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pescatarian way allows for a lot of flexibility and is a good lifestyle
option for those who want the benefits of both a plant-based diet,
as well as all of the health benefits of seafood. Plus, health experts
and the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend eating seafood at
least 2-3 times each week.
And speaking of health benefits of a pescatarian diet, there are
so many reasons to eat more fish and shellfish! Seafood is rich in
important nutrients, particularly protein, healthful fats like omega3s, B vitamins, iodine,
selenium and vitamin D. Protein is crucial for
muscle building and maintenance and keeping blood sugar levels
stable. Omega-3s like DHA and EPA are essential for a healthy
heart, brain, eyes, skin and immune system and helping to reduce
inflammation. Plus, DHA and EPA play a critical role in cognitive
health at all life stages, including baby brain development during
For many in the seafood industry, October means
National Seafood Month. Starting in 2020, October
also means National Pescatarian Month.
Sponsored by National Fisheries Institute's Dish on Fish three
years ago, National Pescatarian Month is an officially designated
annual event intended to raise awareness about the benefits of
a pescatarian diet. National Pescatarian Month also offers the
opportunity to share fun tips on how to adopt-partially, fully
or somewhere in between-a pescatarian lifestyle and all the
delicious ways seafood can be an integral part of any diet or
way of life.
It is estimated that pescatarians comprise about 5 percent of the
U.S. population. While there are no formal pescatarian diet rules,
many people who identify as a pescatarian tend to eat a heavily
vegetarian diet that also includes seafood. Typically, a pescatarian
eating plan includes fish and shellfish, vegetables, fruits, grains,
legumes, nuts, seeds and, for some, dairy and/or eggs. Eating the
Eat more seafood…
Celebrating National
Pescatarian Month
Article contributed
by Rima Kleiner,
The National
Fisheries Institute
Images from Everyday Seafood Recipes
If you're ready to dive in and help share the word
about how customers, consumers and followers can
go pescatarian this October, here are a few ways to
get started:
TRY A PESCATARIAN LIFESTYLE by enjoying
meals comprised of seafood and veggies-feel
free to add in grains, legumes, nuts, seed or
fruit-a few times for one week. Then continue for
the whole month (or longer!) if it works with your
lifestyle.
SPREAD THE WORD about National Pescatarian
Month and invite friends or family to enjoy a
seafood meal together.
TRY A NEW SEAFOOD EACH WEEK THIS MONTH.
If shrimp has always been a go-to, give scallops
or crab a try, as well. If salmon is always on the
shopping list, add another fish like cod or Alaskan
pollock to the weekly repertoire.
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