Me: “Sorry I don’t eat meat, but I’m a pescetarian so I still eat fish!”
Someone else: “Wait, isn’t that a religion?”
Me: “No that’s Presbyterian, not pescetarian…”
*UPDATED: 5/25/16*
You’d be surprised how often I hear this, so I just tell people I’m a vegetarian “flexitarian” because it’s easier. I am not a full pescetarian anymore. As of April 2016, I have incorporated lean turkey and chicken back into my diet. I still want to be able to fuel my active body with good sources of protein, and I don’t think I could ever give up seafood. I love me some salmon. 😉 Plus, my doctor thought it would be a good idea to get in some more protein so that’s why I went back to chicken and turkey. I still mainly eat just seafood, but now I have more options and incorporate chicken in at least 2x a week.
However, this lifestyle choice is not for everyone.
I believe there are many nutritional benefits of eating seafood and lean poultry while avoiding red meat. Unlike most red meat, seafood is typically low in saturated fat, which is the primary cause of high cholesterol. Some fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and can contribute to raising HDL (the good form of) cholesterol and protect against heart disease. Yay! Another bonus as a pescetarian flexitarian is that I still have plenty of choices at nearly every restaurant I go to. You can bet there will always be lean chicken on a menu or fish options, but you can certainly ask for a menu item to be modified to your liking!
Bottom line: By adopting a more “flexible” approach to eating meat again, I can get in my protein in an easier way that works for my body.
This girl is happy. 🙂
If you have any questions about this kind of lifestyle, shoot me an email!