There is no shortage of information about how beneficial seafood can be for your health. It stands to reason, then, that serving it to your family on a regular basis is a good idea – the governments of both the United States and Canada recommend eating fish twice a week for optimum heart health.
But what if you’re raising a houseful of picky eaters? What if your spouse resolutely tells you that they don’t like fish? Here are some great ideas for sneaking in a little more seafood – and still making everyone happy!
Weekly Rotation
Most families have a weekly taco, pizza, or chicken dinner evening – but what about incorporating seafood into your weekly menu? If you’re worried about affording fish on a limited grocery budget, stick to less-expensive options like certain white fish, tuna, or salmon. Concerned that your kids won’t eat seafood? Look for family-friendly recipes older kids and adults will love the familiar flavors of – and younger kids won’t even know there’s seafood in!
Make It Fun
Just because fish is good for you doesn’t mean it can’t also be fun to eat. Try some of these playful takes on main dishes to get more seafood into your family’s diet:
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Popcorn shrimp.
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Fish fingers or sticks, great for dipping.
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Dippable crab, lobster, or fish cakes.
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Burger-like salmon patties.
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Mini tuna salad finger sandwiches or wraps
Take note of your family’s favorite fun dishes and see where seafood can be substituted. You never know where heart-healthy fish could make an appearance in your menu!
Go Out for Dinner
Don’t feel like cooking on seafood night? That’s okay! Sometimes, it can make your kids and even your stubborn spouse more likely to eat something out-of-the-box when you take them out of the house. Head down to a Cypress, CA seafood restaurant tonight and take your pick of today’s best fish dishes. You may just find a new family favorite – and a place to return to every week!
