Curb Winter Weight Gain: Trim Takeaway Tips

Curb Winter Weight Gain: Trim Takeaway Tips

Nearly half of all Australian adults are expected to pile on the kilos over winter, prompting calls from nutrition experts to reign in fatty takeaways and discretionary foods over the cooler months.

The figures, from a survey by the NSW Food Authority and NSW Health, show 38 per cent of women and one in two men (53%) are expected to gain up to five kilograms over winter, which may not be lost later in the year.

According to the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), the nation's leading nutrition organisation, striking the right energy in-energy out balance, needed to maintain a healthy weight, can be more difficult during winter.

Nine in 10 respondents in the NSW Food Authority and NSW Health survey say they eat more takeaways during winter to help them feel warmer and happier. But according to DAA, these foods tend to be higher in energy (kilojoules), saturated fat, added sugar and salt, and lower in nutrition.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that household expenditure on meals out and fast food has increased by 50 per cent from 2004-5 to 2009-10, with the latest figures showing more than $30 per week spent on fast food and takeaway, compared to just $13.70 on vegetables and $9.60 on fruit. 'When it comes to takeaways and fast foods, extra kilojoules can creep in easily. There are so many options available, many packed full of kilojoules, and large portions being offered at bargain prices. This makes it really difficult if you're trying to eat well and avoid winter weight gain," said DAA Spokesperson Charlene Grosse.

'Fatty takeaway foods are tempting in winter, when all you feel like doing is curling up under a blanket with a comfort food in hand. By making smart choices, you can help keep your energy balance in check," said Ms Grosse, who is an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

She said healthy takeaway options are available, and encouraged Australians to request tweaks to favourite fast foods.

Trim your takeaway to make it healthier with Ms Grosse's suggestions below:
Ask for extra salad in your hamburger and skip the bacon, fried onion and stick to one meat pattie
Go for small portions of gourmet style pizzas, topped with vegetables, lean meat or seafood and opt for a thin crust
Try a jacket potato with creamed corn, baked beans or salad toppings
Choose wholegrain sandwiches with lean meat, chicken or egg, and lots of salad
Opt for grilled fish with vegetables, or a grilled fish burger with salad
Try pasta with a tomato-based sauce (instead of cream-based)
Order skin-free chicken or remove it before eating
Choose vegetables or salad and water with a meal deal, rather than chips and soft drink
Go for a vegetable-based soup as a winter-warmer.

A study involving 1,319 adults showed that those who spent the least amount of time cooking at home, were almost twice as likely to visit fast food restaurants at least weekly, compared with those who spent more time in the kitchen.

'Having a few quick and easy meal ingredients such as pizza bases, pasta sauces, vegetables, lean meats and ready-prepared legumes like lentils and chickpeas on hand at home will help you prepare -healthy takeaway' at home, and save you money," said Ms Grosse.