Food for thought...planning a vaca

Upon waking up to fresh snow and a chilly breeze, I craved vaca. Now, don’t get me wrong. Love the fresh fluffy snow and the puppies and kiddies rolling around in Ft. Greene park. The cold is exhilarating; the wind kisses your cheeks leaving a rosy hue. Yet, I couldn’t help listening to a little Barrington Levy or Burning Spear to put me in a tropical state of mind. With that, I decided to suspend my studying because all of a sudden I am finding myself kicking back, feeling the sand between my toes and needing some grub fast :) Thus, I decide to put together a meal that takes me back to summer. In addition to that when I eventually do return from this utopian vaca  (which unfortunately lasted only 2 hours until I realized I had an exam around the corner) I discovered this meal is PACKED with brain boosters! How exciting?! Who knew that being on vaca could help me kill my new PED/OB exam??

The key players to my brain power:

SALMON: Sure, we know all about the Omega-3s, those healthy fats. But did you know that the fatty acid, technically termed DHA, is found in high concentrations in the gray matter of your brain. For those not into the mechanics of the brain, the gray matter is responsible for muscle control, seeing, hearing,  memory, emotions, and speech. In fact, according to Dr. Ray Sahelia of Mind Boosters if you don’t take in adequate omega 3s, this can results in a breakdown within the brain…which I am sure we don’t wish to happen.

AVOCADO: Did you know that avocados promote healthy blood flow? Blood flow carries nutrients like glucose and O2 to our brain, so this just further depends my love for the avocado…enough said.

ORANGES: Hello, meet Mr. Folic Acid. Folic Acid is something crucial in brain development, especially for pregnant mommies. Folic Acid is also found in our friend Avocado (again adding another dimension to my deepening love affair). Folic acid (folate) in oranges improves memory and overall cognition

MINT: the ultimate, and might I add NATURAL, stimulant to the brain. Studies have show that just smelling it alone can increase concentration and decrease anger and agitation, which is good given that I will soon realize my pretend vaca is over and that nursing exam is around the corner. 

Ingredients:

1lb of salmon, wild Alaskan preferably

1 avocado

2  oranges

3 garlic cloves

salt

pepper

olive oil

4 mint leaves

zest of lime or lemon (optional)

red pepper flakes (because I like it spicy)

Directions:

1.) Take your non-stick grill pan and place on medium heat. You can either drizzle a little olive oil or just add a little pam if you’d like. Grab a droplet of water to test the pan is hot. After salt and peppering your salmon throw it on and cook for about 15 min. Make sure to flip evenly—I like to put the skin side down first. 

2.) Meanwhile, you can prepare the relish that will go over the salmon. Sometimes I make a big batch in which I triple the ingredients above and use it for strimp or any time of fish for that matter.

Slice and cube the orange & avocado. Drop in a bowl. Add about 1 table spoon of olive oil. Chop up the garlic and toss that in as well. I like to let it sit in the fridge for 15min just to absorb all the flavors. Then I add pinch of red pepper flakes, zest and mint, finely chopped.

BACK TO REALITY J