Newbie Pescetarian

mellyboo17

So I started being a Pescetarian about 2 weeks ago. I was reading about saturated fat and how you can drastically lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and your cholesterol if you stop eating meat. I guess that kind of shocked me learning that so I have stopped eating meat since. I also found that I was not eating a lot of vegetables as I should be so that was also a contributor to my decision.
I would like some tips and advice on how to broaden my meals and what do you guys use to season your meals. I was using knorrs chicken seasoning all the time but since I can't now I'm stuck with salt and pepper and some meals just don't taste the same anymore. I love to eat fish and tofu and have found a few meals I am liking. However, I don't want to be eating so much carbs all the time too such as pasta, rice and breads.
If any pescetarians/vegetarians who have open diaries wouldn't mind adding me or vice versa I would love the help and ideas of what to eat.

Thanks!

RobKing311

I am newly vegan, was Pescetarian before that and I had the same problem with seasoning and keeping food fresh. The best thing I did was go to my local store head to the spice rack and buy stuff I never heard of, sounds crazy but I spent a decent amount on just new flavors and I tested them on neutral foods like rice. I found out I LOVE CURRY! Helps open door to new ways to think about seasoning and keeps the food exciting. Good luck!

MelaniaTrump

No chicken breasts? Full of protein and lean. Just don't eat it deep fried or processed. For a bit of flavor I cook it in two tbsp of bb sauce.

kshama2001

Due to a medical condition, I started reducing saturated fats last week. I'm still eating chicken breasts and thighs, but am going to reduce eggs, red meat and fattier pork products. I stopped eating coconut oil.

My three go-to fish recipes for fresh/frozen fish:

1. For salmon, I make a glaze with soy sauce and ginger powder. Don't ask me for proportions, lol. A thick paste will be really spicy. I like it runnier.

2. I bread white fish several different ways - the outer layer is Pepperidge Farms bread crumbs, pulsed in the food processor for a finer texture. I've dredged it in mayo. Mayo only has 1.5 g of saturated fat per tablespoon, and way less than 1 T is needed per serving of fish, but fat free yogurt could be used to completely eliminate saturated fat.

3. Last week, I had cod with a Mornay Sauce for which I reduced the saturated fat by using half olive oil and half butter in the roux rather than all butter. I added a little mustard. It was so good!

For canned salmon, which is close enough to tuna for me, plus is cheaper and available as wild, I do add 1 T of mayo per serving and have it as a sandwich. Bread made from white flour makes me sleepy, so I use bread made from sprouted grains, such as Ezekial/Food for Life or my new favorite, Alvarado St Bakery low calorie flax.

I also make this, reducing the recipe in half to get one serving, using two ounces of dried pasta and 2 oz of salmon: http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/a-pasta-dish-straight-from-the-pantry/?_r=0 I haven't looked at the saturated fat in that yet.

Obnoxa

Been pesco for a couple years now, so I have it pretty down. My diary is open to friends so I'll send you an invite.
Not sure your location but in Canada we have Bulk Barn, they have a great vegetation chicken broth powder that I love for all manner of seasoning, stews, gravy, etc.
I build a decent amount of my meals, which I normally log ingredients individually but if my journal has something you're interested that I made through the recipe app let me know and I'll forward it
If anyone else wants a pesco friend, feel free to add me!

mellyboo17

Thanks you guys! I appreciate the feedback. I love Asian cuisine so I have bought spices from the Asian store but I know they sell a mushroom seasoning powder so I might try that out. I love curry too! Just had vegetable curry and brown rice for lunch today! I am going to definitely have a browse at several stores and see what I can add to my list of ingredients.

Orphia

I am mostly pescetarian, but eat other meat in moderation. I have no medical conditions and have lost 26 kg since April. My diary is open.

valeriesmith1840

I don't eat much meat or dairy, and when I do it's usually in moderation and a big deal meal! LOL When I started watching calories I was a lot like you...I wasn't sure what to eat and I easily got stuck in food ruts.

Some of my favorite meals:
- Tuna toasted in a whole wheat wrap with mozzarella cheese and spinach
- Sliced mushrooms with sauce and mozzarella cheese baked in the oven, eat with a salad
- Tofu seasoned with cayenne, chili powder, cumin and toasted in a skillet...love it over lettuce with ranch dressing
- Curried hummus with whole wheat tortillas toasted and sliced up like chips
- Curried potatoes, peas, and cauliflower
- Vegetarian black bean chili

The big thing for me is I try to find one or two new things a week to try. That way I'm not out a fortune on new ingredients...and if I don't like it then I'm not out of meals for the week! Spices have been HUGE. Another thing I love is McCormick vegetable seasoning on roasted vegetables. Just toss 'em int he oven with a little EVOO spray and the seasoning...makes most veggies taste AWESOME.