Twice a Week Challenge

by Joyce Mattox

Seafood Twice a Week!

Did you know that more than four major health organizations recommend eating seafood twice a week? The American Heart Association led the way in 2005, and other highly regarded organizations such as the American Cancer Society, The American Diabetes Association and Journal of the American Medical Association have all added their endorsements. Why? Because overwhelming evidence indicates that seafood contains many, many nutrients that are essential for good health.

For optimal health, nutritionists recommend that the average adult should eat 39 pounds of seafood per year (or two 6 oz portions per week). Do you know how much the typical American adult actually consumed in 2008? Less than 17 pounds! And guess how many pounds of red meat, poultry, pork and other meats the average adult ate during the same period - nearly 200 pounds!

As a registered and licensed dietitian, I meet with people every day who want my advice about changing their eating patterns for a variety of reasons. I help people map out a manageable plan for a healthier lifestyle. I become their coach and encourager. I reassure people that we all have to start somewhere, but with small steps, it's easy to make large lifestyle changes.

The biggest mistake I see people make is that they try to change everything about their diet all at once. If a new diet is too restrictive or too complicated, people cheat and give up quickly. So I encourage my clients to make small, manageable changes over time to ensure that new behaviors will eventually transition to regular habits. Over time small changes can really add up!

I'd like to challenge YOU to start on the path toward a healthier lifestyle! I challenge you to start by eating seafood twice a week. To make things easier, I've included a simple chart that you can check off each time you eat seafood. It will be a reminder to you that you can do it, and that you should do it!

SeaPak shrimp and seafood products can be a great help to anyone trying to eat more seafood. SeaPak offers a wide variety of products that are delicious, fast and easy to prepare. Best of all, SeaPak offers restaurant-quality seafood without the restaurant prices!

Up for the Challenge?

The benefits of eating seafood twice a week are huge and indisputable. Here on SeaPak.com, you will find many recipes and ideas for incorporating seafood into a balanced diet.

Accept my challenge. I know from experience that if you follow a simple routine for at least four weeks, you'll be on your way to developing a lifelong habit. So, accept the SeaPak seafood challenge and keep track of how many times a week you eat seafood for a month. Make seafood a part of your healthier, balanced lifestyle. You can do it!