Becoming Pesco Veggie

aliencheesecake
aliencheesecake Posts: 569 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am giving serious consideration to becoming a pesco-veggo (still eat fish, cuz I loves me some sushi.) Mostly it would be for health reasons, as I have heart issues in my family, and despite all my exercise and calorie watching, my cholesterol is currently too high. I have also heard it really does help with body composition and fat loss. Also, although I freely admit and agree that it is nature's way for animals to eat one another, it is becoming harder for me to justify it, especially with the way "farmed" animals are treated and processed.

I am a bit concerned about selection in my diet though. I know there are plenty of protein laden options beside meat, but I need ideas for a variety of easy dishes so I won't get bored. Also, I'd love to hear about your experiences and/or successes with a veggie lifestyle.

Thanks, guys!

Replies

  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,218 Member
    I think it's a good option, health wise. We personally consume quite a bit of seafood, but we also support farmers in our area that practice responsible farming (local lamb, poultry, pork, beef and most veg, herbs etc) and also have a source of game animals from friends, mostly deer and moose. Most of our fish lately is pickerel that was caught locally from ice fishing. If you seriously want to live a healthier lifestyle then I suggest you get involved with the people that are going to supply you with food.
  • aliencheesecake
    aliencheesecake Posts: 569 Member
    Thanks. I can get deer meat and sometimes beef (farm beef, not the icky overprocessed, antibiotic, additive- laden beef from the store) but aside from the sushi, most of my fish would come from the store. I have only lived in this state about four years an I really do not know many people around here at all.
  • Mommybear1979
    Mommybear1979 Posts: 13 Member
    I was a Pesco veggie for many years. I felt much more alert and less sluggish than when I eat other kinds of meat. I recommend finding a farmers market and buying things in season. Also talk to the people selling veggies about preparation and storage. They are a wealth of information.
  • aliencheesecake
    aliencheesecake Posts: 569 Member
    Thanks! Yeah, I don't think I do JUST whole foods diet, but I am trying to buy things with less crap in them and ingredients I can recognize and pronounce too. lol A farmers market would be a great way to help with fresh, clean food choices.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    My husband has been pescetarian for more than a decade and he doesn't have problems reaching his nutritional targets :-)

    Are you planning to, like many, also eat dairy and/or eggs? Cheese, milk, yogurt, etc...are good protein sources in moderation. We eat a lot of beans (all types but especially love black beans), lentils, and EGGS galore. Also, some tofu, TVP (makes great taco meat and such), and veggie substitutes like Morningstar Farms' various burgers and veg sausage products (not all the time).

    Vegetables are a great focus to many meals. Eggplant parmigiana, tortilla soup, quiche, wonderful soups...there are endless options!

    I ate strictly pescetarian for 1 year. It was never a problem. Since going back to eating meat, I mostly enjoy beef (weekly or less often) and chicken (a couple of times a month). I still don't crave/eat pork or turkey for whatever reason. I've seen no difference in MY personal health or weight loss while being pescetarian vs. eating meat but that is not to say there are no advantages!
  • aliencheesecake
    aliencheesecake Posts: 569 Member
    My husband has been pescetarian for more than a decade and he doesn't have problems reaching his nutritional targets :-)

    Are you planning to, like many, also eat dairy and/or eggs? Cheese, milk, yogurt, etc...are good protein sources in moderation. We eat a lot of beans (all types but especially love black beans), lentils, and EGGS galore. Also, some tofu, TVP (makes great taco meat and such), and veggie substitutes like Morningstar Farms' various burgers and veg sausage products (not all the time).

    Vegetables are a great focus to many meals. Eggplant parmigiana, tortilla soup, quiche, wonderful soups...there are endless options!

    Yes! There is NO way I could give up my dairy. I LOVE cheese and yogurt, ice cream and even milk. I eat most of the above foods already, (with the exception of tofu because I am worried about the effects on my hormones.) One of my biggest challenges will be that, although I do not expect hubby to go pesco with me (and he wouldn't anyway) I will prob have to keep cooking meat for him because he will gripe about not having meat too many nights in a row! haha!

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