There are days I don’t feel like cooking. Or I fancy a change, or the kids want finger foods…these are the days of an impromptu picnic on the grass, or sitting around the coffee table and eating. It doesn’t have to be skimp-on-the-veggies-day though.

So I thought I would share some quick meal ideas that I ‘cook’ my family once in a while.

Cut up raw veggies, crack a coconut, add some healthy crackers with salsa, nuts, hummus, beetroot dip, pesto….

Steam some veg and add some garlic and almond over it like this.

I find that my kids will eat any dip, so I’ve made zuchinni hummus, go to town with greens in my pesto and beetroot dip, make pumpkin dips and will continue to experiment with various dips.

We all love a change of scene now and then, so why not present this on a large platter with all the veg, crackers, dips laid out aesthetically? This always works with my little ones.

Here is a quick hummus recipe with sumac to add to your repatoire of quick dips! This one is tangy and a different take on your usual hummus.

Chickpeas – are high in protein and contain a whopping amount of fiber. It contains magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, iron, zinc and folate. It gives you loads of energy, calms you down and takes care of your heart.

Sumac – has a high antioxidant content – it helps prevent cancer, heart disease, regulates blood sugar, reduces muscle pain and can prevent osteoporosis.

Sesame seeds – These are small, but mighty little seeds. They can stop the growth of tumor cells such as myeloma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the pancreas and leukemia. They also protect against other chronic diseases.

They are very similar to flaxseeds in their nutritional profile. They contain a huge amount of copper (so people with pyroles might want to limit their intake or balance it with high zinc foods).

These seeds also contain manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin B1. This translates to bone and joint health, respiratory health, prevention of osteoporosis, migraines and PMS symptoms and lowers cholesterol. It is also a source of good fats that will help you lose weight.

Quick food needn’t be a frozen meal from the supermarket devoid of nutrients, nor need it be a take away that is deep fried and full of bad fats…it can be easy to make and quick. Get your kids to make these and the ownership they take over the food they make will ensure they eat it!