My neurosurgeon’s recipe for salad dressing (not kidding 😂)

I saw my neurosurgeon today to discuss my upcoming neurosurgery for tumor removal. This will be my second craniotomy.

I really like my neurosurgeon, however it's hard for me to understand everything he says. Additionally he does not answer a question without asking a question of his own. Basically, he's like Yoda if Yoda was a neurosurgeon that also runs ultra-marathons.

After discussing medical options for about an hour, I told the surgeon that Brett and I are working on my nutrition to make it as healthy and as “anti cancer” as possible. I asked if he had any suggestions. At this point, the surgeon warmed up to the conversation and began naming food I might consider adding to my diet.

"Broccoli. Cabbage. Tomatoes."

"Garlic," I added. "Green tea."

“Get a little plate”

"Yes!" He was enthusiastic. "Let me tell you what to do: You get a little plate. Are you writing this down?"

"Hold on... Okay. I'm ready."

"You get a little plate and line it with romaine lettuce," he said. "You start boiling an egg, and some red potatoes. While that's going on you put some canned salmon in the middle of the lettuce. Add some tomatoes on one side, green beans on another side, and some olives. Then you make a dressing. You still getting this?"

"Uh-huh." I was writing quickly.

"Okay. When the eggs and potatoes are done put them on the salad. Mix 2 tablespoons: Dijon mustard with 1 teaspoon of olive and 1 teaspoon of vinegar. That's your dressing. Then you eat, and maybe drink some wine."

He really said this—I kid you not.

Brain food

I have to be honest. The idea of this salad, especially the part about canned salmon, did not seem appealing. But from everything I've read lately about nutrition this salad sounded like the epitome of “brain food.” And it was even more convincing coming from a neurosurgeon.

Brett and I couldn't tell if he was serious, or if he was fucking with us, but we totally agreed that this meal seemed like the stuff the doctor must eat as he trains for marathons.

C'mon! Potatoes, eggs, and salmon? Talk about energy food!

Brett purchased the ingredients and made them for dinner that night. I cringed when I saw it, but I went for it—canned salmon and all. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as I imagined and the vinegar-y dressing made everything OK.