“IT is about working with them and re-educating people about what a healthy diet consists of and how it can be incorporated into the modern lifestyle.”

Amy Lamond described the idea behind an initiative which is helping people to eat healthily, while still enjoying their favourite take-aways and other culinary treats.

The Good Food Bradford Project works with take-aways and other food outlets to try and serve up healthier options that customers can enjoy.

“It is about getting healthier options into take-aways and hot food outlets,” says Amy. “Cafes, delis, sandwich shops, places that provide food.”

Businesses taking part can apply for awards that acknowledge their success in making changes or introducing additional choices to create healthier choices. Food outlets that hold a hygiene rating of three or above to be eligible to apply for bronze, silver and gold depending upon what level they have achieved.

The free award is a partnership initiative between West Yorkshire Trading Standards (WYTS), Bradford Council and participating food outlets to help tackle obesity. Its criteria encourages businesses to use healthier cooking methods and ingredients to provide healthier options, along with providing free training and support from Amy.

The project followed on from the Government’s Healthy Lives, Healthy People’ document, which triggered a call for action on obesity across the country. “It outlines how different sections of society, from manufacturers to educators and members of the public could start working together to tackle obesity problems,” explains Amy.

“We decided to work with take-aways and other food outlets to try and create healthier options.

Advice generally includes methods of increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables. “Outlets could be encouraged to introduce more vegetables into curries, pizzas, sauces or other foods,” says Amy.

A sugar-free drink or water could be offered as an option among beverages. “These could be incorporated as part of a meal deal,” says Amy. “A lot of deals come with a bottle of fizzy drink, so we want to offer healthier choices too. Diet and low calorie drinks such as Coke Zero or 7Up Free could be available as alternatives.”

Ashraf Ali, owner of Curry House in East Parade, Keighley, said he thought the project was a good idea. “We know from talking to our customers that they think about what they are eating.”

“People had been asking for smaller portions, saying that they sometimes found it difficult to finish so we promote half portions.

“All our main courses come with vegetables and we offer bags of salad, and we cook our dishes using very little oil or ghee.”

Having achieved the silver award, Ashraf is working towards gold.

Changes encouraged by the project include using a five-hole salt cellar, to limit the amount that comes out, can make a difference. “We gave these out, and also try to encourage a low sodium alternative,” says Amy. “Too much salt in your diet raises blood pressure.”

Using reduced salt and sugar baked beans and brown bread can make a difference.

Tips are given on practices such as how long to store and use oil to maintain it at its healthiest, to avoid it breaking down into saturated fat.

She adds: “It is important to balance the cost too. We encourage people to offer smaller portions. It is a known face that people will not ask for smaller portions unless they are advertised, but will do if they see they are available.”

“It is the simple, small steps that can have the biggest impact. We are not saying that people can’t have a treat, it is more for those who often frequent take-aways.”

Since the project was launched two years ago, 78 awards have been successfully achieved by businesses at either bronze, silver or gold level.

Repeat visits are made to premises and training courses are run to keep business owners up to date.Next month, free workshops for businesses will run, providing a great opportunity for them to receive advice from WTSS, find out more information about the project.

David Lodge, head of West Yorkshire Trading Standards said: “These sessions are a great opportunity for businesses to get involved, get advice and support from trading standards and the Good Food Project officer, as well as networking with other local businesses.”

*The takeaway masterclass runs on Wednesday January 13 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm at Keighley Town Hall and on Monday January 18 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Bradford Council’s Jacob’s Well offices.

Places are limited to a maximum of two per takeaway on a first-come-first-serve basis. To book telephone Amy on 0113 393 9879 or email goodfood@wyjs.org.uk