As revision week sets in with much shorter days and freezing mornings, making time to cook meals at home can be difficult, especially when you’re spending all day at the library. Choosing healthy takeaway options among the few in St Andrews can be even harder. Most takeaway foods are high in salt content and fat, so they aren’t the best options for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially as it gets harder for quick gym sessions or nice long walks in the winter weather. Although nothing beats a homemade meal, we encounter times when cooking from scratch just isn’t an option.
The following are my top tips to remember to successfully order a healthy takeaway!
1. Don’t wait too long to place your order– If you leave ordering too late in the day, you may find that the healthier options have run out!
2. Aim for a nutritional balance in your order – Although it is not easy to check your standard meat and three veg, trying to get a good mix of protein, carbs and good fats is reassuring and makes a real difference.
That being said, the real problem is finding these options in town! While looking for healthier alternatives, I try to look for dishes that have lean protein like seafood or tofu. Other dishes to keep in mind are stir fries with plenty of veggies, steamed rice instead of fried rice, steamed dumplings, grilled chicken, soup, thin-crust pizza with veggie toppings, sushi and poke bowls. If you want a more nutritious takeaway than deep-fried food,these are my go-to spots in St Andrews!
Raw Pressed – Grabbing a fresh smoothie from Raw Pressed between classes or as a library break is one of my favorite things to do. They have salads, bowls and some quick snacks too!
Combini – Serving the classic Korean and Japanese favorites, Combini’s poke bowls, sushi and gyozas are great dishes to look forward to. They also have great vegan and vegetarian options and having to choose amongst them is a hassle for sure!
Tailend – The hot smoked salmon and Arbroath smokies from Tailend are a must-try! The award-winning seafood restaurant serves fresh seafood & local produce and the takeaway grilled fish options are my all-time favorites.
Tanon Thai Pop-Up – A nice plate of Pad Thai or Thai green curry with sticky rice and TomYum soup is exactly what I crave after a long day at the library. The Thai flavors are healing in Tanon and are definitely worth the wait, as Tanon gets really busy after 7 pm!
Nandos & Black Horn – After a long night, be it at the library or the VIC, grabbing burgers and fries the next day is a necessity. Nandos serves a variety of good grilled chicken options and Black Horn does great chicken salads, wraps and burgers! If you’re into spicy food, you will not be disappointed with the flavors and hot sauces they have to offer.
During intensive study schedules, a lessened appetite is often noticeable. Rather than just grabbing candies and coffees to the library as study snacks, it takes 10 more minutes to grab a quick takeaway meal which will keep you full and well-nourished. St Andrews does have more options than we realize. Pret’s classic wraps, Mozza and Zizzi’s pizzas, pasta from Little Italy, burgers at Saint Sizzle and the highly underrated pub food in town are often forgotten when we’re hungry. Did you know the Wings Wednesday deal at the Rule does a chicken wing for 30p every Wednesday? As long as we remember to drink plenty of water and have these takeaway options on our radar, we are set for exam season!