Monday, February 21, 2011

Switching to a pescetarian diet-Interview with Kayla


"Switching to a pescetarian diet".
Due to the fact that few people are pescetarian,  I interviewed Kayla with the intention of shedding more light on the subject. Please read the previous post " Switching to a pescetarian diet" where I explain what it means to be pescetarian and share a portion of Kayla's post " Switching to a pescetarian diet".

GHD: What made you decide to be a pescetarian? Did you do it for weight loss or for its health benefits?! What attracted you the most to that diet?
Kayla: I became a Pescetarian after really researching HOW our meat is made. It's pretty unappetizing. I did it more because of how the animals are killed and not so much the fact that they are killed. People have been eating meat since the dawn of time, but now that mass production and money is involved its a whole different world. They pump our meat full of hormones and slaughter the animals in mass manufacturer style. The way fish "go" didn't bother me as much and I know they have a 3 second memory. As far as the weight thing--because many people feel like they'll drop a few pounds--I am the same weight as I started. You've gotta be healthy and eat a diverse diet with vitamins included to be a healthy Pescetarian.

GHD: How long have you been a pescetarian?
Kayla: I have been a Pescetarian for a year and some change. Before being a Pescetarian I was a 'flexitarian'. I ate a vegetarian diet Monday through Friday and only consumed meat on the weekends. I fell off of this and then went into Pescetarianism almost a year later.

GHD: What dish do you like to cook?
Kayla: I absolutely adore cucumber stir fry with tofu. I used a cucumber stir fry recipe from Food.com and substituted the meat for tofu.

GHD: How do your friends react when you eat out with them? What kind of reaction do you get when you ask for fish when there is little option.
Kayla: My friends are totally cool with it. My roommate is a Vegetarian and has been for over 10 years and my other friends willingly eat my food! I don't really announce that I'm a Pescetarian though. I think when you draw attention to or label something you are asking for other people's comments, judgements, etc. Most people don't even notice anything is different. However, THERE WILL BE IGNORANT PEOPLE who turn their nose up at your food just because you say that it's meatless or who will make dumb comments.

GHD: Do you find it hard to eat out with a pescetarian diet? Is there a restaurant chain that you frequent often that have a great dish that you will recommend? What local place ( and what dish)  in AL would you recommend any one visiting or living there to try?
Kayla: I don't find it hard to eat out at all. I don't do it often enough to have favorites, but its not a problem when I do. I am a Pescetarian so I'm willing to eat fish which is on just about EVERY menu. However, most of my meals are 100% meatless. I'll just order something off of the menu that usually has meat and ask that they remove it. I've also ordered burgers without the meat patty and if you look really hard at the menu in big chain restaurants they often have a veggie burger on the menu! I love a good Burger King Veggie! Now, Alabama is the home of barbecue, pork rinds/cracklings/chicherones, shrimp, and boiled peanuts. The last two are the only "Pescetarian friendly options". I love shrimp and my Vegetarian roommate can't get enough of those peanuts!

GHD: How has the switch helped you and improved your health, your life?
Kayla: My health may be a mental thing, but since switching to a Pescetarian diet I just feel lighter. I know that heart disease and high blood pressure are prevalent in the African American community and my chances are lowered with this diet. I also know that I'm not getting any weird animal hormones. lol.

I personally appreciate that Kayla is a young lady who seems to know what she wants and is very focused in life. In a world where young people are often times labeled as undisciplined and irresponsible I find it fascinating and encouraging to meet a young lady in her 20s that have the discipline and maturity to care about her health and embrace such a lifestyle. You can read more on her pescetarian advices on the post below and on http://what-the-kink.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-switching-to-pescetarian-diet.html

Are you or anyone you know a pescetarian? Would you like to share your experience and opinion on the matter? Please leave some comments so that we could all learn from you and if you would like to be featured on the blog e-mail me at goodhealthdiva@gmail.com


N'na

4 comments:

  1. I love fish and a would like to eat it more. You can buy beef without hormones but it is costly. Fish has it's issues to with mercury, etc.

    I feel that a balance is a healthier diet in my opinion. Rotating your diet for me seems to work and that is my lifestyle.

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  2. I just try to eat as healthy as I can since I live by the week grocery wise. But I do know that a healthy diet with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals .

    I love the article great job and it is very informative and really gets you thinking at least it did me anyways. :-)

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  3. I agree with you Dede about balancing our diet, as much as I love and eat fish once in a while I enjoy meat so can't claim yet to be a pesceterian and I guess that as long as I don't overdo with the meat I am good to go, so I guess as with anything else moderation is the key!
    Jennifer, thank you for your kind words and I am honored that this article got you thinking.

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  4. I startec a "no meat/fish only" fast about a month ago, had NO IDEA it was a name/lyfestyle for it. I have been leaning more to veggies and cutting back on starches - potatoes, pasta, rice as well. Although I haven't lost any weight I feel a lot lighter and better inside. Its something I'm considering making a permanent change for my health since I'm Type II Diabetic although no big changes in my numbers, my last few A1C has 6.3-6.7 my Dr just says keep doing what I'm doing, I've also started Yoga after a 3year break.

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