Add More Seafood to Your Plate

Last June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled MyPlate, the federal government’s new food icon to replace the food pyramid. MyPlate was designed to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and lean protein, such as seafood. According to MyPlate, Americans should increase the amount of seafood they consume from 3 1/2 ounces, the current average, to at least 8 ounces.

“Seafood is a healthy source of protein, is low in calories and has much-needed nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids,” said Sharon McNerney, registered dietitian. “With the wide range of seafood options and proved health benefits, more Americans should look to it as a leaner and healthier protein option compared to other meats and poultry.”

Eating seafood helps counter the affects of diabetes, reduce the risk of stroke, decrease blood pressure, decrease risk of heart arrhythmias, decrease bad and increase good cholesterol, and improve circulation. Leading health organizations, such as the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and the American Medical Association, also recommend eating at least two servings of seafood each week.

Tips to add more seafood to your diet:

• Increase the amount of seafood you eat by eating a wider variety. Chicken of the Sea offers a variety of healthy options, such as tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, and sardines!
• Use seafood in recipes that call for other proteins such as chicken or beef. Instead of making hamburgers, try tuna burgers. Instead of having a chicken Caesar salad, have a salmon Caesar salad .
• Seafood isn’t just for lunch or dinner.
• Pick up Chicken of the Sea’s To Go Cups for a convenient and healthy mid-day snack. Available in albacore tuna, chunk light tuna, tuna salad or salmon. You can eat them alone or pair with crackers or cucumber slices.
• Start your morning with tuna or salmon instead of bacon or sausage. Seafood is the perfect addition to any breakfast and is extremely versatile. Use crab cakes to make eggs benedict or add salmon to scrambled eggs.

Visit Chicken of the Sea’s online recipes for more great-tasting and healthy meal and snack ideas to help you add more seafood to your diet.

Source: ChooseMyPlate.gov, 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, National Fisheries Institute