year one to pescetarianism in the books
October is National Pescatarian Month. It also marks the 1 Year Anniversary of my Decision to Commit Full Time to a Pescatarian Lifestyle. Lemme pour up a Drink! 🎉
Pescetarianism is the practice of incorporating seafood into an otherwise Vegetarian Diet. It is a way of life in places like the Mediterranean, however, in the United States, it’s become increasingly popular.
A Pescatarian diet consists of, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, beans, and SEAFOOD. Pescatarians do not consume, beef, poultry, lamb, or pork. It’s essentially a Vegetarian Diet that includes Fish and other Seafood.
Simply Put…I LOVE GOOD FOOD!
I grew up in the south, raised in the home with a grandmother who cooked like no other, from SCRATCH! My grandmother Flora’s Cooking and Baking Skills were Unmatched! She truly cooked from the soul and the kitchen was her happy place where she enjoyed creating her own recipes and preparing meals for her family and friends year-round. So, from a young age, I developed a love for good southern food and being in the kitchen with her. I learned many skills and developed the same passion for food and cooking from my grandmother and naturally took this into adulthood.
Why I Gave up Meat
As close family and friends became aware of my decision to transition to a meatless lifestyle, some were very supportive, others not so much. One of the main questions they’d all ask was. “After 34 years, what made you decide to give up meat?”
As much as I loved Southern Comfort Food, it began to take a toll on my health. Over time, I faced issues like weight gain, debilitating migraine headaches, joint pain, inflammation, low energy, and high blood pressure. My body just wasn’t processing food in a healthy way.
Around four years ago, I started feeling the desire to reduce my meat intake, primarily to shed some pounds. My journey began as an attempt to cut back on meat, gradually reducing portion sizes, limiting the number of days with meat consumption, and slowly eliminating meat groups. Going cold turkey wasn't an option for me, so it was a process that required patience and determination.
A pivotal moment arrived when I experienced several severe migraines due to high blood pressure which was directly related to my intake of pork and beef. It was either begin taking medication to control it or reevaluate my eating and other lifestyle habits.
My Personal Journey to a Pescatarian Lifestyle
By July 2021, I had transitioned to primarily consuming chicken, seafood, and the occasional Birria taco that I couldn't resist. I was disciplined in my approach, incorporating daily intermittent fasting, fruit smoothies for lunch, and balanced dinners with seafood or chicken. I experienced significant improvements in my health, including a 35-pound weight loss over four months, higher energy levels, no more migraine headaches, stable blood pressure, and reduced inflammation and joint pain.
However, I began to feel limited in my food choices. I realized I was accustomed to a specific way of preparing and enjoying food, and I had limited knowledge about alternative options. At this point, my journey became more of a mental challenge. I was mentally unprepared to explore a variety of new foods and adapt to a cleaner, healthier eating style.
I was determined to make positive changes in my life, and my personal health and eating habits became top priorities. I embraced an "Eat to Live" mindset, focusing on clean eating, balanced nutrition, and the inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains in my diet. I eliminated refined sugars, butter, rice, pasta, and bread, opting for a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and an increased daily cardio.
By October 2021, I had almost entirely phased out meat from my diet. Yet, my love for Taco Tuesday persisted, and I cherished my Birria taco. But one evening, I noticed the negative effects it had on my body, including a slight headache and inflammation. It was the turning point that led me to fully embrace a Pescatarian lifestyle. I chose this path because I still loved seafood and dairy, and I was comfortable with this choice.
Most days, my diet leans towards vegetarian, with occasional seafood intake. At other times, I go without seafood for an entire month. During these phases, my diet comprises fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, nuts, and legumes, similar to a vegetarian diet. My approach to food has become cleaner and healthier, and I'm more conscious of what I put into my body. My palate has expanded, and I've grown to appreciate an array of eating styles and food groups.
Since transitioning to a Pescatarian lifestyle, I've lost a total of 50 pounds, and I've never felt better, both physically and mentally. I reached my goal weight, which I've maintained for a year now. My journey is ever-evolving, and my approach to health and nutrition continues to develop. The key lesson is that changing your mindset can lead to life-changing results. The goal is to maintain a love for great food while improving overall health.
My journey is personal, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. I've never deprived myself of anything I truly desire, but moderation is key. My decision to avoid meat is a personal one, influenced by my improved health, environmental concerns, and a deeper understanding of food production practices. My journey is ongoing, and I'm unapologetically discovering what works best for me.
