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Pescatarian (peskəˈterēən): diet consisting of mainly fruits, vegetables, and grains with protein sources coming predominantly from seafood/shellfish and plant based substitutes.
I decided to become a Pescatarian at age 28 after going back and forth about it for years. I am pretty comfortable with eliminating foods from my diet. Before going Pescatarian I had been red meat and pork free for over 18 years. I'm already accustomed to the learning curve of limiting yourself in a society conditioned to eating everything, and in excess. My concern was "Do I really need to eliminate poultry? What are the benefits?"
The truth is there was no necessity.
Eliminating a protein source DOES NOT: lead to dramatic weight loss, exponential health benefits, or any ease in your lifestyle dynamic.
As a matter of fact, when I finally made the jump to Pescatarian (based on personal decisions about what I was consuming), I gained 5lbs.
Adding more wild caught, fatty fish to your diet DOES increase your consumption of the highly beneficial Omega3 Fatty Acids (heart/brain health, reduces high blood pressure, etc).
However eating organic or fresh farmed red meats and poultry is also beneficial in that they contain vitamins and minerals the body needs.
Eliminating a protein source can help in regulating calorie intake IF you understand how to make health-conscious food choices, but there are always other options.
What I am saying is, before you make any dietary decisions: DO YOUR RESEARCH, KNOW YOUR BODY/MENTAL CAPACITY, and CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
A few tips for elimination dieting:
Research and consult with others who have successfully made the switch. Ask about the pros and cons they endured and weigh that against your own capacity for change.
Start small. Eliminate a certain sweet or a beverage first. Do that consistently until you can build up a mental capacity for lifestyle changes.
Pre-Plan your meals. When you are limiting your diet you have to be conscious that not every place/person cooking will have what you need. Be empowered to stand by your dietary decision by being comfortable with the things you can and cannot eat on the menu.
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