As registered dietitians, moms are always asking us what nutrients they should pay attention to in order to have long-lasting energy.   One overlooked, yet very important nutrient to focus on is magnesium. 

Magnesium is essential to turn your food into energy and you need it for proper muscle function.  And if you or your kids get charley horses or muscle cramps, getting more magnesium from your food is an easy solution.

You can get magnesium by snacking on almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews and eating whole grains (like oatmeal and quinoa – our grain loves). We also eat a good deal of magnesium-rich fish.  Halibut, in particular, is a great source of magnesium.

We love to grill halibut.  It’s so easy, especially in the summer time when you don’t want to be slaving over an oven.  When we prepare it, we tend to keep it simple and Tammy’s daughters love it. Then we can throw it onto a salad, eat it with our Fresh Orange Rice, or throw together a quick orange chutney to top it with (chop up oranges, add cardamom, cloves, ginger, and crushed red chili peppers to taste).

Easy Halibut Recipe

Ingredients

• juice of one large lemon
• 1-1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb halibut
• salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder

Directions

Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder and a pinch of salt in a ziplock bag.  Add fish filets and let marinate for 15 minutes or more.

Preheat the grill for 10 minutes on medium high.  Once hot, lower to medium heat and spray the grill with spray oil.

Drain the marinade and pat the fish dry and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Grill fish until lightly browned on both sides (about 4-1/2 minutes per side).

Do you eat fish or any of the magnesium-rich foods daily to make sure you keep your energy up?  What’s your favorite way to get magnesium?