We know, we know – the words ‘healthy’ and ‘takeaway’ don’t belong in the same sentence. If you’re going takeaway, you’re going all out. But when the school holiday lazies strike and the thought of making dinner is unpalatable – yet the ‘takeaway guilt’ is hitting you hard – it’s good to know you can feed your family something delicious and nutritious at the same time, right?
While they don’t top a home-cooked meal in terms of farm-to-table goodness, these options act as awesome next-best-things when you just can’t face the thought of turning on the stovetop.
P’Nut
With four fresh and flavoursome dishes – all under 400 calories – a night out (or night in) with P’Nut is the perfect lazy or last-minute dinner alternative. All dietitian-approved by APD Kate Di Prima, the four yummy dishes – Mongolian Stir-fry with beef, Chilli Jam Stir-Fry with Chicken, Buddha’s Vegetable & Tofu Stir-Fry and Chilli Jam Salad with Chicken are packed full of flavour and contain at least 20g protein, two servings of daily veg, 400 calories or less, plus 4g fibre and less carbs. Real food made with fresh ingredients, bursting with the bold flavours of Southeast Asia, and no preservatives, P’Nut is the ultimate guilt-free go-to. Pop into the Bulimba, Windsor, Southbank or Kawana Shoppingworld for a taste, or order online.
www.pnut.com.au
Nando’s
Not only is it mouth-wateringly delicious – Nando’s is known to be on the healthier end when it comes to takeaway options. But we’re not talking a cheeseburger and a seriously large chips (sorry). It’s the lean protein-packed, grilled options that make Nando’s a fairly healthy alternative to your home cooked meals. Grilled chicken breast or a salad are probably your best bets, but if you’re feeling a little more indulgent, you could go for a grilled chicken burger or a pita wrap and skip the mayo for a relatively healthy option.
www.nandos.com.au
Thai
Sadly, you’re going to have to say no to the pad thai if you’re looking to keep your Thai takeaway as nutritious as it is delicious, but that doesn’t mean you need to skip out on all of the good stuff. There is plenty on the menu at your traditional Thai restaurants that you can order if you’re looking to avoid saturated fats and high sodium – steamed fish dishes, rice paper rolls and veggie-rich stir fries are said to be just a few. Try to avoid anything too ‘saucy’, as it no doubt gets its mouth-watering taste from copious amounts of sugar and salt. Also, if you can, opt for brown rice instead of white – nutritionists say it’s high in magnesium and fibre, among other things.
Zambrero
If you’re going to go Mexican, you may as well pick Zambrero – you won’t find any limp lettuce or questionable refried beans here. Founded in 2005 by a then-21-year-old medical student on a mission to provide healthier, fresher Mexican takeaway, Zambrero has fast become one of Australia’s most trusted burrito providers and expanded to over 165 restaurants (and counting). Their IQ range – named for the inclusion of their veggie-loaded Salsa IQ – is probably your best bet, but you can’t really go wrong with any of their bowls if you focus more on veggies than sauces.
www.zambrero.com.au
