10 Reasons to Become a Pescetarian & 10 Dishes To Start With
Fishing for a Reason?
If you’ve always contemplated becoming a pescetarian, then this list breaks down all the benefits and plenty of starter plates to kick off the journey. Maybe going vegetarian or vegan is too hard, but luckily pescetarians can continue to enjoy protein in fish form without as many worries.
1. Weight Management
Many people switch to pescetarian diets to help them manage their weight. This is because a seafood-based diet can help limit inflammation, but omega-3 fatty acids in fish are great for health and help lower cholesterol and support health.
Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash
2. Heart Health
There is plenty of evidence to indicate that a pescetarian diet reduces the risk of heart diseases and can also help you manage blood pressure. That’s why when lots of people have a heart scare, it is recommended that they cut out red meat and start eating more fish.
3. Nutrient Rich
Fish are full of plenty of beneficial nutrients you’re going to want to load up on, everything from vitamin B12 to calcium. This is also great for your cardiovascular health, and also gives you access to nutrients you might struggle to find in plant-only foods.
4. Mood Boosting
A pescetarian diet is also shown to improve mood! This is likely because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish are known to fight oxidative stress, and hence help you feel mentally better.
5. Diabetes
Red meat has been linked as a major cause of diabetes, and puts people at a higher risk. That is why many prefer to replace the meat in their life with fish instead, as it’s a leaner and healthier protein source.
6. Culinary Variety
Many people in the world get locked into one kind of diet. For instance, if you grew up eating processed food, you’ll likely continue the trend. A pescetarian diet offers a way to be adventurous and experience different dishes and foods from a wide variety of cultures and regions.
7. An Accessible Diet
When people think about dieting, veganism and vegetarianism get thrown around a lot. However, those diets are difficult to achieve and can be a big change for some people. Meanwhile, a pescetarian diet is a great stepping stone and is less restrictive, making it a more accessible choice.
8. Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline is a big worry for many people as they reach older age. However, pescetarian diets and fish in particular are known to preserve cognitive function through omega-3s. This might be why people in Blue Zone areas, regions of the world known to host the longest-lived people, eat so much fish.
9. Protein Power
Many people are concerned about protein and ensuring they get lots of it when it comes to dieting. A pescetarian diet is a great way to ensure you feel all that protein, as fish and seafood are a prime source.
10. A Way of Life
For lots of people, a diet isn’t just a temporary fad, but is instead their way of life. They make lifelong commitments, and it could be for a variety of reasons from wanting to limit their environmental impact to combating cruel farming practices.
Now that we have talked about reasons to become a pescetarian, here are 10 easy breezy dishes to incorporate today!
1. Fish and Chips
If you’re new to the world of pescetarian diets, you may be feeling a bit intimidated. But odds are there are probably lots of dishes you already eat that meet the requirements. Fish and chips essentially replace nuggets or chicken strips with fried and battered fish instead.
2. Crab Cake Benes
If you’re a big fan of eggs benedict and aren’t sure how to replace the sausage, ham, or bacon – then try crab cakes instead! Packed full of protein, these crab cakes work as both the muffin and the protein, and go great with poached eggs.
3. Poke
Poke is a Hawaiian dish that usually involves raw pieces of fish tossed with rice and veggies. Super refreshing, light, and quite tasty, this savory dish is a great way to try an assortment of fish from salmon and tuna.
David Foodphototasty on Unsplash
4. Sushi
Most people love sushi, and you can double down on the habit by having as much as you want whenever you want without worrying about the diet. Most sushi rolls put the fish front and center, so you can have anything from California rolls to dynamite rolls.
5. Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are a staple in California, but you can enjoy this treat just about anywhere. To really get your money’s worth, avoid chains and instead seek out food trucks or local gems. The idea is to replace the stewed meat with crispy fried fish instead.
6. Baked Salmon
You might be used to having baked chicken with a side of potatoes and veggies and calling it a meal. You can easily replace the proteins in your favorite dishes with fish without missing a beat. Instead of baked chicken, leave some salmon to marinate overnight and pop it in a baking tray when you’re ready.
7. Fish Burgers
Don’t feel as if you have to give up your favorite foods, as fish works great as a substitute. For instance, if you like burgers, try replacing the meat patty with some crispy fried fish instead. Of course, you can also try making shrimp patties!
8. Shrimp Pasta
Speaking of shrimp, it works great with some fettuccine or spaghetti. Instead of the typical meatballs or roast chicken pieces, toss in some skillet-fried shrimp and you won’t be missing anything.
9. Tuna Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is usually good on its own, but if you wanna add some flair, throw in a can of spicy Thai tuna that you can buy at your local grocer. Mix this in alongside the cheese and you’ll love the flavor and protein. It honestly tastes a lot like spicy chicken.
10. Honey Garlic Shrimp
One final shrimp dish to close off the list is fusing it with honey garlic. This is a great replacement for honey garlic chicken or really any crispy chicken over rice dish. Instead, the shrimp carries all the flavors you love, and is perfectly tender too.
