Healthier Options Takeaway scheme promoted in Newark and Sherwood and Rushcliffe

Ordering a takeaway may no longer have to be such a guilty pleasure with a scheme to help people make healthier choices.

The Healthier Options Takeaway, or HOT, scheme is being adopted by Newark and Sherwood District Council to help tackle obesity, giving people more options and showing there can be a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. It is run in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council.

The district council is working with and encouraging food businesses to provide healthier options on their menus and help customers manage their weight.

The scheme is not about stopping people from having a takeaway, but promoting healthier options.

Businesses can apply for a merit award under the scheme, if they have a food hygiene rating of three or above.

The award aims to increase accessibility to and awareness of healthier options in takeaway outlets.

Many takeaways, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops already offer healthier options for their customers and display information about this on their menus.

Other food outlets may offer healthier options, without realising or promoting it. With making small changes to what is offered or how food is prepared, cooked or served, takeaways can offer more choice for their customers.

Steps businesses can take without compromising on taste include:

* Offering to grill, bake, poach or steam food instead of frying it

* Removing salt from tables and counters

* Switching to wholegrain pasta, brown rice or wholegrain bread

* Offering a vegetable side or salad as part of a meal option

* Switching from double cream to single cream, yoghurt or half fat cream fraîche in recipes

* Promoting water or low-sugar drinks, or

* Offering smaller portion options for adults

Businesses in Newark that have already pledged to offer healthier choices, and been awarded their HOT merits include:

Davison's Bakery on Appletongate, Donna B's Tasty Bite on Northgate, Kelham Hall, Kitchen 52 on Martindale Lane, Teapots and Teacups Café in Saracens Head Yard, Carriages Café at Newark Castle Station, Pastability on Cartergate, Dinner Jackets on Lombard Street, Gannets on Castlegate, Café 17 on Castlegate, Old Bakery Tearooms in Queens Head Court, PJ Diner in Clinton Arms Court, Harrys in Bridge Street, and Mamma Whites Pancake Parlour on Stodman Street.

Other businesses in the district taking part include Alfresco Cafe in Southwell, Whitepost Farm tea rooms at Farnsfield, and Sister Snacks, Lifespring Centre, and Milano's Pizza, all in Ollerton