Healthy living's all well and good, but we need a little treat now and then — in moderation, of course! But what happens when our good intentions and best laid plans become derailed? We're busy, we're stressed, we're just not feeling the leftover spinach in the fridge... And next thing you know, one treat becomes, well, many.
A recent study by shows that that's the story for many of us, with a surprising 68% of Aussies ordering takeaway at least once a week. That's quite a high number, so we invited our Prevention Instagram crew to share their fast-food habits with us.
Sure enough, most respondents said they order takeaway at least once a week (34%) while 21% said once a fortnight and 19% said once a month. In terms of spending, 40% pay between $40 and $100 per takeaway, while 37% pay under $40.
So what are they feasting on? Pizza's the clear favourite, with 45% going for a slice (or two), while a meal from their favourite restaurant (33%) or a burger (22%) trails close behind.
If reading this is making you a bit peckish, but you'd rather save your bucks and stick to your healthy eating plans, you're in luck. There are plenty of easy and healthy alternatives to pizza, burgers or your usual go-to favourites. The best part? You can make them yourself! Here are four takeaway dinner alternatives to help you ease up on your UberEats habit.
Parma ham and rocket pizza
Let’s start with everyone’s favourite fast-food frontrunner with this parma ham and rocket pizza. The mention of mozzarella will be enough to make any cheese lover’s mouth water. No need to wait for delivery (just for it to turn up cold anyway), you’ll get a piping hot slice on your plate in just 25 minutes!
Check out the recipe here.
Image by HFG staff
Chicken and prawn Pad Thai
Love your regular order of chicken Pad Thai? Create your own at home! This colourful bowl of noodles and protein will dazzle with fresh broccolini, red capsicum and bean sprouts. Plus, you can level up by adding some delicious prawns into the mix. Genius!
Check out the recipe here.
Image by Jeremy Simons
Fish tacos with corn and avocado salsa
Want to add some zest to your dinner? Give these fish tacos a go! One thing you’ll appreciate more with this homemade version of a favourite takeaway treat is the freshness of the ingredients, from the avocado to the cherry tomatoes. The fish is a great source of omega-3: goodness wrapped in warm, pillowy corn tortillas. Boost the citrus flavour by serving with extra lime.
Check out the recipe here.
Image by John Paul Urizar
Chicken and feta burgers
Want to fire up the barbie on a Sunday night? If not, your stove’s hotplate will also do the trick to grill the chicken for these tasty burgers. Top up with cucumber, red cabbage, capsicum, Danish feta, baby rocket and hummus, all sandwiched in a wholemeal roll. Serve with the remaining salad (or some sweet potato wedges if you’d like to make it a meal).
Check out the recipe here.
Image by John Paul Urizar
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