Sweet Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus Kabobs: Fueling Your Body and Spirit
Imagine tender, flaky salmon, vibrant asparagus, and earthy mushrooms, all brushed with a sweet and tangy balsamic honey glaze, then grilled to absolute perfection. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly delicious dinner that comes together surprisingly fast – a perfect choice for anyone looking for nutritious fuel without sacrificing flavor.
A Journey of Strength: More Than Just a Recipe
“I have the strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me.”
Philippians 4:13. This powerful verse isn’t just a quote; it’s a personal mantra, a guiding principle that has been etched into the very fabric of my life. You’ll find it engraved on my ID bracelet, a constant companion during my bike rides, and deeply embedded in my spirit. “I have the strength” – what an incredibly empowering statement, reminding me that my ability to overcome challenges comes from a source greater than myself. This belief has been particularly vital as I’ve embarked on some of the most demanding physical challenges of my life.
This coming Saturday marks a significant milestone: my first attempt at a Half Ironman triathlon in Naples, Florida. The prospect alone is daunting: a 2-kilometer swim, a grueling 56-mile bike ride, followed by a demanding 13.1-mile run. My preparation has been far from ideal; I had already mentioned previously how my training was derailed. And then, as if fate had another hurdle in store, I contracted the flu, further disrupting my regimen. The timing couldn’t have been worse, leaving me feeling truly “off” my game.
Yet, despite these setbacks, I hold onto that unwavering conviction: I have the strength.
Overcoming Physical Adversity: From Injury to Ironman
This journey to the Half Ironman is a deeply personal one, signifying much more than just a sporting event. For years, I endured chronic knee pain, a persistent issue that led to random falls and countless hours in physical therapy. Even military doctors, known for their pragmatic assessments, acknowledged the severity: “Yeah, your knees are really screwed up.” It felt like an insurmountable barrier to an active life, dampening my spirit and limiting my potential.
Then came a turning point in March 2012, when I underwent reconstructive surgery on both knees. Both menisci were meticulously cleaned, and my kneecaps were precisely repositioned. It was a long road to recovery, demanding six months of intensive physical therapy and dedicated strength training. But with each session, with every painful step and triumphant gain, I felt my body rebuilding, regaining capabilities I thought were lost forever. This period taught me immense patience and reinforced the power of perseverance.
The reward for that perseverance arrived soon after: I ran my first 5k. A year later, I challenged myself further and completed my very first triathlon. From that moment on, I was hooked. The thrill of pushing my limits, the satisfaction of achieving what once seemed impossible, became an integral part of who I am. Every race, every training session, serves as a testament to the fact that I have the strength because He allows me that. This spiritual grounding provides an unshakeable foundation for all my endeavors.
Each of us is given unique gifts and a purpose, and it’s our responsibility to discover what those are and how to utilize them. My gift, it turns out, is a potent combination of stubbornness, strong-will, and an unyielding refusal to quit. These traits, often seen as flaws, have become my greatest assets in confronting adversity and pushing through seemingly impossible challenges. And so, with every fiber of my being, I am determined to complete this Half Ironman, not just for myself, but as a demonstration of what is possible when faith meets grit.
Embracing the Challenge: No Room for Pity Parties
Consider this post my public declaration: the little “pity party” I might have been silently hosting for myself is officially over. It’s a loud, clear reminder to myself – and perhaps to you – that quitting simply isn’t an option. I have never, in my entire life, given up on anything I’ve committed to. My strength is a gift, a blessing that fuels my resolve, and I believe there’s a profound purpose behind every step of this demanding journey. The finish line awaits, and I intend to cross it.
So, {insert a bunch of happy emoticons here}, let’s focus on the positive, on the fuel, and on the determination that will see me through!
Fueling the Athlete: The Role of Wholesome Nutrition
Speaking of fuel, this brings us to this absolutely delicious dinner! As regular readers know, I always share my go-to tri-preparation meals. This week, as often happens, my choice gravitated towards healthy salmon. Salmon is, quite simply, too perfect a protein source for athletes and anyone seeking a nutritious meal. Its rich omega-3 fatty acids are essential for reducing inflammation and supporting brain health, while its high-quality protein aids in muscle repair and growth, which is critical for an athlete’s recovery. Paired with an array of fresh vegetables, all grilled to perfection with an incredibly tasty, sweet and savory sauce, it’s a meal that truly satisfies. And yes, a little gasp for the purists: I’m having it with white jasmine rice!
Yep, my love for jasmine rice is undeniable, especially when carb-loading for an event like a Half Ironman. While it may have slightly less fiber than brown rice, the ample asparagus in these kabobs, along with my other daily meals, ensures my fiber intake is more than covered. Asparagus itself is a fantastic source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Throughout the day, I’m also enjoying Super Good Morning Green Smoothies and a wholesome whole-wheat bagel with my turkey burger for lunch, supplemented by plenty of fresh greens. This comprehensive approach to nutrition ensures my body gets all the necessary macro and micronutrients for optimal performance and recovery.
This particular dinner, featuring our incredible Sweet Balsamic Salmon Kabobs, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. It provides a robust dose of protein crucial for muscle repair and growth, potassium vital for electrolyte balance and muscle function, and a bounty of Vitamins C and A to support immune function, vision, and skin health. The healthy fats from the salmon are fantastic for fighting inflammation – a key consideration for intense training and overall long-term health. And the subtle sweetness in the glaze, balanced with savory notes, offers just enough natural sugar to keep those pesky cravings at bay, making it a perfectly balanced and deeply nourishing meal.
Beyond its impressive nutritional prowess, this meal is simply and utterly delicious. The combination of textures – tender salmon, crisp-tender asparagus, and succulent mushrooms – coupled with the sweet and tangy glaze, creates a truly memorable culinary experience. It’s a completely satisfying dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. In fact, it’s the kind of meal that makes you look forward to dinner, providing both physical and mental sustenance, which is just as important during demanding training periods.
So, as I face my Half Ironman challenge this Saturday, I kindly ask for your good wishes, or even better, a prayer. Both would be deeply appreciated as I draw upon all my strength to push through. And while you’re sending positive vibes my way, do yourself a favor and whip up this easy, amazing dinner. It’s a fantastic way to nourish your own body and perhaps inspire your own journey of strength, health, and personal accomplishment!
Sweet Balsamic Salmon Kabobs
Mushrooms, asparagus, and succulent salmon, covered in a sweet balsamic honey glaze and grilled up to perfection.
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs salmon skin removed, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 lb large asparagus spears cut into 2-inch pieces
- 8 oz whole baby portobello mushrooms
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp whole-grain mustard
- pinch fresh cracked pepper
- jasmine rice cooked according to package directions
- garnish: thinly sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds
- oil for the grill grate
Instructions
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Blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes in boiling water. Immediately shock in ice water and drain thoroughly. This stops the cooking process and preserves their vibrant color and crispness.
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Preheat your grill to high heat. While the grill heats, carefully thread the salmon cubes, blanched asparagus pieces, and whole baby portobello mushrooms onto skewers, alternating for an appealing presentation.
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In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the glaze: honey, balsamic vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, light brown sugar, and whole-grain mustard.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency. Keep a close eye on it to prevent scorching or boiling over. Remove from heat once thickened.
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Generously brush all sides of the prepared skewers with the balsamic glaze. Don’t be shy – use all of it! Next, prepare your grill grate by oiling it thoroughly. A simple and effective method is to dip a wadded-up paper towel in a little oil and, using tongs, carefully wipe down the clean, hot grill grates. Place the glazed skewers on the grill and cook for 2 minutes.
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Carefully flip the skewers. Continue to grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and opaque, and the vegetables are tender-crisp with nice grill marks. Serve immediately over a bed of jasmine rice.
Notes
For extra flavor and to prevent sticking, I often add a small knob of butter to my cooked jasmine rice and season it with a good pinch of kosher salt.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 44g |
Protein: 34g |
Fat: 14g |
Saturated Fat: 3g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 81mg |
Sodium: 241mg |
Potassium: 1064mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 10g