Meal Prep vs Takeaway: What Wins Your Wallet (and Waistline)?

Tired of the takeaway trap? Discover how meal prep can help you save money, boost your health, and transform your eating habits.

After a long day of work, the siren call of that takeaway is hard to resist. However, those convenient meals take a toll on your wallet and waistline. 

So, is meal prep the answer to your woes? Not so fast.

Let's slowly work through the meal prep vs. takeaway debate, explain the costs, compare the health benefits, and weigh the convenience factor. By the end, you'll have a clear verdict on which option is the true champion for your busy lifestyle and bank account.

Cost: Takeaways vs. Meal Prep

First things first, the cost is the most important factor. Before buying anything, we must check the price of the items we're looking at. So, let’s compare the cost.

The Takeaway

Those innocent-looking takeaways add up quickly. A cheeky curry here, a quick kebab there, and suddenly you've spent a small fortune on food that disappears in minutes. 

According to a recent study by CNET, ordering takeaway or delivery twice a week sets you back over £50 a month, and that's not even counting delivery fees! Over a year, that's over £600 you could be saving. Ouch.

Now, let’s talk about meal prep.

Meal Prep

Sure, it takes a bit of effort upfront, but the savings are worth it. Here’s the lowdown on the average cost per meal for different meal prep strategies.

• Basic Meal Prep: Simple recipes with affordable ingredients like lentils, rice, beans, and seasonal veggies cost as little as £2-£4 per serving.
• Moderate Meal Prep: For more variety and slightly fancier ingredients, expect to spend around £6-£7 per serving. This includes options like lean meats, fish, or more exotic spices.
• Gourmet Meal Prep: If you're feeling adventurous and want to recreate your favourite restaurant dishes at home, expect £8-£10 per serving. Still interestingly cheaper than ordering a takeaway.

Plus, we can't forget those pesky, sneaky hidden costs when comparing meal prep and takeaway. Delivery fees add up quickly, and impulse buys for extra sides and drinks also cost quite a bit.

Plus, those greasy takeaways taste good now, but they lead to long-term health issues that are definitely not budget-friendly.

With meal prep though, you are in control. You choose the ingredients, the portion sizes, and the cooking methods, so you know exactly what you're putting into your body. 

Health Check: Takeaways vs. Meal Prep

Most takeaways aren't exactly healthy. They're often packed with excess salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which leads to problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, weight gain, and feeling sluggish.

With meal prep, you can choose fresh, whole foods and ingredients packed with nutrients, vitamins, and all the good stuff. You control portion sizes and cooking methods, ditching unhealthy additives and cooking methods for healthier options like grilling, baking, or steaming.

Nutritious, home-cooked meals mean more energy, better focus, and even improved mood throughout the day. You'll feel less sluggish and more productive.

We're not saying takeaways are the enemy (we all love a treat now and then!), but meal prep is the clear winner for a healthier, more energised you.

It gives you the power to fuel your body with delicious, nutritious food that supports your goals, all while saving you money. So, ditch the takeaway guilt and start meal-prepping your way to a happier, healthier you!

Time Investment: Takeaways vs. Meal Prep

We all love the convenience of takeaways, especially after a long day at work. But let's be honest, scrolling through endless menus, waiting for the delivery, and paying those pesky bills isn't always a time-saver.

Meal prepping does require some upfront time. You need to plan meals, shop for ingredients, and cook. But this investment pays off throughout the week.

With prepped meals ready to go, you save precious minutes every day — not to mention the time spent waiting for that delivery that can take a while.

Takeaways are convenient, but meal prep saves you more time in the long run. With a little planning and smart strategies, you'll have delicious, homemade meals ready to go whenever you're hungry — giving you more time to focus on what really matters.

Alrighty. Now, let’s move to the final verdict.

The Verdict: Is Meal Prep Really Better Than Takeaways?

In the ultimate showdown between meal prep and takeaways, who comes out on top? Well, like any good food fight, there's no clear knockout.

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but if you're looking for a long-term solution that's good for your wallet and body, meal prep is generally the winner.

Here’s why: 

• Cost: Takeaways are seriously expensive, especially when you factor in delivery fees and those sneaky impulse buys. Meal prep, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly option that lets you control your spending and save money in the long run.
• Health: Sure, takeaways are delicious, but they're often loaded with unhealthy ingredients. With meal prep, you're in charge of what goes into your food — making it easier to stick to your health goals.
• Time: While takeaways offer instant gratification, meal prep saves you time throughout the week. Once you've prepped your meals, you grab and go, without the hassle of ordering and waiting for the delivery.

But... Don't Completely Ditch the Takeaways!

We're not saying you have to banish takeaways from your life completely. Everyone deserves a treat now and then. Takeaways are perfect for those nights when you just can't face the kitchen, for special occasions, or when you're out with mates. 

But it's all about balance. 

So, choose the one that works best for your lifestyle and preferences. 

Hungry for Convenience? Bozu Delivers

Life's busy, and we get that whipping up tasty halal meals every day isn't always easy. Bozu's here to fix that though! Our halal meal plans are packed with flavour, kind to your wallet, and delivered straight to your door.

No more boring lunches or last-minute dinner scrambles. Just heat, eat, and get busy with your awesome life!

Ready to say goodbye to meal prep stress and hello to tasty, convenient meals? Contact Bozu today. We'll handle the cooking so you can focus on everything else.