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We’re sure you’ve heard all about good protein sources — particularly from lean red meat, chicken, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and fish. Fish is an excellent alternative for those looking to eat less red meat due to their high protein content, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish are also rich in healthy fat, which is good for the brain. It’s also a low-calorie protein source compared to other protein sources such as meat and poultry, making it a better option for those of us looking to lose a little weight.
Granted, there is a plethora of fish to eat — but it’s important to look at the best options that you could add to your diet in a pinch, such as tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel.
According to New York-based nutritionist Wilson Smith, “Fish isn’t only rich in protein and omega-3’s, but also nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, and important trace minerals such as zinc, selenium, calcium, and iron. Seafoods like prawns and oysters are also high-protein choices that contain selenium in the former and zinc in the latter.”
Oh, and did we mention they were delicious, too?
Let’s take a look at some of the fish options that have the highest protein concentrations to add to your diet.
Speaking of individuals looking to shed a few extra pounds, codfish is low in calories and rich in B-vitamins, apart from other nutrients. Its white, mild-tasting flesh is suited to being paired with robust flavors such as chili, pepper, lemon, and parsley. They’re great battered, fried, and dipped in your favorite sauce.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy fish, and they involve dry cooking methods. This means roasting, grilling, broiling, or poaching. Fish is also delicious when sauteed with a little extra virgin olive oil. For additional flavor, it’s important to keep in mind that citrus flavors work extremely well with fish. A bit of salt, pepper, and any other spices you wish to add will elevate fish to flavors you never thought possible. Lime, orange, lemon work with a bunch of fresh herbs as well.
We always get this question: are fish and chips a “healthier” fast food option than the classic option of a hamburger, fries, and a soda? Not necessarily. Fried fish might be even worse than a burger due to the batter that it is fried in — that’s where all the oil gets concentrated. It should come as no surprise that a fish and chips meal may reach upwards of 1,400 calories and 2 grams of sodium in one sitting — something a burger and fries would have significantly less of (but not necessarily “better”).
After all, with the wide variety of delicious, nutritious, and protein-packed fish, who’s to say that your next barbecue should be one with red meat? Fish fits the bill just as good, and is twice as better.