Burgers, steak…yeah, these are the usual when it comes to Father’s Day. But they don’t have to be. I’m sure that dad would enjoy a fabulous fish dish if it’s made just the right way, and you will savor the idea that you put together a “manly menu” of great-for-him nutrients.
Why fish? More like why not? Fish offers many benefits that are aligned with men’s health and better nutrition than the foods we traditionally think of as “guy food.” Most seafood is far easier to prepare than you think and there are many reasons to eat less meat. Visit your local seafood counter and pick up some fresh catch to show dad you love him. If he asks, tell him your Guiding Stars dietitian (that’s me!) suggested it for 5 reasons.
#1: For the omega fats
Seafood is rich in omega fats that are aligned with improved cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease. These “essential fats”, as they are referred to because we need them, but can’t make them on our own, are also associated with improved triglyceride levels and reduced risk of heart arrhythmia, decreased inflammation and more. Seek fatty fish such as wild salmon, cod, trout, and mackerel.
#2: Since it has fewer calories
A 3 oz serving of wild salmon has offers about 133 calories, while the same portion of lean beef tenderloin provides over double the amount (270 calories). On Father’s Day there will likely be other places for dad to get those calories, so save him a bit on his entrée.
#3: Because he probably isn’t meeting the AHA guideline
The American Heart Association suggests consuming fish and seafood twice a week. This can be tough for anyone. As long as your dining with dad, why not take him half way there.
#4: To show him it’s easier than he thinks
It takes just a few minutes to make a fabulous fish marinade and only a bit more to cook it. There are so many ways to prepare fish on the grill, but if you prefer to do something different, you can also put together a unique dish like Spicy Salmon Cornmeal Cakes or Poached Coconut Salmon Over Greens.
#5: So you can honor your dad…and the environment
I know it’s supposed to be all about dad, but it can be a bit about the earth too. Let him know that if we all ate just one less burger a week it would be like we took a car off the road for 320 miles, and that there are other benefits for the environment. I’m sure dad will be happy to know he is doing something to make his world (and yours) a bit cleaner. Take it a step further by visiting your Hannaford seafood counter to pick him up some fish that was sustainably caught and he will really be winning with Mother Earth.
Convinced but not sure where to start? Here are five more recipes for your fabulous Father’s Day Fish Feast…