Fakeaways vs Takeaways – Enjoy the Flavour Without the Calorie Overload

Who doesn’t love a takeaway? Whether it’s a Friday night curry, a pizza with the family or a Chinese after a busy day, takeaways are part of life for many of us. The problem isn’t enjoying one occasionally—it’s that many takeaway meals contain far more calories, fat and salt than we realise. A single meal can easily contain an entire day’s worth of calories before you’ve even added sides, desserts or drinks. The good news is that you don’t have to give up your favourite foods. By making your own fakeaways at home, you can enjoy the same amazing flavours while saving hundreds—and often thousands—of calories.

Take a typical takeaway pizza for example. Four slices of a large pepperoni pizza can contain between 1,200 and 1,600 calories. Add a portion of garlic bread (around 350–500 calories) and a garlic dip (around 170 calories) and you’re looking at a meal that could total anywhere between 1,700 and 2,200 calories. Compare that to a homemade BeeWeighed fakeaway pizza made using a high-protein wrap, reduced-fat mozzarella, lean pepperoni or chicken, homemade tomato sauce and a side salad, which comes in at approximately 450–550 calories. That’s a saving of up to 1,700 calories in just one meal.

Indian takeaways can be even more surprising. A Chicken Tikka Masala can contain 850–1,100 calories, while a portion of pilau rice adds another 450 calories, a garlic naan around 550–700 calories, and poppadoms with chutneys another 250 calories. Altogether, that meal can easily reach 2,100–2,500 calories. A homemade version using lean chicken breast, a lighter yoghurt-based sauce, plenty of spices, vegetables and either boiled rice or cauliflower rice can be enjoyed for around 500–650 calories, saving well over 1,500 calories without sacrificing flavour.

Chinese takeaways are another favourite, but they often contain hidden calories from battered meats, sugary sauces and generous amounts of oil. A portion of Sweet and Sour Chicken with batter can contain 900–1,100 calories, egg fried rice adds approximately 550 calories, and a couple of spring rolls can contribute another 400 calories, taking the meal to around 1,850–2,050 calories. A homemade fakeaway using chicken breast, fresh vegetables, a lighter homemade sweet and sour sauce and wholegrain microwave rice comes in at around 500–650 calories, saving up to 1,500 calories.

Burgers can also be surprisingly high in calories. A takeaway double cheeseburger can contain anywhere from 900–1,200 calories, with large fries adding another 500–600 calories and a milkshake or sugary drink adding 250–500 calories. That means one meal can total 1,650–2,300 calories. A BeeWeighed fakeaway burger made with lean mince or chicken, served in a wholemeal bun with homemade potato wedges, salad and a diet drink, typically contains just 550–700 calories.

If fried chicken is your weakness, a takeaway meal of three pieces of fried chicken, large fries and gravy or beans can total around 1,550 calories. Make it yourself using skinless chicken coated in seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes and cooked in the oven or air fryer, serve it with homemade wedges, sweetcorn and salad, and you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal for around 550–650 calories.

Even a large takeaway donner kebab with chips and garlic sauce can easily reach 1,800–2,200 calories. Swap that for grilled chicken, a wholemeal pitta, homemade yoghurt and mint dressing and plenty of fresh salad, and you’re looking at approximately 500–650 calories, while still enjoying all the flavours you love.

So why are takeaway meals so much higher in calories? Many restaurants cook with generous amounts of oil, butter, cream and full-fat cheese. Sauces often contain hidden sugar, salt and fat, while portion sizes are usually much larger than we actually need. Quite simply, restaurants are focused on flavour, and adding extra fat is one of the quickest ways to achieve it.

Making fakeaways at home gives you complete control. You choose the ingredients, the cooking method and the portion size. You can use leaner cuts of meat, reduce the oil, add extra vegetables, increase the protein and fibre, and still create meals that taste absolutely delicious. You’ll often save money too, making fakeaways a win for both your waistline and your wallet.

Some simple swaps can make a huge difference. Choose grilled, baked or air-fried foods instead of deep fried. Use reduced-fat cheese and lighter sauces made with passata, tomatoes or low-fat yoghurt. Fill at least half your plate with vegetables, choose wholemeal wraps, pittas or buns where possible, and don’t be afraid to use herbs, spices, garlic, ginger and chilli to create amazing flavours without adding unnecessary calories.

Remember, weight loss isn’t about never having another takeaway. It’s about making healthier choices more often. Replacing just one weekly takeaway with a homemade fakeaway could save well over 1,000 calories every single week. Over a month that’s around 4,000–6,000 calories, and over a year the difference can be truly remarkable.

At BeeWeighed, we believe no food is off limits. We simply help you find healthier ways to enjoy the foods you love, so you never feel deprived. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring—and sometimes the best takeaway is the one you make yourself.