Feeling Crabby?

Call me shellfish, but when it comes to entertaining, I don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking. I want to minimize my time in the kitchen and maximize my time enjoying the company. Fortunately, my favorite summer entrée, crab cakes, is easy to make.

Here is a lighter version of Clyde’s restaurant original crab cake recipe. These take minimal time to make and can be prepped in advanced (chilled), then broiled or pan-seared when guests arrive. I serve these with a few simple side dishes to make a balanced, nourishing meal. Some of my favorite crab cake companions: steamed asparagus, spinach salad topped with fresh fruit (pineapple, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries), whole grain rice, and fresh corn on the cob.

Recipe for: Crab Cakes (Makes 2 servings) Ingredients Directions ·         1 lb. (16 oz.) jumbo lump crab meat ·         ¼ c. fat free mayo ·         1 Tbsp. water ·         2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning ·         1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ·         1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ·         4 saltine crackers*  *Gluten-free bread crumbs may be substituted for saltines. This recipe was inspired by Clyde’s restaurant. ·         Pick crab meat over to remove excess shells and cartilage ·         Combine the mayo, Old Bay parsley, mustard and water until smooth ·         Add the mayo mixture to the crab meat and mix, being careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat ·         With your hands, break up the saltines into crumbs and mix into the crab mixture ·         Form into four patties and pan-fry or broil the cakes until golden brown NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: Serving size: 2 crab cakes Calories: 230 / Fat: 0 g / Protein: 44 g

De-Stress to Be Your Best!

Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks, or months) where it seems like life is all work and no play? You know, when you’re working nonstop, your to-do list never ends, you’re being pulled in multiple directions, and there’s little distinction between the work week and weekend, let alone between one day and the next?

You feel like you’re on a hamster wheel getting nowhere but tired, and life has become an exhaustive blur. Managing work, family, and personal obligations becomes overwhelming. Just thinking about the things that used to bring you respite and joy feels like a cruel joke.


Eventually, you become less productive, start harboring resentments, and the little things in life that once brought you joy become nuisances. Whenever we get to the point where we are no longer enjoying life - and are able to recognize this – it becomes clear we cannot continue like this.


In a perfect world, there would always be balance in our work and play time. However, that’s unrealistic for most of us. More often than not, we have to work more and play less. However, in order for us to be our best, it’s critical to take time out for ourselves and remember there is more to life than work, work, work!


As a self-proclaimed “human doing” (vs. human being) I’d like to share a few ways I try to enjoy life a bit more:


Pet therapy: No matter how bad I may feel, whenever I pick up my cat, watch her roll around in catnip, chase her tail, or play, life is good. It’s especially hard to stay stressed or upset when I hear her purrrrrr.


Reach out and hug someone (or let them hug you): Apparently I’m not always fun to be around when I’m stressed. Shamefully, I have been known to resist a loving hug from loved ones during these times. Ironically, this is when I need it most. Research has shown a simple touch (a hand hold, a hug) releases endorphins and has a calming effect.


Reach out and call someone: Pick up the phone and call someone you’ve not talked to in a while. Just hearing a loved one’s voice can be uplifting. Instead of making it a venting session, find out what’s new with your friend or relative.

Stop and Smell the Roses -literally: Whenever I run errands at Costco, in addition to enjoying all the tasty samples, I make a point to stop and “sample” their roses. They are beautiful to look at and they smell wonderful. Even though I’m doing a weekly chore, the roses remind me beauty can be found all around me. I just have to take a moment to notice and enjoy it.


Redefine your down time: Though it may not be very romantic for some folks, it’s not uncommon for my husband and me to run errands together on the weekend. At times this may be our only “quality time” together for the week. Sometimes a quick break for a coffee and ice cream, or a walk around the neighborhood serves as a de-stressor, enabling us to focus on each other rather than work.


Rent a fun movie: There’s nothing like a good belly laugh to make you feel better. Whether it’s a comedy or a pick-me-up flick, sometimes a little diversion to “la-la” land via the big (or little) screen can give your mind a break when you’re feeling burned out.

Play like a kid: There are a few “childhood” play activities that are foolproof in making me laugh and smile: skipping, hula-hooping, singing, and two recent indulgences: sneaking into a moon bounce and visiting Rebounderz (http://rebounderzsterling.com) to jump on a trampoline. Hey, who says we have to grow up?


If you have any favorite ways to de-stress, pass them along! 


Kerri L. Mikeska, MHRM, PHR, NASM-CPT

What has your body done for you today? What have you done for it?
http://www.completefitnessconcepts.com/