I’m inspired by all my friends and family who are eating healthy, exercising, staying active and just taking care of themselves.
Many people I know have jumped on the fitness video bandwagon—P90X, Insanity, Tracy Anderson and more. I’ve tried a couple myself. We all know it: exercise works. You burn calories, build strength, and tone up. More importantly, regular activity helps you feel healthy, energized, and generally better.
These programs are intense and usually designed as daily routines, which can deliver fast, visible results. That’s appealing, but what happens after Day 60 or Day 90? Some programs teach lifestyle changes to help you maintain results, but often people slip back into old habits—skipping workouts, reverting to less healthy eating, and losing momentum. I’m not knocking these videos; they work. I’ve seen great results in family members who completed P90X and Insanity.
I encourage using workout videos if they fit your life, but I also want to champion everyday healthy habits: cook more at home, eat wholesome foods, move regularly, and take care of yourself. I’m learning too—I’m not perfect. I eat carbs and desserts, and I don’t eat perfectly all the time. What works for me is avoiding fast food, watching portions, eating smaller meals throughout the day, and drinking lots of water. I don’t drink soda. I’m not perfectly toned, but I feel good about myself. I can’t exercise for an hour every day, but I walk outdoors often and still do Tracy Anderson videos occasionally—just not daily.
For me it’s not only about appearance (though that’s a nice perk); it’s about feeling good. I always think of a line from Eddie Murphy’s Trading Places—“Looking good, Billy Ray!” “Feeling good, Louis!”—it always makes me smile when I think about feeling good.
Balsamic-Glazed Salmon
Salmon is one of my favorite cooked fish. It’s rich in omega-3s, protein, and vitamins. We don’t eat it as often as I’d like because my husband spent a summer in Alaska on a salmon fishing boat and now has a complicated relationship with salmon. Fortunately our daughters like it, so I make it more often to ensure they get their omega-3s.
This balsamic glaze is simple and delicious—perfect for salmon lovers. The recipe I use is Giada’s. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great weeknight dinner when you want something healthy and flavorful. Enjoy and take care of yourself!
Print Recipe
Kickin’ It Healthy with Balsamic-Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- Glaze:
- • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- • 1 clove garlic peeled and smashed or chopped
- Salmon:
- • Four 6-ounce center-cut salmon fillets skinned
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil
- • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- • Fresh bag of spinach optional but highly recommended
Instructions
-
For the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for about 5 minutes.
-
For the salmon: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and arrange the salmon fillets on the sheet. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and season with about 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
-
To serve: Place a bed of fresh spinach on each plate, top with a salmon fillet, and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy.