Healthy Alternatives for Takeaway Lovers!

A. There is often a general assumption that Indian food should be eaten in moderation due to it being high in fat and calories – however, this is not completely true as many lower fat alternatives are available from the menu. Dishes containing high quantities of cream – kormas for example – should maybe be occasional treats, but vegetable based dishes such as saag (made of spinach) or rogan josh (tomatoes and onions) are much healthier and equally delicious. Choosing boiled rice and a vegetable side dish such as those made from chickpeas adds nutrient benefits to this popular takeaway.

B. Soups made with coconut milk are high in fat, as are some of the more popular starters such as spring rolls and meats with satay sauce. However, Thai food has a plethora of healthier alternatives including mouth-watering stir fries with high vegetable content, and as with Indian food accompany your main dish with boiled rice!

C. Italian food has been embraced by the world and restaurants serving this type of cuisine are found in virtually every major city but unfortunately some choices can play havoc with the waistline! Pizza, creamy pasta sauces and high quantities of meat and cheese should only be enjoyed occasionally. Simple but delicious tomato pasta dishes and Italian salads are both tasty and nutritious and dishes containing olive oil and garlic have enormous anti-oxidant benefits to the body.

D. Japanese people have the highest life expectancy in the world, and the food they eat is considered to be a big contributing factor. Beware though, despite this, not all options are healthy! Avoid eating too many of the deep fried dishes available from this part of the world, but know that you can safely enjoy dishes such as miso soup and sushi!

E. Kebabs are a well-established popular take away food in the UK, not only because so many of us enjoy them, but also as a late night treat as opening hours are often later than other food establishments. For a healthier option avoid kebabs filled with relatively fatty lamb and rich sauces, but choose a lean chicken kebab with no or low fat dressing. Believe me the latter is equally as tasty but contains far fewer calories.

F. The old fashioned take away of fish and chips has received bad publicity for its fat content of late and has lost a certain level of popularity due to competition from ‘more exotic’ cuisine . It does not need to be unhealthy though and many takeaways have responded to higher levels of interest in healthy eating by offering lower calorie alternatives such as grilled fish and salad instead of the traditional deep-fried fish and chips.

G. Burgers these days can actually provide us with a healthy and nutritious meal. Always make sure your burger is made of high quality beef – not difficult to do by either making the burgers yourself or purchasing from one of the many gourmet burger outlets that are becoming increasingly common on our high streets today.

Questions 8-14

Look at the seven food types A-G and answer Questions 8-14.

For which of the food types are the following statements true?

Write the correct letter A-G in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet.

N.B. You may use any letter more than once.

8. The attractiveness of this type of food is increased by its availability.

9. The options available to eat before the main meal may not be too healthy.

10. A healthy version can be made at home.

11. Although this type of food is famous for being healthy, not all dishes should be eaten in large quantities.

12. Some people wrongly believe all dishes of this kind are unhealthy.

13. Choosing one meat over another can make this type of food healthier.

14. An alternative cooking method for this popular food can improve its nutrition quality.