My family's favourite choices for a healthy takeaway

 

One of the joy of going on holidays or travelling with the family is the fact that you can escape routine and not have to worry about being a slave to the stove each night.

 

Depending on your length of stay and budget, it could be every meal or one special evening out with
family/friends.  Generally, take away meals can be off the richter in kilojoules, fat and salt. These types of meals can leave you feeling a little 'violated' and wishing you didn't go near it in the first place.

 

The kids meals that are offered can be a little humdrum, usually with meals such as crumbed fish and
chips, chicken nuggets and chips and spaghetti and meatballs really testing the creativity of chefs (or not). If you can ask for the fish not to be crumbed, potatoes instead of chips or to add a
side salad or veggies to the meal, this will also help in not overloading your children with
fat, salt and potential sore tummys.

 

Returning home after the holidays heavier than when we left is usually not a goal we set out to achieve but with a little prior research, you really can eat out and enjoy nutritious meals just as if you were at home.

 

Some of my favourite places eat out with the kids while on holidays or our once a week 'takeaway meal night'  meals are:

 

+ Sushi - generally this is a good option and a bonus if there's a train going around for entertainment. Be wary of not adding too much mayonnaise or soy sauce due to the fat and salt.

 

+ Thai/Chinese - stirfrys are a great option served with steamed rice. Chicken satay sticks, steamed rice rolls and salads are also great choices. Avoid Pad Thai's which is noodles fried in oil or creamy curries. Battered meats such as sweet and sour pork, lemon chicken will definitely go straight to your hips.

 

+ Burgers - I love a good burger, but it has to be healthy. Skin free chicken breast with salad or even better, have the bun made out of 'lettuce cups' . Avoid fried eggs, cheese, bacon and mayonnaise or crumbed patties and you can't go wrong.

 

+ Mexican - Traditionally mexican is a light healthy meal served with lots of salad. Unfortunately as it has been westernised it has evolved into a potential mine field. Ask to go lightly on the cheese and sour cream, choose flatbread instead of crunchy tortilla or tacos and fill up on salad and salsa.

 

+ Pizza - yes you heard it right. Pizza can be a healthy quick takeaway meal, with a quick tweeks. Ask for thin bases and choose a vegetarian option with added chicken, beef or seafood. We always go easy on the cheese (with strange looks) and stay away from salty meats such as salami

 

+ Fish and chips - only if the fish is grilled or steamed and served with a salad, make chips no added salt) a side serve rather than being the centre of the meal.

 

+ The local surfclub - you can't go wrong with a bistro that serves up a lovely salad or any of the above. They are fresh and offer a million dollar view!

 

Does your family have any traditional meals that you eat while on holidays?