TWO new food outlets in Blackburn are bucking the trend by offering a healthy alternative to fast food.

The Health Chef in Darwen Street and Fuel 2 Go in Blackburn Market are both promoting health and nutrition with boxes serving healthy meats, fresh veg and wholewheat carbohydrates.

It comes as figures revealed last week that Blackburn with Darwen has the highest proportion of fast food takeaways per head of population in England.

Set up by Thomas Barnes, 26, and Liam Brindle, 28, The Health Chef is open from 8am to 3pm Monday to Saturday serving ‘clean grill’ breakfasts, smoothies, lunch boxes and gym prep meals with chef’s recommendations that people can order on Facebook and pick up after work.

Mr Barnes, an amateur boxer who also runs fitness camps, said: “People can choose protein, carbohydrates, a vegetable side and healthy sauce.

“Blackburn is absolutely full of takeaways and we are the first healthy fast food joint. Everything is made fresh.”

The pair, who run Bradley’s Sandwich Bar from the same location, also provide meals for professional boxer Luke Blackledge.

Mr Brindle, who owns TET Clothing, said: “I used to walk round town trying to find healthy food and there was nothing.

“It is about fresh food that is tasty, clean and not greasy.

“We have been open for a couple of weeks and the custom is definitely there.”

In Blackburn Market Sharon Aharoni, 49, has set up Fuel 2 Go alongside the Aharoni cafe and juice bar.

Open from 9am until 5pm, she offers a meal prep service where people can order boxes over the phone, via social media or over the counter.

She said: “People are into healthy eating and are becoming more health conscious.

“It can be for people looking to change their lifestyle, lose weight, build muscle or to help with health conditions.

“We want people who are in town working to be able to pick up a health conscious meal.”

All of the meals are cooked in front of the customer and the meat is halal. They also offer performance drinks, protein powders and diet plans.

One customer Emma Luckhurst, 29, said: “It is the best idea. I have been waiting for something like this.

“I order my lunch before I go to work in the morning then pick it up. The food is full of vitamins, it is good for you and it tastes really good.”