Are you a pescatarian? This liberal form of vegetarianism lets you eat fish while eschewing poultry and red meats. It’s eminently customizable — some followers of the lifestyle eat eggs and dairy, but not all do.
Why is pescetarianism the ultimate in healthy eating? When you mesh this diet with other healthy choices like avoiding processed flours, you enjoy unbeatable nutrition for relatively few calories. Plus, you enjoy fabulous flavor and the flexibility to order takeout without limiting your restaurant choices.
Why Follow a Pescatarian Diet
Vegan and vegetarian diets do reduce your heart disease and Type 2 diabetes risk as they drop your caloric and saturated fat intake. They also lower your chances of getting certain cancers, like colon cancer.
However, eliminating fish along with meat can deprive you of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. These substances are critical for cardiovascular health, and those who eat fish lower their risk of heart disease significantly. Plus, you don’t have to battle as much to consume adequate filling protein. Low levels of this macronutrient can leave you craving high-calorie foods like muffins.
Eight More Reasons Pescatarians Know Their Stuff
Need more reasons to give this lifestyle a go? Here are eight additional reasons pescatarians know what’s up.
1. They Flex Their “Mussels”
Pescatarians know that mussels are an excellent source of vitamin B-12, which boosts their energy. They fuel up by steaming these bad boys until the shell pops open to indicate doneness. Then, they dip them in garlicky, allicin-rich butter and enjoy their gifts from the sea.
2. They Throw Shrimp on the Barbie
Did you know that one jumbo shrimp has only nine tiny calories? These little creatures pack almost two grams of protein and 1% of your daily recommended allowance of iron in one bite-sized nibble.
Pescatarians know that shrimp grill up perfectly when paired with summer veggies like zucchini and squash on a kabob. Alternatively, they wrap them in aluminum foil and toss the package on the grill for five to six minutes. Then, they transform into Forrest Gump’s friend Bubba and use them in soups, salads, po’ boys — the list goes on.
3. They Don’t Flounder When It Comes to Dinner
Pescatarians know that they need both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids paired with magnesium to keep their minds healthy — and upbeat. Omega-3’s help in the depressive stage of bipolar disorder and magnesium can alleviate mild cases of the blues.
How do they combine both nutrients into one mouth-watering dish? They marry ground nuts high in magnesium, with a flounder fillet for an easy baked dinner.
4. They Dance a Mean Rock Lobster
Shrimp aren’t the only gifts from the sea that you can grill up now that summer is here. Lobster makes an elegant summer barbecue meal when paired with fresh asparagus and some crusty french bread. Plus, there’s little guesswork outside of waiting for the shell to change color to indicate doneness.
They don’t let a scrap of this delicacy, either, especially if they live inland. They put lobster meat in mac and cheese or blend it into a creamy seafood salad.
5. They See the World Through Salmon-Colored Glasses
When pescatarians order a steak, they like it pink all the way through — as in salmon. They enjoy the lower saturated fat content when compared to a T-bone.
If they have cardiovascular disease, they know they need the omega fatty acids and vitamin E this fish provides to protect their ticker. They cut the butter out of their hollandaise sauce to keep their meal heart-friendly.
6. They Sometimes Find a Pearl
Pescatarians know that they might pay a steep price for Oysters Rockefeller, but their refined tastes can also turn a profit. They live for the day when, like one lucky woman, they find a $4,000 pearl hiding in their appetizer.
It’s okay when they don’t win big at the supper table, though. The high calcium content of this mollusk helps keep bones and teeth healthy, even if they don’t strike it rich.
7. They Never Do Anything Too Fishy
Savvy pescatarians know that trimethylamine oxide, or TMAO, causes seafood to produce the signature “fishy” odor. After harvest, this substance becomes TMA, which smells more ripe — but doesn’t mean their catch has gone bad.
Instead, they soak their raw seafood in milk for 20 minutes before draining and patting dry. What remains is nothing but sweet-smelling deliciousness.
8. They Always “Fin”ish Their Meal
Finally, pescatarians know that ounce per ounce, tuna has nearly as much protein as steak. However, it weighs in at less than half the calories.
Therefore, you won’t find these folks leaving perfectly good food on their plates to avoid adding notches to their belt. They can join the clean-plate club and still glide into their skinny jeans.
Pescatarians Have the Scoop on All the Good Stuff
When it comes to healthy eating and exclusive dining, pescatarians enjoy the best of both worlds. Why don’t you give this lifestyle a try and reap the many benefits?
That was awesome! Each of the titles, had me laughing and smiling they were so adorable!