Simple salmon supper

It seems life has been increasingly hectic lately. And when you're in a rush or swamped it's easy to forget your diet and health...and trust me that's the last thing you need! So here is a simple and easy meal idea you can whip up on a weeknight in between work, the gym, more work, volunteering, friends, the Internet and feeding the cat. Oh yea, and sleep. It's a basic salad and pan-seared salmon. Good food need not be intimidating!

Salmon is packed with good-for-you stuff and it's one of the fastest meats to prepare. What I tend to do the most is take a salmon fillet (I like tail pieces but you can use a steak), season it, and put it in a hot pan for a couple minutes a side. this time around I used my fail safe salt, pepper, and chicken spice rub. You can also use fresh herbs like dill or coriander, lemon pepper, or some maple syrup for some sweetness. For a 1 1/2 inch piece, cook the fish for about 6-8 minutes a side.

While the salmon is cooking, throw together a side salad with whatever you have on hand. Literally. Use anything! Lettuce, tomato and carrot are pretty common but feel free to throw in corn, raisins, spinach, almonds or fruit. It's all good for you and will probably marry pretty well on your plate.

Another thing I really love to do is make my own salad dressing. My basic recipe is two parts oil (usually olive) to one part vinegar (usually balsamic). Add in salt, pepper, whatever herbs you want and a little mustard to help it bind together. It's a tangy dressing that can be customized depending on what herbs, spices or type of mustard you have on hand.

The whole meal takes just over 15 minutes to put together and you have the peace of mind that it's good for you. So even if you're still stressed out from work, kids, or life you can rest assured you're body is well fueled. Of course a healthy glass of vino may help the situation too!

In food and in life, remember Plato's words: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.