Published: 27th May 2020
Here at Models Direct we value health. Everyone likes a good takeaway – it can be a treat after a hard week’s work, or simply a meal to be enjoyed when time is of the essence. But that doesn’t mean takeaways have to be classed as “junk food”. The term “fast food” is merely used for speed of service, and it’s a shame that many of the meals are high in saturated fat and have a bad reputation. But there are plenty of healthy options and ways of making your favourite meal that little bit better for you. On the other scale, there are snacks that seem nourishing but contain hidden undesirable qualities (particularly in supermarkets). When you have a modelling job and need a bit of sustenance, follow these guidelines for a guilt-free takeaway fix.
Sandwiches
Café sandwiches are generally healthier than supermarket varieties, but watch out for high mayonnaise / butter content in both. A tuna mayo with salad sandwich can seem a good choice, although a high-fat mayo can undo your good intentions. Try swapping white bread for rye or granary, ditch the mayo, and go for fresh salad and shredded vegetables (e.g carrot) for a much healthier quintessential snack.
Salads
A good choice in general, but as with sandwiches, watch out for mayonnaises and oils high in saturated fat. Try to go for salads that have a separate, optional sachet of mayonnaise, so you can simply bin it and enjoy a delicious snack in its original form. Addition of avocado is a sound choice, too, as it’s high in B vitamins and potassium, with most of its fat coming as monounsaturated.
Fish and chips
Ah, the British classic – and damn tasty it is. Though the fish and chip industry generates £1.2 billion annually in the UK, our national dish has been the victim of so “high fat” lobbying. The good news is that fish and chips can be enjoyed once a week without fear of guilt. Control your portion size: fish and chips are delicious and filling, so go for a small or medium size, instead of the “jumbo”. Order peas (mushy or garden – or even baked beans) for one of your five-a-day, and go to the takeaway shop that has the best reputation in terms of oil management – there is a science behind working fryers, so settle for the best. Fish is highly packed with vitamins and protein, and it makes for a substantial meal. Also, the thicker the chip, the better, and avoid shops serving thick, gloopy batters. Look out for shops with the “Quality Award” sticker in their windows.
Pizzas
Avoid doughy, greasy bases, and those outlets whose definition of an authentic pizza is a base laden with handfuls of cheese. Avoid “meat feasts”, as these have an extraordinarily high salt and fat content. Go for quality: thin, homemade bases with great tomato sauce, grilled meats and side salads.
Burgers
Without naming famous franchises, “high street” burgers can be notoriously inconsistent. For the freshest burgers, find a street seller, as these are cooked-to-order and the buns are often more superior.
Indian
Another British staple, Indian dishes are as popular as they’ve ever been, particularly at weekends. Try dishes with rich, red sauces, as they tend to have less saturated fat than the lighter, creamier ones. Opt for chicken curries instead of lamb or beef – again, the fat content tends to be less.
Chinese
A lot of Chinese mains are high in sugars, so have a look at the sauces the shop is serving. Go for boiled rice instead of fried, and avoid starters that could be deep-fried. A good tip: if you have the option, keep half of the meal to be reheated for lunch the next day; your metabolism will thank you for it, and you’ll be free from the bloating feeling from over eating – this is especially common with a Chinese takeaway.
