Here, Fishy, Fishy

I don’t know if that is the proper way to spell fishy…but we will go with it.

One “resolution” or goal my family often has is to eat more fish. It doesn’t always turn out the best, but we give it a shot for a bit. So this year, we will probably try again. With fish on the brain, I realized it is something a lot of people hear about and know they should eat, but might not know why. Sort of like antioxidants. So…let’s talk fish.

Photo Credit iStockphoto.com

Fish tops the list of heart-healthy foods, according to Susan Roberts, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston. While some nuts and green vegetables have heart-protecting properties, Roberts said they can't compare to fish in the heart-health sweepstakes.

Here are some main facts for you to know about why it’s pretty dang important to get some fish in your life this year:

- cold water fish (Salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, Atlantic halibut and sardines) have more omega-3 punch to them than other warm water fish
- unlike your four legged friends that supply you with beef, fish doesn’t have the artery clogging saturated fat we want to stay away from (just remember, the fewer the legs, the better)
- fish helps lower blood pressure and can help increase good cholesterol from the potassium, magnesium and niacin
- those lovely omega-3s found in fish are known to protect arteries, increase good cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, and prevent heart arrhythmias.
- shrimp, unlike other types of fish, do have high amounts of artery clogging fat…so you might want to stay clear of that on most occasions when selecting your fish options
- broiling, grilling, poaching or baking are your best options for cooking fish…frying has been known to lower the effectiveness of the omega-3s
Here are some fish recipes that you might like to add to your dinner this week:

- Honey & Basil Walnut Crusted Salmon


- Orange Teriyaki Salmon


- Baked Halibut With Pesto, Zucchini, and Carrots


- Salmon Tacos


- Baked Fish Sticks


So, there you go! Let me know if you try one of those recipes.

By the way, remember my 1,000 mile goal for 2011? Well, you can my results posted on the 1,000 miles page. I’m pretty happy with the results. What’s on the menu for 2012? You’ll just have to wait and see.

~What’s your favorite way to eat fish?

~What goal did you accomplish in 2011 that you are proud of?