When many people think of the term “pescatarian“, they think solely about fish. Yes, a pescatarian consumes fish, but it’s other seafood items as well. A pescatarian diet refers to a vegetarian diet that also includes the consumption of fish. According to Healthline.com, “….this diet is often described as “pesco-vegetarian,” and is lumped into the spectrum of vegetarianism”.

Cited Source: Jennings, K.-A. (2017, March 10). What is a Pescatarian and What do they eat? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pescatarian-diet.

A lot of people who choose this diet choose it because they feel it is a better way to get the proteins they need without harming or causing destruction to the land and without inhumanly slaughtering animals. For many others, it’s simply a choice for a better and healthier lifestyle. Another reason many people switch to a pescatarian diet is that a lot of red meat and pork contain a lot of unhealthy bacteria and saturated fats. Many fats that a lot of people can’t break down, let alone get rid of. 

What Pescatarians Can & Can’t Eat

Again this diet is a vegetarian diet with the inclusion of fish “seafood”. This means that all the food items that vegetarians eat:

• Fruits
• Veggies
• Grains
• Legumes
• Dairy
• Seeds

are all included. Then you have all the seafood items such as:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Catfish
• Shrimp
• Lobster
• Crab
• Oysters
• Muscles
• And the list goes on

Then there are things pescatarians simply do not eat and avoid at all cost:

• Any red meats (beef)
• Pork
• Turkey
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Etc.

Before Eating Meat

Simply put if it doesn’t come from the ocean/water or is from a plant, a pescatarian does not consume it. 

Many people think, “Well, I can’t eat seafood every day.” Or “I have to have red meats and game meat.” Sorry to burst your bubble but technically we don’t HAVE TO have those items. Before the tools were even created to hunt down huge animals such as cows and other animals many people just fished. It was easier and a lot less dangerous to get food that way. Even before fishing people simply ate a plant-based diet. 

Get Creative

You can treat all of your seafood items and plant-based items the same as if you were to do a steak. Now it won’t taste 100% like steak but I guarantee you are to get close. When you limit yourself or a certain diet, it forces you to get creative with what you have. All seafood can be cooked in more than 1 way, grilled, seared, baked, roasted, etc. You just have to find what works for you. Even if you aren’t the best at pairing items or coming up with recipes off the top of your head simply do a swap. By a swap I mean, the items you would pair with a steak, eliminate the steak, and substitute it with a seafood protein. 

Example:

❌Rosemary Buttered Steak, Asparagus, & Mash potatoes.

✅Rosemary Buttered Salmon w/ Lemon, Asparagus, & Mash Potatoes.

If that’s still too much to handle, you can always slide over to Google or even better; Pinterest! Pinterest not only shows delicious recipes, pictures, and if you get lucky 🍀 a link followed with the recipe. 

Being a pescatarian should be fun, healthy, and adventurous. Nothing is better than creating a dish that makes you happy and feels great at the same time. 

Connect With Me

Need help with creating dishes or simply want inspiration, head on over to my social media accounts for all sorts of vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. 

Instagram: @ cookingw.ko

Pinterest: @ cookingwithko

Even better, you’re already on my blog 😊. Check out “Chef Ko’s Kreations” Tab