Pescatarian

It has been one month now since Butterfinger and I decided to forgo partaking in various types of animal flesh, excluding fish.  I like to say that now I do not “eat anything with feelings”, but my sister brought it to my attention that lobsters have been shown to feel pain when submerged in pots of boiling water (go figure).  I actually had no idea that the dietary decision to only eat sea-faring creatures actually had a proper name (I was going to come up with my own name – feelingless feasting).  One quick Google search later, and I discovered a number of results describing people who choose to eat any combination of vegetables, fruit, nuts, beans, or invertebrate seafood, labelling them as pescatarians (also spelled pescetarian).

Why Pescatarianism?

The reasons behind this dietary change are simple – less waste, healthier eating, and not partaking in the mistreatment of animals.  Plus, I just did not think I was ready to take the plunge into a true vegetarian lifestyle.  I am viewing this transition as a stepping stone to decide whether or not to go completely veggie, without possibly doing harm to myself by withholding essential nutrition (one example – my daily fish oil supplement).  I figure I should probably learn how to cook more with veggies and meat substitutes, before giving up everything with a heartbeat.

In my short, and admittedly non-extensive, research, I have learned a few facts that have stuck with me and encouraged me to continue on this path.  First, animals are fed grains grown for the sole purpose of animal feed. The amount of calories in the grain needed to feed a cow, pig, or chicken (to a lesser extent), are wasted when you see that the grain calories needed greatly exceed the nutritional value of the meat these animals provide. If we used this same grain for human consumption, far more food could be provided.  Waste not, want not.

Second, while I abhor PETA because of their stance on companion animals, they have an excellent video detailing the kinds of cruel, unjust, and torturous conditions faced by “factory farmed” animals.  According to their website, “the majority of farmed animals are confined to the point that they can barely move, denied veterinary care, mutilated without painkillers, and finally slaughtered — often while fully conscious.” Not much of a life.  The graphic and disturbing video can be seen here – Farm to Fridge

Third, red meat is actually detrimental to your health in many cases due to non-lean red meats containing excessively high amounts of saturated fats (this is especially true when not exercising proper portion control).  Diets high in animal fat or red meat may increase the risk of colon cancer, and have been shown to increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease.  On the other hand, eating certain kinds of fish raises HDL cholesterol levels, and some fish are a convenient source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Knowing what I know now and having experienced the feelings of true health through nutrition, I think it will be hard for me to go back to eating the way I used to.  I really am committed to being healthier, and playing less of a role in the destruction of earth.  Do I miss scrapple?  Yes.  Will I maybe turn flexitarian for holidays and eat a piece of turkey?  Perhaps. I do not claim to be the all-knowing resource for all things pescatarian, but I know that writing this post and sharing my experience will help me to stay on track, and help to possibly spare some feelings if I ever pass on a delicious looking feast of Filet Mignon.