Being the healthiest version of myself I can is very important to me.  As I’ve discussed before, I want to do the right things now so I can enjoy a long life with many quality years ahead of me.  After becoming a mother, this became even more important to me.  So leading into this Mother’s Day weekend I wanted to share a healthy recipe that us moms can enjoy throughout the summer that is heart healthy while still appetizing.  Isn’t that the best present we can give ourselves…to treat our bodies well?

There are certain things I try to do every week to make sure my body is getting what it needs and deserves. First of all, I make sure to exercise most days of the week.  This part is not difficult for me because I LOVE to exercise.  If you’re not a fan of exercise, find something you enjoy like walking, biking, golfing, playing tennis, etc. and try to incorporate it into your routine at least 5 days a week.

The hardest part of being healthy for me is my diet.  Food and I are meant to be together!  I love all foods and, if I let myself, could eat most hours of the day.  Being the foodie that I am, eating healthy and in moderation is a daily struggle.  There are certain things I do to attempt to keep on track.  First, I try to drink Shakeology for one of my meals at least 5 days a week.  This nutrient packed shake includes 70 super ingredients that would be hard to find in most other foods found in the midwest.  I love it because it tastes great, keeps me feeling full, and feeds my body the vitamins, minerals, probiotics, etc. it needs.  I also try to include avocados, raw almonds, plenty of vegetables, and a little fruit in my daily routine.  Lastly, we eat an omega-3 rich fish in our house at least once a week.  This took a little getting used to for Mike, but the way I prepare the fish has actually been enjoyable for him…which makes me happy since it is so healthy.  Anytime I eat fish, I like to think of it as medicine for my body.

My latest meal featuring fish was a huge success.  Using one of my favorite types of fish – salmon (because of the countless health benefits that come from eating it) – I prepared a Maple Barbecue Glazed Salmon.  The smokiness from the barbecue sauce, sweetness from the maple syrup, and tang from the lemon are the perfect combination.  This is an ideal recipe for summer that is both healthy and delightful.  Enjoy!

4 (6 oz) Salmon Fillets

2 medium Lemons

Salt

Pepper

1/4 cup Maple Syrup

1/4 cup Barbecue Sauce

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Line a 9×13 baking dish with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.  Place salmon (skin side down) in dish.

3. Cut both lemons in half and squeeze the juice of 1/2 a lemon over each fillet.  Season each fillet with salt and pepper to taste.

4. In a small mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.  Pour evenly over fillets.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish is cooked through.

6. Serve with a healthy side and enjoy!

Serves 4