Get fit. Lose weight. Eat well. These are just a few of the health-related New Year’s resolutions we’ve made to embrace the arrival of 2013 as a fresh start towards self-improvement.

And there is no limit to the tools and resources available to help us achieve them. Calorie counting apps, trendy fitness classes and stylish high-tech workout gear are fine options – but what about seafood?

Regardless of your specific health goals, seafood can be key in your success.

The health and nutritional benefits of a diet that makes frequent use of fish and seafood are well documented. The evidence across different studies showed that fish consumption lowers the risk of death from heart disease by 36% (Harvard School of Public Health). Seafood is also a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, rich in vitamins and minerals – and very low in saturated fat.

Finfish and Shellfish

Atlantic salmon (100 g)

Cal

231

Fat

Protein

Rainbow trout
(100 g)

169

7.2

24.27

Blue mussels
(100 g)

172

4.5

Oysters (100 g)

1.8

8.4

Canada’s Food Guide suggests eating at least two servings of fish each week. Yet, only 15% of fish consumers are meeting this recommendation.

This year, as you set your health resolutions and plan your strategy for success, consider making a commitment to a diet that includes more fish and seafood. It will be a positive step forward in realizing your goals – and a host of other related benefits.

Farmed and wild-caught fish and shellfish offer the same health benefits, so feel good about choosing either. Farmed seafood has the additional benefit of being available fresh, year-round – and taking the pressure off declining wild stocks.

With more than a dozen varieties of seafood farmed in every province and the Yukon Territory, there’s no limit to the variety of fresh and local seafood to explore.

Healthy New Year!

Make a New Year’s Resolution with Seafood

Finfish and Shellfish

Cal

Fat

Protein

Sheri Beaulieu