Nottingham residents have been urged to ditch takeaways for homemade “fakeaways” after new statistics revealed how unhealthy take-out meals are risking the health of families.
Takeaways often contain more fat, salt and calories than your recommended government guideline amount and can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease – two largely preventable conditions.
Despite this one in five adults and children are reportedly eating a takeaway once a week, the National Charity Partnership between Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Tesco can reveal, with local residents been urged to choose ‘fakeaways’ over takeaways to avoid a major health crisis in the UK.
The National Charity Partnership is running Make, Move & Munch Clubs in Nottingham to help families learn about healthy eating, have fun and meet other local families.
Katherine Hale, Healthy Eating Programme Manager for the National Charity Partnership, said: “We know a healthy diet can reduce people’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease, but the amount of calories, total and saturated fat, salt and larger portion sizes of many takeaway foods means that even one or two a week can have a serious impact on our diets as a whole.”
The National Charity Partnership is funding the clubs as part of its two-year Let’s Do This health campaign. They are specifically designed to provide families with information, skills and support to help them reduce their risk of both conditions.
The charity has also developed a range of ‘fakeaway takeaway’ recipes which families can try at the clubs. The partnership wants to encourage more people to cook at home from scratch to help reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease, two potentially life-threatening conditions.
Ms. Hale continued: “With an increased number of people living with Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease, we’re urging people to look after their health and give homemade versions of their favourite takeaways a try instead. Why not bring your family along to a Make, Move & Munch Club to learn more or try some of our new recipes at home?”