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Research - A recent study has discovered more than half of Australians are struggling to plan and cook meals.

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Midweek - During the week, this trend is even higher, with people turning to takeaway food in front of the television.

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Time-poor - It appears young, time-poor Australians are opting for the convenience of a takeaway TV dinner after work, according to a survey by Australian Beef.

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Cost - This costly convenience can add up to as much as near $4000 a year per individual.

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Concerned - Concerned health officials are worried that people are missing out on the health and social benefits of a home-cooked meal. 

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Family - Solo takeaways also mean people are less likely to take time talking to friends and family around the table.

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Survey says - The survey was conducted with Australians aged 18 to 64.

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The blame game - Many blamed long working hours, changed shopping and cooking habits, after-work social activities, and a lack of inspiration in the kitchen for abandoning cooking during the week.

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Stats - Of the people surveyed, 58% ordered in takeaway on weekday evenings, consuming it in front of the television.

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Young couples - This figure jumps to 66% among young couples.

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Forever alone - The survey also found that one in three (36%) of Australians are dining out at least once a week with one in five typically eating alone.

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Poor planning - People revealed that while they may have good intentions to grocery shop over the weekend, more often than not the decision of what to eat is made on the same evening after work.

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Commute - Poor planning leaves about 20% of people making decisions about the night’s dinner on the commute home from work.

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Tried and tested - More than a quarter who claimed to occasionally cook mid-week admitted they reverted to one of six tried and tested recipes.

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Traditional - Of those surveyed, 69% said that they resort to the traditional meat and three veg option when they do get around to cooking.

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Old faithful - Spaghetti bolognese was a fall-back for 67% of those surveyed.

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Stir it up - And a quick and easy stir fry was a choice for 64% of those surveyed.

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Taco Tuesdays - More than half of the respondents said that taco Tuesdays were a regular fixture in their weekly meal schedule.

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Avo on toast - Many recipients said they would rather eat toast or cereal than resort to cooking a full meal, to avoid the washing up and general hassle.

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Relationships - Psychologist Dr Fiona Martin said cooking and eating together can help strengthen relationships and family bonds.

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Wellbeing - “For the family, eating at the dinner table promotes health and mental wellbeing benefits – not only is it a great way to spend quality time together, but it also develops communication and social skills for children,” she said in the report. 

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Passive - Eating in front of the television is seen as passive and anti-social.

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Money money money - Comparison website Finder released new research revealing that Australians are spending $2.6 billion every year on food and drink delivery apps such as Menulog, UberEats, Deliveroo, and Foodora.

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Statistics - According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, food takeaway sales have increased by 18% in the last three years.

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The industry - Currently, the cafe, restaurant, and takeaway food industries combined are worth $44 billion in Australia. 

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App-tastic - Online food delivery services are now worth 12% of this $44 billion share.

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User - One in three adults living in an Australian capital city is a food delivery user.

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Lazy - As a nation are we becoming lazier or just increasingly poor on time?

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Yum - It is definitely food for thought!

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