A Pescatarian Life

People are eschewing red meat in large quantities, preferring healthier and more sustainable eating habits.The problem is that they still crave the occasional burger or filet. There can be an alternative - an in between the carnivore and herbivore diets. It's pescatarianism -  a diet heavily relying on fish.

Pescatarian diets may be the best bet for those transitioning from meat eater to plant eater. It's actually more healthful than a vegan or vegetarian diet. It has all the good green stuff  like veggies but also the much needed omega-3 fatty acids that come from salmon, mackerel, herring, and fresh tuna. Adding more fish means lower risks of heart attacks, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Keep in mind that a pescatarian does have some risks.You will have to either take iron supplements or increase your intake of spinach and broccoli, veggies high in iron. Also consider eating more low sugar cereals which are also fortified with it.Another risk that may concern some is the threat of mercury. It's damaging to the central nervous system so eat no more than four helpings of oily fish a week. Stay away from swordfish and marlin because they contain the highest levels of the substance. Luckily tuna and shrimp have the lowest. As for shellfish, yes pescatarians can have all the "good" seafood like crab, shrimp and lobster. These are usually served with just lemon or cocktail sauce for dairy adverse eaters. Also another thing to keep in mind is that a fish only diet can be expensive, especially if you live a ways inland.

What dishes can pescatarians try? Grilled salmon is always delicious and there are so many different recipes out there. Try it pan fried with just salt and pepper or a squeeze of lemon. You could also add some grated ginger, sliced scallions and soy sauce. This would be a great dinner with rice and shredded cabbage salad. Salmon is also a great sheet pan ingredient. It's good roasted with asparagus and fingerling potatoes. Try it with peppers, tomatoes and eggplant in a kind of ratatouille base.Cod is another fish that's versatile and can be made a variety of different ways. Many love it battered and deep fried but you can also make it healthier with air frying. It just has to be well seasoned, namely with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Just spray the fillets with olive oil for moistness and to get them crisp without battering.. Of course pescatarians can treat themselves to the lush seafood - the crustaceans. Lobster fra diablo is a delicious treat and perfect for a holiday meal. It's a spicy blend of the lobster meat, fennel, garlic and red pepper flakes blended with tomatoes and tomato paste. It's served over spaghetti or angel hair pasta. Another luxe dinner is shrimp scampi. This garlic rich dish is usually made with butter but there are plant based butters, especially Miyokos' (sold at Target) that you can use to cook the shrimp.

A pescatarian life can be a good one. You may be giving up one type of protein but eating another. It's a healthy and delicious transition from meat eating to a kind of vegetarianism.