What are some tips you would have for someone switching to a pescatarian diet?

felixrowe5482
felixrowe5482 Posts: 2 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I have always struggled with eating enough protein and grew up not really paying attention to the quality of the food that I was eating. I have decided to switch from an omnivore diet to a pescatarian diet due to finding out the benefits of seafood and how it seems more sustainable for me than being a vegetarian. I would like some tips though on how to make sure I’m still eating the right amount of protein and other nutrients. I am also dairy-free due to being lactose intolerant. I still eat eggs on occasion. I just want to know if anyone has had any problems with being pescatarian and your experiences with it. Good and bad. Tia!

Answers

  • vitalitybycarrie
    vitalitybycarrie Posts: 4 Member
    I am same as you. Went pescatarian in March of last year. Guts are better & also have better energy! Best decision I ever made!
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,013 Member
    If you've been vegetarian for a while, and switch, you may have some minor issues temporarily, possibly mild digestive issues, because of adaptation. Vegetarians tend to have a different gut microbiome than people who eat meat. It's not a big deal, and there was a small study suggesting that the adaptation period is fairly short, maybe a couple of weeks. The gut bugs may need to catch up with a new eating routine, that's all.

    If you haven't been vegetarian long, or are someone who was . . . I don't know what to say here . . . almost vegetarian, but with occasional eating of meat/fish? . . . or are just lucky, it may not happen at all.

    If you have been vegetarian for quite a while, gradually adding in fish/seafood might help avoid any issues. It's not a huge big deal, just a possibility to be aware of.

    I'm absolutely NOT suggesting you shouldn't make the switch. I've notice that with other dietary changes, sometimes people think their body's objecting when something like this happens, and they change course because of some symptom that's probably very temporary. That's not necessary, unless one truly has an allergy or something.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,356 Member
    edited January 17
    What are your concerns eating fish? You sound more caught up in terminology and possibly some ideology, but I can assure you fish is healthy and contain some pretty important fats that are essential for thriving and especially for brain function and like all animal flesh, they're predominantly amino acids (protein) and good ones at that. Maybe do some more learning about nutrition in the general sense, that way you can make better and more informed decisions regarding your health.
  • felixrowe5482
    felixrowe5482 Posts: 2 Member
    I’ve actually always loved fish, which is why I am thinking it would be an easy change for me in my diet, but I’m just curious as to what all the benefits of cutting out other forms of meat would be while keeping up with my nutritional goals. I know fish is a great source of protein and there’s a huge variety which would keep me from getting bored, but I would like to weigh all pros and cons of a switch like this.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,356 Member
    edited January 24
    An omnivore diet does mean you can also consume fish. Sounds like the last 50 years of red meat dogma has worn you down and apparently eggs aren't any better as well. Your always welcome back. :)

  • sbromley3232115
    sbromley3232115 Posts: 1 Member
    I eat a pescatarian diet due to an extensive family history of heart disease. In terms of protein- I make sure to be eating things like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, nuts, nut butter, and beans as well as fish. I also drink a protein shake regularly just to help get enough protein in a day. You definitely don’t need to be eating seafood every day in order to hit your protein goals if you like the other protein sources.

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