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.
Fish goes well with holidays.
It’s delicious, easy-to-prepare and works with a lot of winter side dishes. In the spirit of Hanukkah, we pan-fried up some frozen (but, yummy nonetheless) Trader Joe’s latkes and sautéed Brussels sprouts (one of my favorites) with sage, cinnamon and pecans. (We usually make our own latkes this time of year, but our food processor just went kaput.) Then, we grilled up some salmon, sprinkled with dillweed, parsley, salt and pepper and served with applesauce and plain nonfat Greek yogurt for latke-dipping. It was delicious… and so easy!
Besides its versatility, there are other reasons that make seafood a great winter holiday food. Watching your weight? Fish naturally tends to be low in calories and fat, which makes it a natural fit for lighter holiday fare. And because protein helps slow metabolic response, protein-rich fish may help keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent that low blood sugar feeling.
Try adding fish to your favorite Hanukkah or Christmas dishes. Or, create some new ones. Need inspiration? Check out Food.com’s Christmas Seafood Recipes.
Do you have a favorite holiday seafood recipe? If so, please share. We’d love to hear from you!
Posted by Rima Kleiner, MS, RD
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.
