Simply Baked Salmon

Shopping. Card-writing. Party-going. Baking. More shopping. It's clear to see how the holiday season can leave us feeling frazzled! And to fit all these extra tasks into our already busy schedules, we find ourselves skimping on exercise and relying on take-out food more than usual. Definitely not a prescription for wellness.

To combat holiday stress try taking a day to focus on just on yourself and your wellbeing. Why not:

• Go for a brisk walk around your neighborhood and admire the holiday decorations.
• Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or facial.
• Take a candlelight bubble bath.
• Skip the cookies for a day and focus on wholesome eating (Need ideas? Try the "Simply Baked Salmon" recipe below.)

Eating well, exercising, and getting a good night's sleep are key to feeling good and staying healthy. And why wait for the New Year to take charge of your health when you can start today.

Simply Baked Salmon

I made this simple dish one evening when I felt that I just wanted something simple and ultra-healthful. Wild Salmon is one of my favorite "super foods" and this recipe couldn't be easier to prepare. Perfect for a busy December evening. Another great thing, this dish goes with almost anything, I served it with steamed broccoli, peas, and boiled Yukon Gold potatoes.

Servings: 4

1 1/2 pounds salmon filet
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped parsley

1. Preheat oven to 400˚ F.
2. Place fish skin side down in an oven safe baking dish. Season with salt and pepper and then drizzle with water, lemon juice, and olive oil. Then spread the parsley out evenly over the fish.
3. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Information:

(For ¼ of recipe) 285 calories; 1 g carbohydrate; 34 g protein; 15 g fat (2 g sat); 0.5 g fiber; 660 mg sodium. Exchanges: 5 lean meats.