my diet and lifestyle became the foundation for a complete personal metamorphosis.
I’ve come to believe, with unshakable certainty, that all diseases begin in the gut. It took time to accept this, and even longer to heal my own gut, but doing so transformed not just my health, but my mind, my skin, my body, and my soul. The journey wasn’t easy, and I wouldn’t wish the dark days I endured on anyone.
That’s why I created The Broth Lab, Catcha Matcha and The Roost Rotisserie—to pass this life-changing knowledge to the people who need it most: mothers. Women who nurture, heal, and raise the next generation. I want to empower them with the tools to embrace health and use superfood remedies like bone broth to nurture their families. Food is medicine. It healed me, and it can heal you, too.
For many people, a healthy lifestyle can feel like a big commitment. How do you help make wellness easier and more practical for others?
Absolutely! A healthy lifestyle can be overwhelming, especially if someone isn’t pushed to pursue it. As a Certified Nutrition and Gut Health Coach here’s how I, as Hadil – make wellness more accessible and practical:
Start Small, Build Big
One of the first things I emphasize is that wellness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s not about doing everything perfectly but about making small, sustainable changes. For example, replacing one unhealthy habit—like acidic coffee on an empty stomach—with a healthier alternative, such as bone broth, can be a game-changer. Small wins build momentum!
Create Customizable Plans
Every person is unique, so I work with clients to develop tailored plans that fit their lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Whether it’s meal prepping, choosing the right superfoods, or setting realistic movement goals, I ensure the approach feels natural rather than forced.
Focus on Education
When people understand why certain foods or habits are beneficial, they’re more motivated to incorporate them. I l love explaining the science behind gut health in simple relatable terms—like how nourishing your gut can boost your energy, improve your mood, and support your immune system.
Embrace Convenience
Wellness doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen or a rigid schedule. I always recommend on the go meals or 15 minute lunch and dinner preps. I mean have you seen my page – Heal with Hadil? I work smarter not harder! Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
I encourage clients to celebrate progress, no matter how small. Wellness is a journey, not a destination. Missed a workout? Ate a less-than-ideal meal? That’s okay. What matters is the next choice you make.
Community and Support
I believe in the power of connection. Whether through group coaching sessions or individual check-ins, I ensure my clients feel supported and empowered every step of the way. I am a coach to coach you and hold your hand.
You’ve created three amazing concepts: The Broth Lab, The Roost Rotisserie, and Catcha Matcha. What inspired each of them, and how do they connect to your passion for healthy living?
The Broth Lab was born out of my own healing journey. As I learned more about the power of food to support wellness, I became drawn to the incredible benefits of bone broths. Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, broths promote gut health, skin elasticity, and overall vitality. The Broth Lab is about making nourishing food accessible in a way that’s both delicious and convenient, without compromising on quality. We simmer our broths for 15 hours using only grass-fed, free- range, fresh ingredients—no additives, emulsifiers, or preservatives. Just pure, wholesome nutrition. We offer innovative, customizable options with functional add- ins like turmeric, ancestral healing herbs, and miso, all designed to support wellness in a way that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
The Roost Rotisserie came from our love for simple, comforting meals made with real, high-quality ingredients. My partner and I struggled when we became parents, all the menus for kids revolved around frozen pizzas, bland pastas and processed nuggets. We wanted to take something casual, inexpensive yet gourmet and nourishing to be shared as a family. Loved by all. It was chicken—proper rotisserie chicken. By brining it in olive oil and herbs for 42 hours and slow-cooking it for three long hours, we create a meal that’s not only flavorful but also nourishing.
Catcha Matcha is a concept that’s very close to my heart. It emerged from my travels to Japan, where I learned about the generational art of matcha farming in Uji, Kyoto. Initially, I struggled to connect with matcha— it didn’t seem very accessible or appealing. But as I immersed myself in its history, the ritual behind it, and the profound health benefits it offers, my appreciation for it grew deeper. I wanted to share this experience with others, transforming matcha into a meaningful ritual rather than just a drink. It’s about offering a healthier, more mindful alternative to sugary beverages—an opportunity to slow down, focus, and enjoy a moment of calm. I’ve had the honor of hosting hundreds of ceremonial matcha workshops in the UAE, and I will continue to share this ancient practice as long as I can. These ventures are not businesses in my eyes—they are my existence. They are rooted in my obsession with quality, wellness, and a commitment to offering families the best of both worlds: food that’s good for you and feels good to eat.
Growing up in the UAE, how has your background influenced the way you approach your businesses and connect with your customers?
Growing up in the UAE has deeply influenced how we approach our businesses and connect with our customers. Our roots in this region—myself as a Palestinian-Jordanian born and raised in Abu Dhabi, and my husband, a UAE National from Dubai—provide us with a unique perspective on the diverse, dynamic, and fast-evolving culture of the UAE.
Our approach is guided by local knowledge, respect for tradition, and an open, honest relationship with our customers. We strive to create food experiences that resonate with the values of our community—from wholesome, nourishing meals to mindful rituals like matcha. Our commitment to quality, authenticity, and care is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring we offer something meaningful to families and individuals seeking food that aligns with their values and lifestyle in this fast- paced, multicultural society.
UAE is home—we want to offer our home the best and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Gut health is a huge part of your work. What are three simple tips you’d recommend to anyone trying to improve their gut health?
Gosh only three! My top three Simple Tips to Improve Your Gut Health would definitely be:
Hydration upon Waking Up
The first thing I do each morning is hydrate, but not just with any water. I prepare a large glass of mineral water (not bottled drinking water) with half a squeezed lemon, a teaspoon of local bee pollen, Liposomal Vitamin C, and a pinch of Himalayan Sea salt. On some days, I also add freshly grated ginger for an extra boost. This helps rehydrate my body after the night and provides essential minerals and nutrients to kickstart the day.
After that, I warm a pouch of The Broth Lab broth— either Beef Bone Marrow or Chicken Bone Broth. The Bone Marrow Beef Broth, in particular, is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that are essential for gut health, skin, hair, and nails.
Caffeine Later, Not First Thing
I avoid caffeine in the morning because it can irritate the gut lining and trigger acid reflux, especially for those with IBS. Instead, I prefer to consume caffeine later in the day. This is important for a few reasons:
Circadian Rhythm: Drinking coffee in the morning can interfere with your body’s natural cortisol production, which may disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.
Tolerating Caffeine: Limiting your caffeine intake to later in the day helps prevent tolerance buildup, meaning you can enjoy its benefits when you truly need it.
Hydration: By opting for hydration-focused drinks in the morning (water and broth), I ensure my body is properly nourished before I reach for my coffee or matcha.
Catch A Matcha Instead of Coffee
Matcha is my go-to choice for a natural energy boost. I love to prepare it with frothy coconut milk, a dash of cinnamon, and a spoon of MCT oil for added brain fuel. While both The Broth Lab’s bone broth and Catcha Matcha’s matcha can be part of a healthy routine, they are my favourite ways to support digestion, hydration, and overall gut health in a simple, effective way. Together with smart hydration and a mindful approach to caffeine, they help keep my gut—and my whole body—in balance.
You’re a wife, a mother, and an entrepreneur. How do you manage to balance all these roles while running these award-winning concepts?
Balancing the roles of a wife, mother, and entrepreneur is undoubtedly a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Becoming a mother was a true game-changer for me. Suddenly, I had to realign my priorities to devote time to my newborn while learning entirely new skills essential for my child’s well-being. This meant making the difficult decision to step away from a full-time career that had once been the center of my life—a huge shift for someone who was always career-driven.
There isn’t a switch I can flick to effortlessly transition between these roles, so it requires constant realignment and adaptability. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to learn how to manage my time more efficiently. I prioritize what truly matters and try to be present in each moment, whether it’s at work, with my children, or in my own personal time.
I’m also fortunate to have a supportive partner who understands the demands of running a business and raising a family. We work as a team, and his support allows me to pursue my passions while being present as a mother and wife.
At the end of the day, I’ve come to realize that balancing doesn’t really exist in a perfect sense. Instead, it’s about choosing your battles and integrating both family and work. It’s never about achieving perfect balance, but more about finding harmony between them.
Your work isn’t just about food—it’s about helping people live healthier lives. What do you hope people take away from your concepts and coaching?
What I hope people take away from my concepts and coaching is the belief that their body has an innate ability to heal itself. They deserve health, and that food is a powerful form of medicine. It’s about empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own well-being and understanding that no practitioner, doctor, or external source can truly “fix” or “heal” them—it’s ultimately their own commitment to self-care and nourishment that leads to healing. YOU HEAL YOU.
It’s not just about eating for sustenance—it’s about eating with intention and mindfulness. By nourishing the body with whole, nutrient-dense foods, we can unlock the body’s natural ability to thrive, repair, and restore itself.
Through my practice and concepts, I aim to guide people to reconnect with their bodies, trust in their own healing power, and make choices that support long-term vitality and wellness. It’s not about perfection but about progress, and I hope my coaching and concepts inspire people to take small, impactful steps toward a healthier, more empowered life.
What advice would you give to women who want to start their own businesses, especially in wellness or hospitality?
The role of women in business has evolved significantly. More of us are stepping into leadership and entrepreneurial roles, not just shaping our own futures, but also creating opportunities for our families and communities.
The catalyst for this change is the realization that women bring something invaluable to the table— creativity. While we are often praised for our multitasking abilities, it’s our creativity and intuition that truly set us apart in business today. To thrive, it’s no longer about simply thinking outside the box, but about completely reimagining the box itself. This kind of bold, innovative thinking is what allows us to stay ahead of the game and make a real impact.
Starting a business in wellness or hospitality requires a passion for service, a commitment to quality, and an understanding of the importance of building strong, meaningful connections. But above all, trust your instincts. Know that your voice, your vision, and your perspective are not just needed—they are essential. Be confident in your ability to lead, innovate, be different, and think differently because women are shaping industries in ways that have never been seen before.
Here’s the catch—I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s tough, tougher than you’ve ever imagined. But if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
This article originally appears in Soigné Middle East’s debut print issue
