Because we like each other, that's why

So husband and I have recently decided that we really like each other (ok, we decided that a while ago...) and we think we would like to be around for as long as possible. And because of that we have decided to work as a team to live a little bit healthier of a lifestyle.

We've been going to the gym together more and been a little more careful about what we're eating. So far we're feeling pretty good.

Our one dilemma is that we have realized how much our society centers social engagements around food. It's practically impossible to avoid! And let's be honest, it's rarely ever food that is good for you. And it's hard to turn down offers from people without feeling rude. Just the other day I was at a meeting and someone offered me a treat (I'm trying to limit my intake of those guys) and I turned it down. And it seems like the conversation for these situations always goes something like this:

Person: Hey, would you like a (insert treat here)?

Me: Oh, no thanks!

Person: Are you suuuuuuuuure?

Me: Yeah.

Person: Seriously, you should have one.

Me: I'm good. Thanks though.

Person: I made them myself. They're really gooood!

Me: Thanks, but no.

Person: (Realizes that I'm really not going to take one and then gets this slightly disappointed look on their face...)

Does this sound familiar?

ANYWAY.

Husband and I got thinking... Ok, we may not be able to plan or control what food is available at social engagements, but... What if we at least planned our own date nights that, instead of doing not-so-healthy things like most of our dates we did before, included doing things that benefit our bodies? So that's our new goal right now. Find date ideas that will either keep us active or help us to eat better.

So this Friday our date was to look for a new yummy and healthy recipe. We were getting REALLY bored of the same 6 or 7 recipes that we use ALL the time. Then we went to the store together, got all the ingredients, and then came home and had a fun time in the kitchen together.

May I say that it was a total success? Ok, thanks. I will.

We found a great recipe that will definitely be added to the books. We made a few of our own changes and loved it! The perfect combination of spicy and sweet (don't worry, not TOO spicy. I don't do too spicy.) It was also very easy! In fact, we only DO easy.

Here is the final product:

Spicy Salmon with Mango-Pepper Relish

Found the original recipe here:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-tilapia-with-pineapple-pepper-relish-10000001599586/

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning

A dash of salt

1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper

4 (6 ounce) salmon or tilapia fillets

1 mango chopped

1 avacado chopped

1/3 cup of chopped onion

1/3 cup if chopped tomato

1 Tablespoon of Balsamic vinegar

1 Tablespoon of chopped cilantro

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

4 lime wedges

PREPARATION

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Combine Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle fish evenly with spice mixture. Add fish to pan, and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.
2. Combine mango and next 6 ingredients (through jalapeño) in a large bowl, stirring gently. Serve mango mixture with fish. Garnish with lime wedges.
3. **The original recipe called for tilapia which I'm sure is just as good. We just happened to have salmon in the house and used that instead.

CALORIES

6 ounce fillet of fish about 200 calories

Mango mixture about 320 calories

Divide the mango mixture among 4 and give each person a fillet and you've got yourself a 280 calorie meal. Woot!

We did, however, put it over rice. Because we are rice people. That's why.

So here's to more fun dates! We'll let you know if we come up with any other successful ideas.