Let’s be honest – losing weight wouldn’t be such a bore if lettuce leaves taste like bacon strips. Aside from the terror of going to the gym, another difficult thing about losing weight is having to eat fat-free, sugar-free, low-calorie, and low-sodium foods. While they sound healthy, they’re likely tasteless. Since when did a slice of coarse whole wheat bread taste better than a slice of flavorsome, butter-filled garlic bread?
The good news is, it’s possible to lose weight without sacrificing flavor and satisfaction – you just need to get help from the sea. Seafood, from tasty fishes to succulent shellfish variants, are low in fat and calories, rich in protein, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Omega-3. They’re light but filling – something you’d love to have when you’re looking to lose weight.
Without further introduction, we share some of the tastiest and healthiest seafood dishes you may include in your diet plan today.
1. Ginger Chili and Lemon Salmon
Tired of your usual salmon dishes? This recipe will let you enjoy this healthy fish again. The flavor in this baked salmon dish is intense – it’s tangy, spicy, and garlicky, with a hint of ginger to counteract the fishiness. The magic lies in the marinade, comprised of healthy olive oil, lemon juice, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and salt.
2. Smoky Snapper Taco
Snappers aren’t just high in omega-3 fatty acids, but they’re also high in selenium, which helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. It’s also loaded with potassium and Vitamin A. One creative way to enjoy it is by making a fish taco.
Make your taco even healthier and more flavorful by grilling the fish. As for the salad, don’t forget the mainstays: tomatoes, avocados, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
3. Lemon Garlic and Herb Shrimps
Who doesn’t love garlic butter shrimps? We all do. The bad thing is most recipes rely on loads of butter (hello calories) to be tasty. This take on the classic sautéed shrimp recipe is less in fat but rich in flavor – thanks to lemon, garlic, and your choice of fresh herbs. It’s garlicky, herby, and zesty, just the way you love them. For a healthier twist, use a little bit of butter and supplement it with olive oil.
4. Mussels Curry
Curry dishes, regardless of where they originated, are loved all over the world. If you want to skip red meat without sacrificing the robust flavors and fragrant aromas, try this hearty dish made with mussels, light coconut milk, and red curry paste. Mussels, like other shellfish types, are low-fat, low-calorie, and basically all protein. These shellfishes are also rich in selenium, vitamin B-12, manganese, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Not a fan of mussels? Go ahead and use other seafood for your tasty curry dish.
5. Tuna Zucchini Noodle Bake
Just because you’re staying away from carbs doesn’t mean you can’t have a pasta dish – you can use zoodles (zucchini noodles) to make it lighter and healthier. The savory sauce for this low-carb casserole bake includes tuna, tomato sauce, and milk.
6. Whole Grain Waffle with Egg and Smoked Salmon
Craving for bacon and waffles? Get your sweet-smoky-savory fix the healthier way by swapping your bacon for smoked salmon, and syrup for a poached egg seasoned with chives and dill. Opt for frozen whole-grain waffles with less sugar and more protein to jump-start your day.
7. Corn and Crab Croquettes
Trade your greasy chicken nuggets for some yummy crab croquettes. These crab cakes got a Louisiana spin with Cajun spice and corn. Make it a meal by serving with an arugula salad or baby spinach and vinaigrette, and a fruit for dessert. Even with the extra sidings, you’ll still be under 500 calories.
8. Seared Grouper with Black-eyed Peas Relish
A simply seared fish can turn into an exquisite dish with a relish made of black-eyed peas, tomatoes, onion, olives, parsley, vinegar, and jalapeño (optional). The bright and colorful relish isn’t just flavorful – they’re rich in fiber and protein too.
9. Avocado and Tuna Cakes
Looking for a creative yet healthy spin on your boring can of tuna? You might love these Avocado Tuna Cakes. The juicy and filling combo of avocado and tuna doubles your source of Omega-3s. For a Southwest flair, give these patties a splash of lime, a couple of cilantro, and a dash of hot sauce. Not feeling tuna? Salmon works too!
10. Open-faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Gone are the days when smoked salmon was a luxury product – now it’s a mainstay in supermarkets’ chilled section and UK dinner tables. Take your sandwiches to the next level by using this flavorful delicacy.
For a herby, low-calorie spread, mix low-fat cream cheese, fresh chives, parsley, thyme, low-fat yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic. Add honey and Dijon mustard, if desired. Spread it on a slice of rye bread. Top it off with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and thin strips of smoked salmon.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a passionate daytime writer for Manettas Seafood Market, an online and interactive seafood hub which provides customers a true, first-class fish market experience without leaving home. Since she’s a seafood lover herself, she’s got a lot to say about food, well-being, and lifestyle.
