Growing up, take away wasn't a thing in my house. I had my first take away when I went to university, probably some less than appetising Chinese.
To be completely honest I don't really like takeaways, I mean every so often I do want to devour a big fat Domino's, but when someone says takeaway my mind usually conjurers fatty, Indian sauces and soggy spring rolls.
However, with last year being the year of health, there are a few new kids on the "takeaway" block. These are the alternative food delivery services that will be your lazy go to, with out the guilt.
Lunch Box London
Lunch Box London are your new lunch best friend.
I'll be completely honest, I buy my lunch every day at work. I like going to the shops, for the walk, oh I'm not really sure why, as I always just get a boring packaged sandwich.
Yet there is something that will revolutionise the cross over between home made and bought lunches.
Fresh, healthy and only wholesome ingredients, every day there is a new choice of 2 dishes which changes every single week.
But the best part, they delivery it to your desk (or reception in the case of my stingy office) at lunch time from their eco-friendly push bike.
I went for the delicious sounding Surmac molasses beef sirloin strips, with tzatziki, grilled broccoli and herby quinoa.
It was utterly delicious, so flavoursome and much better than anything I could have bought down at Pret. But then I think you'll agree from these pictures. Just look how beautiful it looks too.
It's one lunch box to certainly perk up your day, even if you lunch view is just skyscrapers from your desk.
Oh and did I mention they do little sweet treats too for an afternoon treat? The cutest banana and chocolate loaves were right there at my desk, when that 4pm lull hit.
They delivery all over London, so next time you fancy something home made for lunch but just can't be bothered to cook something, I'd pop onto Lunch Box London's website.
Marley Spoon
Ah dinner time, you either love it or hate it. The dilemma of first deciding what to cook, and then having to go out and source the ingredients, oh and then actually cook it. Effort.
Whilst I might not be able to solve the cooking part without giving you the number to Domino's, I can take all the leg work out... OK not me exactly, but Marley Spoon can.
Like Lunch Box London, there are weekly changing dishes to choose from. Again all healthy, nutritionally balanced. First select your meal of choice, then a few days later a box arrives at your front door,
Packaged inside is all your ingredients, all measured out, and weighed for you.
Slightly more work than your local Chinese, but with a recipe this simple looking, it really isn't rocket science.
I ordered Devonshire Chicken Supreme with Middle Eastern Rice and a Carrot and Almond Salad. A home cooked dish my mother would be proud of.
So when I said fresh ingredients, I really meant it. Carrots, lemons, and 10g of coriander, already weighed for me so no waste.
Even the spices are perfectly measured.
Just follow the plan, popping the ingredients in the pan and watch as your master chef worthy dinner cooks before you.
Ta dah! Is that the best looking "Takeaway" you've seen?
You can't get a fresher delivery than straight out of the pan.
The chicken dish really was delicious, and even the boyfriend gave it s big thumbs up, which when it comes to my cooking is high praise indeed.
If you hate having to decide what to cook and having to go get it, then use the time you would have been searching though another Gordon cook book to log onto Marley Spoon.
Seriously guys, we can't eat out all the time, but I realise it can be hectic to put together lunch and dinner, so give yourselves a break once in a while, and get a "Takeaway".
