Whether you’re a busy parent trying to simplify weekday meals, a freezer-cooking enthusiast looking to save time, or someone eager to embrace vibrant, plant-based eating, there’s a cookbook out there to make your life easier and more delicious. From meal-prepping and batch cooking to creating nourishing plant-based dishes the whole family will love, these three cookbooks are packed with practical tips and inspiring recipes that fit seamlessly into your everyday routine. Get ready to simplify your kitchen life while serving up meals that are as nutritious as they are satisfying.
The Healthy Start by Renee Rigden and Sarah Tanner
Back-to-school season often comes with a familiar challenge: packing nutritious lunches that your kids will actually eat. If you’re a busy mum juggling everything from school drop-offs to work commitments, The Healthy Start E-book by Sarah Tanner and Renee Rigden might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
This practical guide takes the stress out of creating healthy lunchboxes with 63 pages of simple, quick, and family-approved recipes, plus a comprehensive nutrition blueprint to help you build balanced meals effortlessly. With their combined expertise in nutrition and holistic wellness — not to mention their real-life experience as mums—Sarah and Renee know exactly how tricky it can be to pack lunches that are both nourishing and appealing to fussy eaters.
What Makes The Healthy Start Special?
- No More Guesswork: The first section of the e-book provides an easy-to-follow nutrition guide, breaking down the essentials your child’s lunchbox should contain. It covers everything from macronutrients to hydration, vitamins, minerals, gut health, and fibre—so you know you’re ticking all the boxes for your child’s growth, energy, and focus.
- Flexible and Allergy-Friendly: The recipes are designed with busy families in mind and offer options that cater to allergies and food intolerances.
- Quick and Delicious: Think Bacon and Egg Muffins, Green Pancakes with Yogurt Lemon Dip, Chicken Nuggets, Protein Waffles, and even healthy treats like Chickpea Brownies and Chocolate Muffins. These aren’t just kid-friendly— they’ll have the adults reaching into the lunchbox too!
- Build-Your-Own Lunchbox Guide: To make things even easier, there’s a step-by-step guide on how to mix and match different components for a balanced lunch every day.
Why Busy Mums Will Love It
This cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a practical tool to save time, reduce decision fatigue, and boost your confidence in what you’re feeding your family. Whether you’re racing to pack lunches in the morning or planning meals for the week, The Healthy Start gives you the framework and inspiration to make healthy eating simple and achievable.
Even better, you can print and bind the e-book for easy reference in the kitchen. You’ll soon find yourself turning to it again and again as a go-to resource.
With their shared passion for wholesome, real-food nutrition and years of experience in the wellness space, Renee Rigden (a certified Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach) and Sarah Tanner (a holistic wellness advocate) have created a must-have guide for parents who want to nourish their kids without the overwhelm.
The Healthy Start is here to take the pressure off and help you feel good about what you’re packing—because every busy mum deserves a little less stress and a lot more peace of mind when it comes to lunchboxes.
The e-Book is only NZ$22 – CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE and follow on Instagram.
COOK AHEAD: FREEZER FRIENDLY RECIPES FOR EVERY BUDGET, JUSTINE SCHOFIELD
If you’ve ever wished dinner could magically appear on the table after a busy day, Cook Ahead by Justine Schofield might just be your new best friend. This freezer-friendly cookbook is packed with practical tips and 90 delicious recipes to help you save time, money, and stress—all while still feeding your family nourishing, home-cooked meals.
Justine, known for inspiring home cooks with her simple yet flavourful approach to food, takes you step by step through the world of freezer cooking. She doesn’t just give you recipes—she shows you how to organise your freezer, label everything like a pro, and safely freeze, thaw, and reheat meals so they taste just as good as the day you made them.
What You’ll Find Inside
- Batch Cooking & Weeknight Wonders: From hearty Mid-Week Meat Pies to Vietnamese Salmon Bun Cha Salad and comforting Lamb Ragu, these recipes are perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.
- Basic Sauces & Marinades: Stock your freezer with essential building blocks like sauces and sides that make throwing together a meal super easy.
- Ready-to-Bake Goodies: Pre-prepare treats like scrolls, muffins, and pies—just pop them in the oven when you’re ready for something fresh-baked.
- Family-Friendly Options: There’s even a dedicated chapter for babies and toddlers, with freezable purees, fish fingers, zucchini slice, and other kid-approved favorites.
- Sweet Treats: Don’t miss the Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies, Choc-Peanut Power Balls, or refreshing sorbets—because life’s too short not to have dessert stashed in your freezer!
Why This Book is a Must-Have for Busy Families
This is more than just a cookbook; it’s a survival guide for parents, especially on those nights when you’re too tired to think about what to cook. Batch cooking and freezer meals mean you’ll always have something delicious on hand, without resorting to takeout or spending hours in the kitchen.
Justine’s practical advice on how long foods can be frozen and her clear instructions for safe thawing and reheating take the guesswork out of freezer storage. It’s all about making your life easier while still enjoying wholesome, home-cooked food.
PLANT-BASED GOODNESS, TRACEY BENNETT
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into plant-based eating or you’re a seasoned pro looking to shake up your recipe rotation, Plant-Based Goodness by Tracey Bennett is the ultimate kitchen companion. Packed with over 90 of Tracey’s favorite recipes, this cookbook is all about simple, wholesome meals that don’t require a trip to a specialty store—most ingredients are easy to find at your local supermarket.
All the recipes are 100% plant-based, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and mostly gluten-free, making this a go-to guide for anyone keen on healthy eating without the fuss. But the best part? These dishes are vibrant, flavourful, and super-satisfying. It’s proof that plant-based eating isn’t about missing out—it’s about discovering how delicious healthy food can be!
What to Expect
Tracey’s recipes cover everything from cozy family dinners to quick weeknight meals and sweet treats. Think plant-based versions of your old favourites, along with some fresh creations that will quickly become staples. The focus here is on uncomplicated, nutritious meals that nourish your body and make you feel amazing.
- Comfort Food Classics: The Lentil Cottage Pie is a standout—rich, hearty, and perfect for when you’re craving something cozy.
- Quick & Fresh: Recipes like Zoodles with Garlic, Tomatoes & Basil are simple yet full of flavour, ideal for when you need a speedy dinner.
- Wholesome Curries: The Easy Chickpea, Potato & Spinach Curry is warming, delicious, and packed with plant-powered goodness.
- Creative Makeovers: Crazy Good Cauliflower Pizza proves you don’t need wheat or cheese for a pizza that hits the spot.
- Sweet Treats: For dessert lovers, the Lemon Cheesecake Bites and Sublime Peanut Butter Fudge are absolute must-tries.
A Cookbook with Heart
What makes Plant-Based Goodness extra special is Tracey herself. A plant-based chef, mother, and grandmother, Tracey brings warmth and life experience to every recipe. She shares her personal journey—like the moment she realised she was dairy intolerant (after a serious love affair with cheese!) and how she embraced plant-based eating to feel healthier and more energised than ever.
This cookbook is clearly a labour of love, filled with vibrant dishes that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to boost their health without sacrificing flavour.