This week’s Cooking with Evey recipe is “No-Fuss Salmon Pattie with Avocado Mayo.”
I call them no-fuss because they are made with canned salmon, which means you can make them anytime, as long as there is a can of salmon in the pantry! AND, they freeze well. So you can pull them out and heat them up when you’re running short on time. See the recipe below.
Knowing you have a backup meal in the freezer is just one way to relieve stress when things get busy.
And that can be especially helpful as we enter the holiday season – maybe they should call it the holiday stress season. My to-do list seems to triple in length this time of year. Does yours?
Stress is a leading contributor to inflammation in the body, along with a poor diet and environmental toxins. So, this time of year, it is especially good to make some time for yourself.
Some simple steps to combat stress:
- Check in on your breathing. Is it fast and shallow? Trick your body into a calm state by taking slow controlled breathes. Three slow deep breathes will help you switch from a stressed “fight or flight” reaction which triggers inflammation, to a calming “rest and digest” state.
Chances are you own a handheld massager, or other massage tool designed to reduce stress. Maybe you even own a massage pad or chair. When was the last time you used it? Dust it off and give yourself a soothing massage!
Take an Epsom salt bath. The magnesium found in Epsom salts helps to relax tired muscles and contributes to the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters that affect our mood. Try a bath before bed for a good night’s sleep. Adding lavender essential oil to your bath water can increase the relaxation effect. For a quick fix during the day, rub some lavender oil on your pulse points for a little aromatherapy.- Don't like baths? Try an Epsom foot bath instead!
- Foods can help you destress too! Sugar and processed foods can make us moody or anxious by causing a quick spike in blood sugar levels. Next time you’re tempted to reach for a sugary treat to boost your energy or mood mid-day, grab a wholesome snack like fruit and nuts instead. These will help stabilize your blood sugar levels and eliminate mood swings.
I will be writing more on the best stress-relieving foods to eat next time.
In the meantime, carve out a bit of time for yourself, remember to keep everything in perspective (don’t sweat the small things, right?) and start making healthier food choices.
Yours in Health,
Evey
NO-FUSS SALMON PATTIES WITH AVOCADO MAYO 
Yum! Salmon is a great anti-inflammatory food. I'll be using canned salmon which is rich in anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids and is very cost-effective! Not only that, but it keeps a long time in your pantry until you need it!
