Once upon a time getting take away was a weekly treat. It seems these days it's become more of a daily treat. We all have such busy lives, the last thing we want to do after a big day at work is slave over the stove. It's almost always easier to grab takeaway on the way home.

We are quickly turning into a fast food nation. To help keep your waistlines in check I'm going to point out the healthier alternatives on your favourite fast food menus.

Asian Food

Skip the entree! Asian entrees are usually deep fried and stay away from the curries, they are full of fatty coconut milk and sugar.

A stir fry with heaps of veggies is not a bad idea. However the noodles are high in fat, aim for rice noodles which are low GI.

Your best option is a meat and vegetable dish or soup dish. If you must get rice make sure it's steamed not fried. Remember brown is better than white as it's not as processed...and coconut rice just isn't nice to our waistlines!

Italian

For starters order a small pizza not a large! Granted it's not going to be the best value for money but your waistline will credit the savings. Make sure the pizza you are ordering has heaps of veggies and some good quality meat or seafood, ask for a small amount of cheese on top. If you're getting pasta order an entree size with a tomato base and add a salad instead of garlic bread.

Indian

Stay away from the butter chicken and creamy based dishes! As yummy as naan bread is, it's not good for you. A healthier alternative is chapti it's made from wholemeal flour and isn't covered in oil. Indian rice is also cooked in ghee which is.....pure fat so steer clear.

Mexican

For your entree try veracryz prawns: prawns cooked in tomato chilli and garlic.

Your main meal can be a choice of enchiladas, tacos or burritos with meat and heaps of salad. Ask for the sour cream and cheese on the side so you can control how much goes on.

Chain Fast Food Restaurants (McDonalds, Red Roster, Hungry Jacks etc...)

Firstly don't even think about sizing up. Most of these chain restaurants have a healthy option menu so aim for something off of this menu and please...NO FRIES!

Pub Meals

Do you really need a 1kg steak...NO! All you need is 200grams it's more than enough. Steer clear of the chicken pamas and nachos. Aim for a fish dish with salad, it can be one of your weekly servings needed. Ask for extra salad and veggies but hold the chips.