Are you tired of winter yet? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that many people suffer during the winter months. SAD is believed to be related to the lack of light during winter months and manifests as depression, poor sleep, terrible eating habits, and general lethargy. The body increases production of melatonin (which makes feel sleepy) and decreases its production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good). The result? We want to sit on the couch eating mountains of macaroni and cheese and watching reruns of Friends until we see the flowers blooming again.
Scientists say yoga can help! Pranayama (deep breathing) and restorative yoga can help reset the body’s clocks and balance the hormones. Gather up some blankets and pillows to try a delicious restorative heart opener. Rest for 15-20 minutes, focusing on the rise and fall of the breath.
Spice Rubbed Salmon with Lemon Garlic Spinach
Feeling down? The healthy fat is omega-3s have been shown to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of depression. Both salmon and spinach are fabulous sources of omega-3s. Make sure to eat wild caught salmon only. Farm raised fish have been given antibiotics which make them gray (orange dye is added later to make them look healthy-yuck)!
INGREDIENTS:
SALMON:
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (2 1/4-pound) skinless salmon fillet
2 cups thinly sliced onion
Cooking spray
SPINACH:
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (6-ounce) packages fresh baby spinach
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 400°.
To prepare salmon, combine first 6 ingredients; rub spice mixture evenly over fish. Place onion in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Place fish on top of onion; bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.
To prepare spinach, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic to pan; cook 1 minute. Add half of spinach; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add remaining spinach; cook 4 minutes or until wilted, stirring frequently. Sprinkle spinach mixture with rind and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in juice; remove from heat.
Place salmon on a platter. Arrange onions and spinach evenly around salmon. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
