One of the reasons why people avoid takeaway food is that they see it, rightly, as both unhealthy and expensive. But you can improve the relative healthiness of takeaway food by following a small handful of tips.
Choose from the ‘Healthy’ Menu
Most eateries these days offer healthier options on the menu (unless they are firmly committed to food of the unhealthy variety).
You can generally find health-friendly options, such as salads, freshly squeezed juices, and the like.
But you have to choose your restaurant carefully. Be sure to ask which oils they use to ensure that the food was not cooked in unhealthy fats.
Forego Unhealthy Condiments
If possible, do without unhealthy condiments, such as tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and other sugar- and starch-laden toppings.
You can order your takeaway meal and add healthier accompaniments from your home, such as salsa.
Condiments always seem relatively harmless because they come in tiny, innocuous containers next to the dish. But in reality, their continued use inevitably serves to rack up the calories.
Avoid Ordering When Excessively Hungry
This one’s important. If you are feeling extremely hungry, chances are you will order foods with inordinately high fat and sugar content.
This is because when you’re very hungry, your body craves energy-rich sustenance. The trick, therefore, is to always drink a glass (or two) of water and take a short break before you start ordering.
You can also nibble on some healthy pre-meal snacks, such as nuts or fruits, so you are less tempted to order unhealthy foods.
Skip the Soft Drinks
Most eateries provide a soft drink to go alongside big meals, and it can be very tempting to guzzle this down when you are done with your food.
But you should train yourself to resist this urge, opting instead for a healthier beverage.