The United States Department of Agriculture says twice a week, make seafood the protein on your plate. Increase the amount and variety of seafood consumed by choosing seafood in place of some meat and poultry.
Yesterday I ate fish twice. That is more than almost 80 percent of Americans eat in an entire week. And the effects are starting to show. A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition reveals that most 4-8 year olds (78-90 percent, depending on which recommendation you go by) who eat a typical North American diet are deficient in fish-based omega-3s (DHA+EPA).
Unfortunately, this makes perfect sense. Fish-based omega-3s are "essential nutrients," meaning that the body doesn't make them and they must come from food. So if you don't eat fish on a regular basis, your body doesn't have adequate levels of fish-based omega-3s (DHA+EPA). Here is a press release explaining this straightforward concept in more detail.
The news is a bit of a bummer, but if it has the positive effect of inspiring moms and dads of 4-8 year olds out there to serve fish this weekend, here's the perfect starter sandwich - tuna with avocado on whole wheat bread. It's creamy, and mild, and bright green! I whipped it up for lunch yesterday and added nothing more to the tuna and avocado than a splash of olive oil and sprinkle of salt and pepper.
For dinner, we had Leek and Pea Risotto with Grilled Calamari. It was creamy and mild as well, with a hint of bright green. But I didn't exactly whip it up - the risotto is a little stir-intensive.
No set plans for tonight, but I do have my first Hawaiian haircut this afternoon. Well overdue. And Sunday is the grand opening of the very first Target on Oahu (also well overdue), so a bunch of us girls are getting together for a brunch celebration. Should be fun.
Rima Kleiner, MS, RD
I am passionate about good food, cooking, and helping others prepare healthy and tasty meals. Fish—packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein—is a staple of those meals. In my role as a registered dietitian with the National Fisheries Institute, I track and translate the latest news on the nutritional benefits of seafood. My background includes degrees in Human Nutrition and Communications. I work with food and beverage groups, as well as individuals, teach nutrition to culinary students and create wellness programs for employers. I also often provide commentary for news media. When I am not cooking a healthy meal or running after my two young children, you can find me running, hiking or practicing yoga.
Jennifer McGuire, MS, RD
I am a registered dietitian with the National Fisheries Institute, so fish is my nutrition forte. I earned my BA in Communication from Southwestern University. During college, one of my very favorite evening outings was a leisurely trip to the grocery market. My passion for food was undeniable, so I combined both of my interests by earning my MS in Nutrition Communication from Tufts University in Boston, MA. As well as my Registered Dietitian (RD) credential through the University of Delaware. I live in Beaufort, SC where my husband serves as a US Marine Corps Judge Advocate. I love to entertain, travel, watch reality TV, grill outdoors, run, and practice yoga.
