Quick, healthy meals that your children will love!

It’s a normal Thursday evening and you’re five seconds away from calling for pizza. Because – who has the time and energy to whip up a healthy meal during a long week? And Friday is almost in sight…

But wait! Before you buzz for takeaways, let’s dive into a few simple, healthy, and keyword – quick – meals you can have on the table in less than an hour, maybe even less than 30 minutes.

Wrap it up!

You can make homemade wraps quickly and easily, and it will cost far less than at a restaurant, too. Plus, you can include plenty of vegetables, so everyone gets their fair share of good nutrition. Ingredients for this meal will include wholegrain tortillas, hummus or cream cheese, grated carrot, sliced red pepper, finely chopped spinach, and thinly sliced cucumber. Assemble and start wrapping! Get your children involved to create their own rainbow wraps.

Pasta with vegetable sauce

It doesn’t get easier than boiling up some pasta and making a delicious, nutritious sauce. For this version, go with a vegetable sauce. Boil the pasta, then blend the vegetables into the sauce for that extra kick of fibre, beta-carotene and hydration. Use wholewheat pasta if possible, and chopped tomatoes, diced carrot, zucchini, or broccoli for the sauce.

Dinner bowls

Set a timer on this one; it’s incredibly quick to prepare! Browse through the fridge and find leftovers to construct these dinner bowls. You can use roast chicken, grilled vegetables, beans, lentils, and even leftover rice. Toss them all together and drizzle with a dash of sauce or salad dressing for extra flavour. And there you go – how fast was that? This is another one you can get the kids involved in.

Mini pita pizzas

You can still have your pizza – just a tastier, more nutritious version. The children will love making these creative and super customisable pizzas. All you need for this meal are mini pitas, protein toppings (chicken or sausage), and an assortment of cheeses and vegetables.

Fruit and yoghurt bark

In the mood for something sweet? Here’s a variation on chocolate bark. Spread Greek or plain yoghurt on a lined baking tray, top with mixed berries, kiwi, and a drizzle of honey. Freeze for one hour, then break into pieces.

Sweet potato fries

When the craving for fries/chips hits, try this equally tasty (and healthier) version. Grab some sweet potatoes, rinse them well and cut into thin wedges. You can boil them for a few minutes to soften, then pop them in the air fryer or even bake them in the oven until crispy and ready to eat. Yummy, fast, and fresh!

Burger night (with a twist)

No need to forgo burger night, let’s just “healthify” this meal. Replace half of the minced meat with cooked lentils and add seasoning and spices as normal. Lentils are great for that oomph of fibre and protein, and helps lower the overall fat content of the meal. So, each burger is still satisfying and tasty plus packed with good nutrition. 

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.