Living in New England not only means a close connection to our picturesque shorelines or rocky trails, but also gives us access to fresh seafood whenever we desire!
If you are a seafood lover (like us), you may be looking for simple ways to get your family ‘hooked’ on your favorite fish dishes not just for the flavor, but for the health benefits as well.
Our blog today takes a look at some easy ways to introduce seafood to your children and incorporate fish into your diet.
A Reminder of the Benefits
If your family has some picky eaters, you may want to begin by reminding yourself and them why eating a diet rich in seafood is advantageous. Depending upon the age of your children you may be able to have a frank discussion about the benefits that eating two servings of fish a week can have on their body.
Fish has ample amounts of the nutrients, omega-3s, and vitamins essential for strong bones, healthy brain development, and a healthy heart and immune system.
According to Harvard University’s School of Public Health, “Fish is a very important part of a healthy diet. Fish and other seafood are the major sources of healthful long-chain omega-3 fats and are also rich in other nutrients such as vitamin D and selenium, high in protein, and low in saturated fat. There is strong evidence that eating fish or taking fish oil is good for the heart and blood vessels. An analysis of 20 studies involving hundreds of thousands of participants indicates that eating approximately one to two 3-ounce servings of fatty fish a week—salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, or sardines—reduces the risk of dying from heart disease by 36 percent.”
Fun Ways to Incorporate Seafood Meals
There is no magical trick to making picky eaters want to eat foods that are good for their heart, brain, and immune system. However, there are some fun ways that you can incorporate fish that may be more appealing to young children (and older kids as well.)
- Have your children help make the meals. Many times, when children feel ownership over a meal, they are more likely to try different foods on their plate.
- Make it dippable! Everyone loves dipping sauces, and dipping crunchy fish sticks is no exception. Put out a variety of sauces to try and you may find that your picky eaters are willing to taste-test by dipping.
- Add seafood to a familiar meal such as chicken or steak. Introduce it as ‘surf and turf’ and allow your child to eat not only their old favorites, but also a bite or two of something new, like fish. Nutritionists explain that it may take 10 or more tries for a child to begin to like a new food, so it’s a good idea to have an old favorite on hand as well.
- Choose the right fish. Start with light-flavored white fish without the strong fish taste.
Check out our wide variety of fish products that your children and older family members are sure to love. Start with our crunch coat fish sticks or nuggets and work your way through our assortment of fresh or frozen fish. They will be ‘hooked’ in no time.
