Check out my progress on Fishy Thinking
When I first became a vegetarian at the age of 16, I was primarily motivated by the diet’s positive effect on health. (I made the decision after reading Eat, Drink, & Be Healthy by Walter Willett—still a worthwhile read!). Over the years, my reasons for maintaining an herbivorous diet expanded, with environmental impact and ethical concerns also reinforcing my devotion to vegetarianism.
However, in recent years, I’ve begun to re-evaluate my dietary restrictions. As you may recall, last spring I re-incorporated eggs into my diet after 3 years of strictly excluding them from my diet. I decided that their nutritional benefits were too good to pass up—they’re like neat little packages of protein, monounsaturated fat, and that ever elusive vitamin D.
My latest nutritional ponderings have surrounded fish. Throughout my nutrition classes, I am learning that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are really vital to overall health. Sure, you can get ALA (a precursor to the EPA and DHA found in fatty fish) from walnuts and flax, but several studies indicate that the conversion rate is suboptimal. Considering the fact that health was the impetus for this lifestyle change in the first place, does it make sense for me to continue my lacto-ovo vegetarian lifestyle?
Part of my dilemma is the fact that vegetarianism has become part of my identity over the past 7 years. I have come to fulfill the family’s role as the “eccentric vegetarian” of the three daughters; my friends have known me as the health-nut veg-head. Unfortunately, I think I have let my patterns of eating define too much of who I am. Regardless of whether I eat fish, Brussels sprouts, or whoopie pies, I am the same passionate, albeit slightly neurotic person.
I haven’t made any finite decisions about impending dietary changes, but it’s just something that has been on my mind in recent weeks.
Do you eat fish? Why or why not?
Also, do you think your eating habits should have a part in defining identity?
Anyway, here’s how I’ve been fueling myself today:
The cinnamon raisin Ezekiel-cottage cheese combo never fails to satisfy.
For lunch, I packed a simple, colorful salad using up some frozen vegetables.
Tonight’s dinner featured an Ellie recipe, Zucchini Parmesan Crisps.
My tweak:
-I made my own bread crumbs from whole wheat bread rather than buying the pre-packaged kind.
Considering my affinity for making baked “chips” and “fries” out of pretty much any vegetable, it should come as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this recipe. For some odd reason, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Cheeze-Its as I munched away on these crisps. I can definitely see myself making these again!
You can make a batch for yourself using this recipe: Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
Alright, I must go finish a stats take-home test. Is it the weekend yet?
Good night.
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
Salmon is a staple in my diet
Wow that sandwich looks amazing! I’ve been a lacto-ovo veg for 7 years and I gave up fish about 2 years ago. A few months ago I reincorporated fish for health and protein however I stopped after a few weeks. I became a vegetarian primarily through ethical reason and have recently added health onto it so I felt like a hypocrite. But I feel that if most of your motivation is health that you should go for fish!
you should definitely do what you think is right and not make decisions on what others might think.. i do nott thinking eating habits should be a part of someones identity. in my opinion its just a label and adds restriction- like in this case- because we are always learning and growing.
i do eat fish- wild caught only. my favorite is definitely salmon (with goat cheese on toast or on a salad- soo good) and i also lovee cod. i hope you go for it just to try and not feel bad for doing so!
Fish is definitely one reason I will probably never go vegetarian. The colorful lunch salad is such a great idea.
I started on my road to being a vegetarian, by first going pescatarian. Then I went full veg. Once I became pregnant- I realized that I really needed (in my opinion) to add meat and more eggs into my life to get the proper amount of protein. I think that you have to eat what makes you happy and keeps you healthy….and that may mean different things at various points in your life. Great breakfast. I <3 fresh grapes. And the filling on your dinner sandwich looks incredible.
You and I need an updated phone chat on this very subject. Call me soon please
Good luck with your test!
Have to weigh in here…I LOVE SEAFOOD. I incorporated it and will never go back, I think. I feel weird about dairy and MAYBE I can see myself without eggs but really?
NEVER fish. I feel like …I don’t know. …If I were in the wild I could probably catch a fish…not kill a buffalo.
I don’t think I can form a bond with a fish, nor was it birthed from a womb….it seems rather natural in moderation. I wish I ate more fresh caught (which I do often as I live in Florida) cause the farm raised type raises issues…but that’s just how I feel. In my heart of hearts I am OK with eating fish. A chicken? I can’t.
I both eat and love fish. It’s a good source of protein, and omega-3 fats, and one of the most nutritious foods I eat. Don’t force yourself to eat fish if you don’t enjoy it, and definitely don’t let your title define what you can and can’t eat. The choice is all yours
I claim to be a pescatarian, but don’t eat fish often. When I do it is because of the convenience – at a restaurant or with family, fish is a healthy option that we can all have. Lots of times the vegetarian option at restaurants isn’t very good for you, but a piece of baked fish is!
I’m on the fence though. I go back and forth between being okay with fish… I still don’t know!
I used to love salmon and sushi before going vegetarian a little over a year ago; however, I think the most compelling argument for not eating fish is the environmental concerns of overfishing. That said, I’m sure some sources of fish that are available that are more sustainable than others.
That grilled veggies and hummus sandwich looks amazing. I must put that on my meal plan next week.
I can’t stress just how timely this post is for me. I just came home from dinner at a family friend’s house where I ate lamb. (background- I stopped eating beef/pork at age 9, went pescatarian at age 19). And you know what? I didn’t feel bad or conflicted about it one bit.
Yes, I call myself a pescatarian- but because I object to the politics, economics, and environmental effects of our current system of meat production, not because of animal rights. I honestly do not feel badly about eating meat raised in an ethical and sustainable fashion. This lamb had been raised on their friend’s ranch in Wyoming. It was the centerpiece of the meal and there weren’t many other options. And I just didn’t want to make them feel bad. So I ate it.
I guess what I’m trying to say is… I think you should go for the fish. I definitely understand your inner conflict about it being intertwined your indentity, though. My sister FREAKED out in the car about how I ate meat and was making so much more of a big deal out of it than I- making assumptions, etc. I basically just explained to her what I said above. I think the key is just laying it all out on the table for your fam, like you did in this post.
to be honest . . . i actually find it much easier to eat healthfully when i include meat and fish. just think of all the clean eating recipe opportunities that will open up!!
oh, and i agree with clare above — when it comes to ordering in restaurants, for me, fish is often the healthiest way to get a satisfying meal. you might find that eating out is more fun with fewer restrictions, and since you don’t do it that often anyway, it is not going to have a negative impact on your overall healthy ways
smoked. salmon. for life
I eat fish, just not as often as I like. There are 2 pieces of salmon sitting in my refrigerator right now!
I think that food does affect who we are, but should not define who we are. it is important and impacts our everyday decisions, but to say that food alone is what defines us is not true. There are so many things that contribute to our personality, our likes, and our dislikes, that it would be disappointing to let food control us. However, from personal experience, I know that’s much easier to say that to do! I guess it all comes down to balance.
This topic hits home with me because I went straight from average omnivore to vegan (6 mo), vegetarian (2 years), and then back to a much healthier version of omnivore. I prefer eating fish (or eggs) to any other animal product. Still eat mostly vegan because I like to, but I like the flexibility for eating with my family. Too long was I defined solely by my eating habits, and still I am defined by my bf’s friends in ways I wish I wasn’t… like I only eat “pure foods” or I live “off air” and I’m a health nut, all sorts of crap.
I was also motivated by health, not animal rights (for better or worse).
You might like reading Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live. He advocates a MOSTLY vegan lifestyle (lots of fruits, veggies and beans), and that as long as you eat a lot of these micronutrient-dense foods, you can still eat nonfat dairy or fish or eggs a couple times a week. He says it’s better for optimal health to eat as an omnivore with a majority of plants than a strict vegan who eats mostly grains, packaged foods, etc.
Obviously I can ramble on this subject, if need be
The one thing that would prevent me from going full-out vegetarian is fish. Definitely. I love fish, and love the health benefits that come with eating it. And, yep, I keep my conscience clear by sticking to the sustainable seafood choices only — so there are definitely certain fish or types of seafood that I won’t lay a finger on… Eco-friendly wild sockeye salmon, though? Yes please~!
In a way, I think our eating habits do define a part of who we are. I’m sure we’ve all heard “You are what you eat”, and it’s kind of true to an extent, isn’t it? Food is the fuel necessary for living… But no, it definitely shouldn’t define our personalities – it should just energize us enough to power us through activities and interactions that play a part in defining who we are.
I don’t think I’m making any sense so… I’ll just shut up and conclude with: I think fish are awesome if they’re sustainably caught (or sustainably farmed), since they’re delicious and nutritious, but of course the choice is still all yours! No one here will judge you, whatever you say.
I was a vegetarian years ago (no longer am) and fish was one of the first things I re-incorporated. (Well, chicken was first but it’s because I was in college and that was about all I could stomach from the dining hall) I ALWAYS think that if your body is telling you to incorporate something back into your diet that you should go with it!
I used to be pescatarian and loved it since I could still eat a vegetarian diet, but include some sources of fish. I only ate sustainability and wild caught fish, as I’m sure you’ve heard many of the stories and tragics about fish farming! I do miss fish often, since I removed it from my diet last summer, and definitely have thought about bringing it back for the omega-3s and protein. So funny we’re on the same board with that– great minds think alike?
I’d keep researching, talking to people, but ultimately do what’s right for you! Don’t let your eating disorder, other bloggers, etc. tell you what you should do. While advice and suggestion is great, do what feels right within
Can’t wait to hear how everything turns out! Thinking of you….
I struggle with this too – My identity has a lot to do with my healthy diet, but maybe less to do with vegetarianism than strict health. I’ve solved it (internally), by eating sushi rarely – but just like everything else meat-related, if I really craved it, I’d probably just eat it!
Your lunch salad looks delicious! What did you dress it with and what is the spice on top?
As a vegetarian myself, I eat fish, because it is a great source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, etc. Plus the environmental impact of fish isn’t as big as with regular animals. And it’s a good substitute when eating with meat-eaters- you can easily have a tuna burger while everyone else has beef burgers and you don’t have to look as much like the odd ball out.
I’m not vegetarian. But I’d say: follow your heart and what your body says.
I just incorporated fish back into my lacto-ovo veggie diet as well, and I have to say, I feel SO much better! You obviously know about the benefits of omega-3s, but I found that being able to eat fish allowed me to go out to eat with friends and not have to order a plate of veggies with a side of rice for dinner.
For me, being vegetarian was an ED decision, so I needed to incorporate it back into my diet. However, I was also worried about sacrificing my ‘identity’ as the weird veggie/vegan girl, but found that everyone around me welcomed the change.
You said it girl- don’t let how you eat define who you are.
Food is identity for me girl. My decision to go veg came primarily from my eating disorder. Even though I was trying to recover I still felt like I was losing my identity by losing my eating disorder, so I went looking for something else to fill that void. Becoming a vegetarian seemed to fit that need and gave me a sense of purpose, of belonging, of self-worth, and made me feel special again. I feel very much that the foods I eat define who I am and the type of person I am. For example: natural foods=good person who is eating healthfully whereas processed foods=unhealthy, fat person who is, essentially, bad. It can be very hard to break from this mentality and I haven’t even begun to do that yet. My goal is to one day, I hope, not be afraid of eating anything and to believe that my identity does not rely in the types of foods that I eat, nor the shape of my body.
Love that you brought up this topic!