Let’s be real: many of us feel we are too busy to even comprehend these days. From work to socialising, passion projects to side hustles and hobbies – not to mention looking after kids, who seem to be leading ever-busier lives, too – Aussies have more on our plates than ever before. And for many of us, takeaway food seems to be the solution.
It’s not surprising that all of this ‘doing’ is taking a toll on our eating habits. Google searches for ‘quick recipes‘ have increased by 22% in the past month alone, with many of us struggling to find the time to cook nutritious, hearty meals for ourselves and our families while we battle the ever-increasing ‘busy-ness’ of life.
We’re all feeling it – and now new research from meal-delivery service Hello Fresh confirms exactly the effect it’s having on our eating habits. More than two-thirds (68%) of Aussies say that a lack of both supplies and time to cook at home is now prompting them to order takeaway every single week; and more than half (54%) are ditching eating at home altogether, revealing they eat out weekly instead.
We’re also eating later, according to the new data, with one in six working Australians saying they don’t even sit down to dinner until after 8:30pm as they’re not able to get away from their desks. And employees in administration roles? They’ve got it especially tough, not sitting down for their evening meal until after 10pm.
Of course, for many Aussies, this ‘busy-ness’ doesn’t end when we the work day is done. The new research found that one in five people have three people to cook meals for when they’re home from work, adding to both the physical and cognitive load.
Dropping the takeaway habit
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional takeaway or meal out. But it can start to affect our health if it becomes a regular occurrence, and while we may be busy, we don’t have to turn to takeaway, which can very quickly derail our health goals.
“By choosing recipes designed with ease, speed and taste in mind, you can still fit in nutritious food whatever your situation,” explains Hannah Gilbert, Senior Director of Product Development at Hello Fresh.
Some of the easiest ways to ensure you still have the time to cook exciting dinners at home despite your busy lifestyle, Gilbert says, can include opting for one-pot recipes (which mean less washing up, too), making the most of leftovers (either for the next night or for a quick and easy lunch option), and planning for the week ahead.
“Don’t let the hustle and bustle get the best of you,” she says. “Take some time at the beginning of your week to plan your meals around your work rota, your home schedule and your plans. Whilst you can’t plan for everything, this should minimise the impact of your hectic life on your diet.”
