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Takeaway food is a quick and easy option for any busy family – and it doesn’t have to be a guilty treat.
While takeaway food has a bad reputation for nutrition, you can navigate those takeaway menus and give your family the healthiest choice.

Takeaway food is often high in salt or sugar and low in fibre, so set a good example yourself by choosing the healthier options.
Steer away from traditional options such as deep fried foods, which are high in saturated fat, and minimise the amount of salt used – or ask for no added salt.

Keep in mind the following healthy takeaway tips when ordering takeaway.

- Grilled/toasted sandwiches made with turkish or foccacia breads, with toppings such as tomato, cheese, corn or marinated vegetables.

- Burrito with beans, lettuce, tomato and a little cheese (hold the sour cream).

- Try an oven-baked potato topped with tomato salsa, mushroom, corn and grated cheese instead of hot chips

- Pick a vegetable-based or lentil burger with sauce and salad for a different flavour experience.

- Ask for extra vegetables and less cheese on the kids’ favourite pizza. When ordering Asian food, be sure to choose boiled rice and steamed entrees instead of the fried alternatives -this will help to lower the saturated fat content of the meal.

- Make the takeaway meal as balanced as possible, if the kids want chips, why not make them a side order, with the main meal a salad sandwich or hot vegetable dish.

- Encourage your kids to choose frozen yoghurt or low-fat yoghurt containing fresh fruit.

- Look for baked wheat pretzels, popcorn or freshly cooked corn on the cob (hold the butter!) instead of potato chips.

- Instead of the kids filling up on fizzy drinks, why not suggest a more nutritious alternative such as freshly squeezed juices or fruit smoothies.