Sorry for the unexplained absence last week, but I was four sets of PJs into a vomiting extravaganza with Chloe. She has an unfortunate habit of clinging to me like a baby monkey whenever she is ill. I am not quite sure how, but she always seems to get it right down the inside of my top. Apologies if you are eating your breakfast.We’d just flown over to the UK and surrounded by grandparents galore, I thought writing time would be easy to come by. I didn’t plan for the mother-of-all bugs. Fortunately Chloe bounced back a few hours before Belle came down with the same thing. I am not sure how I would have juggled two. Somehow the LH always manages to be absent for these things, and he was safely tucked away at home in Bermuda. I think he has some sort of physic ability reserved solely for the prediction of when the kids will be sick.Despite the dubious start, we had a great trip — largely defined by surviving both the flights unscathed. I know the family reunion should matter more, but nobody wants to be the parent that everyone is rolling their eyes at on the plane. Miraculously though, they both slept on the way over. On the way back, I plugged Chloe in to the iPad. I know kids watch too much TV, but I am not sure there can be “too much TV” on an airplane. Belle performed a series of seat gymnastics, rubbed an entire tube of Sudocrem onto my hands and face, made several unauthorised trips to the first-class cabin and had a great time shaking the seat in front of us. I thought it went rather well. At least I am still in possession of my passport.The morning after we arrived home, the LH flew off to Miami. I know. We are still married because while we were gone, he performed an extreme home makeover. I am most excited about the shelves in the laundry room. He also painted the girls’ room, the kitchen and the dining room and stocked up the fridge. Amazing! I am almost tempted to leave him to his own devices more often…. Almost.So, back to reality with a bump, I am trying to get through my e-mail, finish some work projects and tackle the home-from-holiday mountain of laundry. Somewhere in the mix I need to think about what to feed the kids. After two weeks of treats from the grandparents I need to get healthy eating back on track. The only problem is I just don’t have time to be simmering casseroles and making bolognaise from scratch.The good news is that healthy dinners for kids don’t always have to involve a home-cooked meal. It is possible to open the fridge door and feed them something nutritious within a few seconds flat. For these situations I have a series of no-cook dinners up my sleeve that provide all the essentials (complex carbs, quality protein, fruit and veg) and usually some brain-boosting good fats too. See below for some suggestions that will leave your kids feeling full and satisfied, with the minimum of stress for you. Just chop everything up and arrange nicely on a plate. There’s no need to go all Annabel Karmel and start making miniature sail boats, but paying a minute’s attention to presentation always helps. Just like adults, kids love food that looks appealing.Six no cook-dinners for kids1. Chopped avocado, Applegate or Niman Ranch ham, blueberries and lentil chips.2. Hummus with rice cakes, carrots and peppers for dippers, strawberries and organic yoghurt sprinkled with ground seeds.3. Cubes of organic cheese, Annie’s wholewheat bunnies, frozen peas, chopped kiwi and banana.4. An almond butter and banana wholewheat sandwich with grape tomatoes and green grapes.5. Chopped cold roast chicken, blue corn chips and a banana and avocado kebab.6. Wholewheat pita stuffed with hummus, guacamole, chicken or ham, with cucumber sticks, a yoghurt and wedges of watermelon.By the way, I have just had two spots free up on the next Nutrifit nutrition course starting Wednesday. If you want to boost your energy and feel amazing this summer then this is for you! Please go to www.natural.bm and click on Nutrifit for details.The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the managing director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified nutritional therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Please note that she is not a registered dietitian. For details, go to www.natural.bm or call 236-7511.