SubscribeWhy Be Pescetarian?
You've heard the benefits of being a vegetarian, but perhaps the thought of giving up all meat just seems too difficult. Maybe you are concerned about getting enough protein. If so, becoming a pescetarian may be your answer.
Pescetarian is a relatively new word, according to Merriam Webster. Coined in 1993, its source is likely the Italian pesce (Latin piscis, meaning fish) combined with the English arian in the word vegetarian. A pescetarian (or pescatarian) is someone who eats seafood as their only source of meat. They may or may not eat dairy products; however, they do not eat poultry, beef, or any other meat.
Some refer to a pescetarian as a vegetarian who eats seafood. Someone whose diet is composed primarily of fish would be a piscivore. Other synonyms that are sometimes used for pescetarian are fishitarian (or fishetarian) or pesco-vegetarian.
Why be pescetarian?
There are a myriad of reasons a person becomes a pescetarian. Some do it for ethical reasons. Often pescetarianism is part of a transition to a vegetarian diet. Others do it for health reasons. Some choose to eat no other meat because of ethical concerns. For others it is as simple as the diet suits their palate best. Even more eat a pescetarian diet for a combination of these reasons.
The nutritional benefits of eating seafood while avoiding red meat and poultry are many. Unlike most red meat, seafood is typically low in saturated fat, which is the primary cause of high cholesterol. Some fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and can contribute to raising HDL (the good form of) cholesterol and protect against heart disease.
Ethically speaking, a pescetarian diet is kinder to animals and the environment. An omnivorous diet uses more fossil fuels and water and contributes to rain forest depletion and water pollution. Additionally, you do not have to search far to find undercover videos revealing the heinous abuse of livestock.
Finally, eating a pescetarian diet can be easier on the wallet. This is especially true if you eat kosher or organic meat, which can be very expensive.
So what are the downsides to becoming a pescetarian?
Toxicity. Since consuming a large amount of fish high in toxins, such as mercury and PCBs, can be unhealthy, a wise pescetarian makes sure to eat a variety of fish and become educated about which fish should be eaten in limited quantities.
Ethical concerns. While pescetarianism is easier on the environment and avoids the ethical concerns surrounding the care of livestock, some argue that aquatic creatures are sentient beings, meaning they suffer pain.
Fewer food choices. Naturally, as you limit your diet, your food choices will become fewer. However, with a pescetarian diet, you'll still have plenty of choice nearly everywhere you go. Most restaurants offer some vegetarian or fish choices, and if they don't, you can certainly ask for a menu item to be modified.
While a person must weigh the pros and cons of a pescetarian diet, most agree that eating less meat in general is better for health, animals, and the environment. If you are interested in becoming a pescetarian, stay tuned for details about how to make your transition an enjoyable and successful one.
Resources:
Pescetarian Life
The Picky Pescetarian
Pescetarian Living
Today, I became a pescetarian. For these reasons:
1) Now I can say that I'm a pescetarian
2) My hair is going to be WONDERFUL from all those good omega 3 oils from fish :)
3) Baked tilapia is heaven's food
4) VERY healthy choice... You still get your protein, but have all the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle! <3
I moderate a pescetarian forum. Anyone who is interested in pescetarianism is welcome to join:
i've been a pescetarian for almost 10 mos now and i'm definitely enjoying it. :) more people should try this diet too!
I became a pescetarian on January 1st as my New Years Resolution. I am not failing (yet)!!! lol.
I too decided January 1st to longer include meat in my diet and become a pescetarian. Good for you, keep up the good work.
I have been a pescetarian for 2 years now. I keep trying to switch to vegetarian and I fail. I feel so bad for eating fish (because of the significant problem with overfishing. Oh well. One of these days, I will become a full vegetarian.
I felt the same way, but I love seafood and since I took away one of my favorite dishes, "Curry chicken," I owe it to myself.
I agree, also to keep everyone motivated, just remember how much pain those animals go through everyday. Also overfishing can be stoped and we can still eat fidh, just nott the overfished ;).
Sad video:
I warn you though! It made me cry!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECJwRKngYBs&feature=mh_lolz&list=HL1312844154
Mahi cooked over an open flame on a wood plank is an excellent substitute for recipes that include chicken. The flavor and texture are very similar to chicken. So you might want to try it with your curry ck recipe! Just a suggestion. Outback steakhouse serves an excellent mahi. Try it!!!
Only certain fish you have to worry about overfishing. You can look on the govt website:)
Hi i became a pescetarien on monday, well i mean i became sure on monday because i tryed it for a few adys and it feels so much better :D
I've been a vegetarian for two and a half years and just decided on being pescatarian because it's healthier and I need my protein :) good luck to all you guys trying new things! Keep believing in yourself :)
i too became a pescetarian on jan 1 2011. i did it for my health and also because i did not want to support the horrible meat industry. i have never made such a drastic change in my diet and i felt going full vegetarian would have been hard for me to handle. congrats to all those who see the benefits of a pescetarian diet. you are definitely not alone.
I have actually been a pescetarian for 2 years and it's great to no longer be supporting the cruel treatment of animals. However, even being a pescetarian, I find myself refusing to eat farm-raised fish or certain types of fish to avoid aiding in the continuation of over-fishing and the sick workings of science on a fish's natural diet. Most farm-raised fish are actually fed corn, altered to be able to feed on the corn, and given growth hormones. Another thing pescetarians have to be wary of is fish high in toxins. As mentioned in this article, some fish, such as tuna, are high in mercury levels and PCB levels, so I also cut back on the fish that I eat a lot.
If you are one of the people who quit eating meat for environmental reasons, you can find a list of fish to avoid at http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=1540. At that same website, you can also find health information about fish to see if you should avoid them because of high mercury levels as well.
Being a pescetarian is great and so healthy for you if people just give it a chance(: Personally, I will never go back to eating meat(:
i've been vegetarian for 4 months, but im young and i need my protein, so i'm switching pescetarian. still feeling guilt about eating a living breathing thing though.
I've been a pescetarian for just over 17 years, all my life, and feel like I'm not missing anything at all. Even for someone whose lactose intolerent and hates nearly all vegetables, I find enough to eat :P I expect I'll become fully vegetarian in a few years, when I can hopefully finally accept the taste of vegetables and have near enough finished growing.
^^ may i suggest tomato cucumber salad? i am absolutely addicted to it and have been eating it with every meal since 2004.
chunk up some ripe roma tomatoes and some cucumber. finely chop some onion and you can add green pepper as well(personally i think it takes it to another level)
drizzle a touch of oil and a healthy splash of vinegar and salt, and you can also add a tiny pinch of sugar if you want. within seconds the salt and vinegar will draw out the flavours of the ingredients and you will have the bestest salad evar, similar to greek salad but without the feta and olives(btw that salad also rocks)
goes with any and every meal save for stir fry, which is part salad anyway.
soooooo delicious.
i'm not sure if i should become a pescetarian or not. my family would most likely become mad. what should i do?
Hi,
Sorry that you wrote this in July.
Two days ago (Thanksgiving 2011) I decided to become a vegetarian. I skipped the meat and ate a salad, bread and fruit salad for dinner. I didn't really miss it (them turkey and ham,) but I found that in one day, trying to become a vegetarian after being an omnivore my whole life was really difficult. So, today, I decided why not be pescetarian? I have 3 friends who are pesceterian and one vegan, and I'm really strong willed, so it probably will not be as difficult for me.
You should do it. I know nothing about your family or you but I felt nervous to tell my family today too because they all really like red meat, chicken and pork. So I told one of my omnivorous friends first. He said he was proud of me, told my parents. It's a little nerve-racking but you will feel better if you tell them how you feel.
Sorry for writing so much. I hope this helps, unless you already are a pesceterian, but if you are that's great. :)
At the age of 21 I am delighted to say that I am and have been pescatarian for 11 years. I love it! <3
I just decided to become a prescitatian a week ago and I already feel the benefits! I mainly switched for health reasons because I'm on a major diet and A LOT of sources say that cutting meat out is wise. They also say there are many benefits to eating fish. I agree with these experts first-hand. I love this diet and swear by it!. My hair is shinier, my energy level is up, my mood is weirdly happy all the time, and I'm getting slimmer. (Not to mention I'm sleeping better!) Everyone should do this!!
Now I know the mercury thing is worrisome, but It's not a problem if you vary the fish you're eating and eat fish with a low-mercury concentration (like salmon and shrimp). I love sashimi and things like that. You can like switch it up like eat some Quinoa for dinner one night and then grill up some salmon the next night!! It's super-easy to try and you'll feel better!
Wanted to let readers know that I have been following this type of diet for over 15 years and my Doctor has given me a clean bill of health each year. All my numbers from my blood test are slightly below or within the normal range. In my opinion, the health benefits are worth it, the financial savings are a plus and your compassion for anything alive increases.
We should celebrate Pescatarian Day each Thursday and donate the savings to Charitable Organizations that teach the importance of sustainable diets.
ive been a pescetarian for 10 months now and i absolutley love it :D my hair is shiney and knowing i can get enough protien because my parents refuse to by a subsitute makes everything much easier
THIs is great information. I am on day 2 and am so excited!!
My new years resolution for 2012 is to become a pescetarian. I have already started to test the waters with some awesome recipes. Not many resources on the web though, anyone know of any reading material for pescetarianism?
Thanks,
Kevin
this is my NY's resolution as well. Cant wait to get started!! Good Luck and if you find any recipes let me know.
I've been a pescetarian for almost two and a half years already. and only God knows how I'm in love with this diet ((: My previous weight (back in two years) were 59/60 kg. now i way up till 53/54 kg and my height is 165 cm ((: God bless all of you. no way I'm gonna go back to my meat world. I don't find these kinda food interesting and delicious anymore. Good luck for those who are trying.
I became a pescetarian for the New Year's (11 days ago) and it feels like I've been one for a lifetime already - in a good way! It feels so natural for me. This is coming from someone whose favorite pizza was meat lover's....seriously! I did it for the health benefits. I thought, I've been trying to lose weight for years... and I never thought to aproach it from a meatless aspect. I've always known protein was good for you, but I trusted that I would be able to find it in other places, which is one reason why I decided to leave fish in my diet. I also did it to force myself to eat lots of veggies, but I love veggies anyway! I eat a greek yogurt every morning for the extra 14g protein. I cannot stress enough the benefits. Already I feel so pure and flushed out of toxins. My mood is completely amazing, I sleep peacefully, and I feel so in control. I feel like I have a special lifestyle and I like that. Oh, not to mention I've lost nearly 10 pounds! I feel like it's my little secret weapon of strength...haha! It makes sense to me..anyone who is on the border just try it for a week. It's easy to adjust, even for a meat lover. I will definitely stick to this for a long time!
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