I’m inspired by all my friends and family who are eating healthy, exercising, staying active and just taking care of themselves.

Most of you know someone who has or have jumped on the fitness video bandwagon yourself. You know what I’m talking about. P90x, Insanity, Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis . . and the list goes on. I have personally tried two of these. Come on, we all know it = exercise works. You eat, you need to burn the calories, you want to get buff/toned whatever, but more importantly, it’s good to be healthy, have energy and just feel good.

For the most part, these videos are intense, work out everyday routines, which work great and show fast results (which I guess is what everyone wants and why the workouts have to be everyday etc) but when you’re finished or when you get to Day 91, what then? I know some try to teach you a healthier life style, how to keep the weight off, how to maintain the toned, wonderful physique you now have. . but more than not, I feel like most people (not all!) eventually slip back into missing a workout day here and there, and get back into their old eating habits and old routines. I’m not discouraging these workout videos, these videos work and show results, I know. I’ve seen it! My brother-in-law and sister-in-law both did P90x with great results and my brother and sister-in-law just finished Insanity, both again, with great results.

I say do the videos if you want to – but I also want to encourage eating healthy (and actually getting into your kitchen and cooking) and regular exercise and just plain, good ole freakin’ taking care of yourself. And hey, I’m learning too. I am not Miss Crazy Healthy. I eat carbs. I do not eat healthy 100% of the time. I eat desserts as my blog will show you but I try to stay away from fast food as much as I can and watch what I eat as much as possible. I watch my portions and eat small meals throughout the day and I try to drink a ton of water. I don’t drink soda at all. This is what has worked for me. And hey, I’m not all freakin’ toned and fit but I like myself and feel good. As much as I’d love to, I can’t work out for an hour everyday. Just can’t do it. But I get outside for walks as much as I can and I do still do the Tracy Anderson videos from time to time. . just not every day.

At the end of the day for me, it’s not about looking good (although – of course- that’s great too), it’s about feeling good. I love this line from – what I remember- one of Eddie Murphy’s funniest movies from back in the 80’s: Trading Places:

Louis: Looking good, Billy Ray! Billy Ray: Feeling good, Louis! (I know this line has nothing to do with eating healthy but I always think of this when I think of the phrase “feeling good!”)

Balsamic-Glazed Salmon

Salmon is probably my favorite cooked fish. I love that it’s not only packed with Omega-3’s, but it has loads of vitamins and protein too. We don’t eat it as much as I’d like because my husband spent a summer in Alaska working on a salmon fishing boat. Oh, yes he did. Why? I think he said he wanted something fun to do for a summer (during college). . anyway, now he can never look at a salmon with a straight face. Doesn’t like it much. Sucks for me. But now that we have girls and they need their omega-3’s and they like it, I’m making it more!

This balsamic glaze is so delicious and so simple to make. If you are a salmon lover, you must try this recipe! It’s

Print Recipe

Kickin' It Healthy with Balsamic-Glazed Salmon

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Author: Hip Foodie Mom using Giada's recipe!

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, bring the vinegar, maple syrup, mustard and garlic to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until thick, about 12 minutes. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
• For the salmon: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the salmon on the baking sheet. Drizzle both sides of the salmon with the olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bake until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, about 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
• To serve: Place a bed of fresh spinach on your plate, top with a piece of salmon and drizzle with the glaze. Enjoy!