Switching to Pescetarian. Any healthy recipe ideas?

rhunter2013
rhunter2013 Posts: 3
in Food and Nutrition
So I'm changing my diet by slowly weaving out meat and eating just fish and shrimp as my animal source of protein. I'm also largely cutting back on animal by-products, such as butter, milk, etc. (Which isn't much of a sacrafice, because I love almond milk more anyway and I use oil over butter most of the time)

So far, I am loving the effects. I'm actually losing weight faster, I feel healthier, and I definitely have more energy...most of the time. I do find that by the afternoon I can be dragging a little. My husband claims its the lack of protein, even after I eat fish for lunch. I also know that eating fish every single day can be a bad thing.

All that said, here's what I'm looking for. Do any pescetarians or vegetarians out there have some good vegetarian recipes that fulfill the nutritional needs of my body without having to go back to eating meat?

Replies

  • jtangcs
    jtangcs Posts: 37 Member
    I commend you for making this change in your diet (only because I know it can't be easy giving up meat). In regards to upping your protein, and trying some new recipes/products, I have some suggestions that might be helpful.

    1. Soy products (http://www.sunrise-soya.com/). Although the protein-per-serving may not be as high as meat, but soy products have been a known vegetarian alternative. Personally, I find non-fried soy products to be healthier in general. The website provides many recipes which you may find useful in your weight loss journey.

    2. Vegetarian Cheese (alternative to regular cheese - http://www.goveggiefoods.com/). Again, not super high in protein content per serving, but every little bit counts. I haven't tried this particular brand, as I haven't yet found it in Canada, but I've had vegetarian cheese before and found it to be fine.

    Now, it's not that having fish everyday is bad, it's more the type of fish. Because certain fish (such as Tuna) can contain higher-levels of mercury or other toxins, those are fish that probably shouldn't be had everyday. Eating a variety of fish over the course of the week would likely resolve this issue. Our standard fish recipe at home is simply to either steam it and lightly season it with salt, pepper, oil and soy sauce; or, bake it with some fish rub, salt, pepper and a dash of lemon before serving.

    If I see any other good recipes, I'll be sure to pass them along.

    Good luck!
  • rhunter2013
    rhunter2013 Posts: 3
    Thanks for the advice. I mostly eat white fish and salmon. Not really a big fan of Tuna. In fact, I really don't like tuna. But I also ask simply because eating fish every day is also expensive. And I have had vegetarian cheese before. Not too bad, but doesn't quite melt as nicely...unfortunately.
  • ncl1313
    ncl1313 Posts: 237 Member
    You could try eating nuts, nut butters, seeds, or stuff like wasabi peas for snacks to add proteins if you're feeling draggy in the afternoons. As far as recipes, do a veggie stir fry with some tofu or seitan (wheat meat) and/or peanut sauce. Pretty much all veggies taste good roasted and you can toss in some toasted pine nuts or fried shallots for flavor and crunch. Add chickpeas to salads or make some hummus. Beans and quinoa are other great veg-friendly protein sources.
  • thisismeraw
    thisismeraw Posts: 1,264 Member
    Soy products are great to help add in protein. I love TVP (textured vegetable protein) for tacos, salads, etc. I have made meatballs and meatloaf out of it. There is a brand called Zoglo's that makes amazing meatless cutlets. They are by far the best meatless sub I have found.

    Add in beans and legumes. Roasted chickpeas are a great snack. Beans is a salad, wrap, etc are great. Dark veggies tend to have a decent chunk of protein.

    I also make my own protein bars. Some pureed dates, protein powder and some oatmeal makes a good one.

    Nuts and nut butters are also great for adding in protein and good fats.
  • rhunter2013
    rhunter2013 Posts: 3
    Thank you all for the advice. Not to discredit or insult, but I am aware of most of these tips. What I'm really looking for is if someone has some good recipes to help vary it up. I love to cook. I love cooking gourmet food as I have the time in the afternoon to actually do the prep work and all that (morning shift job).
  • ncl1313
    ncl1313 Posts: 237 Member
    Thank you all for the advice. Not to discredit or insult, but I am aware of most of these tips. What I'm really looking for is if someone has some good recipes to help vary it up. I love to cook. I love cooking gourmet food as I have the time in the afternoon to actually do the prep work and all that (morning shift job).

    http://www.vegangela.com/tag/high-protein/

    http://www.wholeliving.com/136524/30-vegetarian-recipes/@center/136755/green-home-guide

    Sorry about the lack of recipes on my prior post. I misunderstood and thought you were simply looking for ways to incorporate more protein into your diet.

    Are you eating shellfish? There are tons of things you can do with shrimp...tacos, fajitas, pasta, scampi.

    You could make homemade pizzas with any mix of veggies, with or without fish, and try different combos of sauces (herbed oil, tomato, pesto) and top with a drizzle of reduced balsamic and fresh herbs.
  • ddslowly
    ddslowly Posts: 46 Member
    here's two of my favorite salmon recipes:

    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roast-Salmon-with-Sweet-Chipotle-Glaze-and-Hominy-Puree-364676
    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Salmon-with-Lentils-and-Mustard-Herb-Butter-em-Saumon-aux-Lentilles-em-241768

    and a couple shrimp ones:
    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Greek-Spiced-Baked-Shrimp-350590
    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chile-Rubbed-Shrimp-with-Avocado-Corn-Cocktail-231540

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