Healthy(ish) Take-Out Meals For Yet Another Lockdown
Astonishing and satisfying Takeout ticks all of your tastes ‘delicious’ boxes. However, it might be detrimental to our health and fitness goals. We all know that take-out food isn’t always the healthiest option. It’s usually high in fat, fried and crispy, or filled with kidney-killing salt – none of which makes for a diet-friendly dish. But, what if you could have your cake and eat it, too? We’ve compiled a list of healthy take-out options for when you need a quick dinner that’s almost good for you, with lockdowns still looming and more of us working from home than ever.
5 Rules when choosing your take-out meal
But, before we get started, let’s cover the fundamentals: what should we check for in a take-out order? To minimize the harmful fast-food effect, we’ve outlined the main items that should be included in a healthier take-out menu.
Rule 1: Go whole grain
When it comes to carbs, whole grain is always the way to go, whether it’s rice, pasta, or pizza. Whole grains are less processed than refined grains. This implies they’re high in fiber as well as other essential minerals like folate, potassium, magnesium, and iron. They’re also absorbed more slowly, keeping you satisfied for longer and preventing blood sugar spikes.
Rule 2: Add more veggies
Veggies are always a solid choice. Adding extra to your take-out meals is a win-win situation. Veggies give your body the vitamins and minerals it requires to get through the day. They’re also high in fiber, which assists digestion and makes you feel better overall.
Rule 3: Keep fried to a minimum
That crunchy texture is delectable, but it’s not healthy for your health. Fried foods contain a lot of trans fats, which raise harmful cholesterol levels. This can eventually lead to heart disease. According to one study, eating French fries twice a week increased the risk of death compared to eating other varieties of potatoes.
Rule 4: Take a hard-miss on the sauce
This holds true for sauces, dressings, and your salt and pepper partners. We know they’re wonderful and can add a lot of flavor to a dish, but they can make the difference between a healthy lunch and a not-so-healthy meal. Condiments are generally high in salt, saturated fat, and sugars, all of which are bad for your health. So, before you grab the ketchup bottle, think twice.
Rule 5: Switch it up with a vegetarian version
Take-out vegetarian options frequently include more veggies and, of course, less processed meat. A vegetarian diet has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some malignancies in general. But only if you do everything correctly. When ordering vegetable takeout, be sure to avoid overly processed dishes, as the health risks outweigh the advantages.
Healthy take-out options for lockdown and beyond (not all salad)
Still, cooped up at home? If you want to get out of the kitchen for a while, these are the best take-out options available. If you don’t see your favorite, let us know. Send us an email and tell us about your favorite healthy(ish) takeout.