How many takeaways do you order every week?

When you’re feeling a bit tired or lazy, it’s so easy to order a takeaway or grab a meal out. But this can be an unhealthy and expensive habit.

New research from Public Health Wales (PHW) shows that more than a quarter (26%) of 16 to 29-year-olds ate a takeaway on at least two days in the last week.

By contrast, less than one in five (18%) 30 to 49-year-olds did the same, along with less than one in ten (8%) people aged 50 to 69.

That’s particularly interesting as countless studies show that young adults are feeling the impact of rising living costs deeply.

For example, a poll by Citizens Advice and Loqbox found that nearly two-thirds of 18 to 28-year-olds (65%) believe money worries are harming their mental health.

So why are so many people reaching for an unhealthy and costly option?

Young adults put off by high supermarket prices

Every time you do your weekly shop, it always seems more expensive than it was the week before.

And according to Dr Eleanor Barnett, a food historian at Cardiff University, that's led to many people not seeing much of a difference between buying essentials at the supermarket and getting a takeaway.

Speaking to BBC News, she said: “It is more expensive.

“But people think that it’s already costing me so much to buy the individual ingredients.

“Their attitude is it just doesn’t matter anymore.”

Dr Catherine Sharp of PHW added that the sheer ease of access is also playing a part.

“It’s so easy just to order on the phone,” she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

Availability of healthy options must improve

So what can be done to address this problem and stop people not only spending more than they can afford, but also from developing health problems like obesity and heart disease?

PHW says it must be easier for people from all backgrounds to choose and access healthier food options.

“We know that people want to make better food choices but feel that their environment is working against them,” said Dr Ilona Johnson of PHW.

“We need to make it easier for people to make healthy choices by providing healthier options.”

Shop smart 

If you feel you’re paying too much at the supermarket, it could be worth changing your shopping habits.

We’ve put together some handy tips on how to keep the cost of your weekly shop down, such as:

• cooking in batches
• basing your meals around store cupboard staples
• making clever swaps

And if you’re still craving a takeaway, make your favourite treat at home instead of ordering in, such as:

• a delicious homemade burger
• homemade chips
• a chicken curry with all the trimmings
• egg fried rice

It’s cheaper, a lot healthier and far more satisfying.

We’re regularly sharing easy, budget-friendly recipes, including fakeaway options, so check back here for more.