Takeaway meals are convenient, tasty, and perfect for busy schedules—but they don’t always align with your health goals. The good news? With a few smart choices, you can make any takeaway healthier without sacrificing flavour. This guide covers practical tips on portion control, sauces, sides, and ingredient swaps to enjoy your favourite takeaway guilt-free.
Why Making Takeaway Healthier Matters
Many takeaway dishes are high in calories, sugar, and saturated fats. Regularly consuming these can affect your energy, weight, and overall health. By making healthier takeaway choices, you can:
- Reduce unnecessary calories
- Increase nutritional value from vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Maintain energy levels without feeling heavy or bloated
Portion Control: Key to Guilt-Free Takeaways
Portion size has a major impact on calorie intake. Here’s how to manage it:
- Order smaller sizes or lunch portions instead of large meals
- Share large meals with friends or family
- Split your takeaway: Eat half now and save the rest for later
- Avoid extras like large fries or sides unless they are healthy options
By controlling portions, even classic dishes like chicken tikka masala or peri peri chicken takeaway can fit into a balanced diet.
Choose Sauces Wisely
Sauces can add flavour—but also hidden calories and sugar. Tips for healthier choices:
- Request sauces on the side to control how much you use
- Opt for tomato-based or yogurt-based sauces instead of creamy, buttery ones
- Avoid sweetened sauces such as sugary curries or thick sweet chili
- Use dips sparingly for items like samosas, wings, or fries
Even indulgent items like peri peri chicken wings takeaway or chicken nuggets can be healthier with mindful sauce choices.
Make Smarter Side Choices
Sides often add extra calories, salt, and fat. To make your takeaway healthier:
- Swap fries for salad, steamed vegetables, or grilled rice
- Choose brown rice, chapati, or wholegrain bread over white rice or naan
- Include protein-rich sides like grilled chicken, fish, or legumes
- Avoid fried snacks or extra oily starters—go for baked or grilled items
This approach works well across cuisines, from Indian takeaway near me to Mediterranean or Asian takeaways.
Choose Lean Proteins & Veggies
Your main dish can be both filling and nutritious if you:
- Opt for grilled or baked proteins like tandoori chicken, grilled fish, or lean beef
- Include plenty of vegetables in curries, stir-fries, or bowls
- Ask for extra veggies when ordering online or for delivery
- Limit fried options like chicken nuggets, samosas, or pakoras
Healthy Ordering Habits
- Plan ahead: Check online menus for nutritional info or lighter options
- Avoid upselling tricks: Stick to your healthier choices and ignore combo deals with fries or creamy sauces
- Order for delivery or collection mindfully: Avoid snacking while waiting
- Hydrate well: Drink water instead of sugary soft drinks
By following these tips, you can enjoy your favourite takeaway meals like butter chicken, paneer masala, or peri peri chicken without overindulging.
Conclusion
Eating takeaway doesn’t have to derail your health goals. By focusing on portion control, smart sauces, healthy sides, and lean proteins, you can enjoy a nutritious, balanced, and satisfying meal from any takeaway. Next time you search for healthy takeaway near me, remember these simple tips to make your order guilt-free and delicious.
