It’s not every day you get to hear from a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes educator, blogger and mother all at once. However, it seems we hit the jackpot this month with Brittany Poulson, who just so happens to be all four. When she isn’t cooking, running or coaching others on the path to a healthy lifestyle, Brittany writes about all things health on her blog, Your Choice Nutrition. Today, she takes a break from her busy schedule and shares her tips on everything from getting finicky eaters to try seafood to some reasons fish and shellfish should be a staple for those with diabetes.
Tell us about your blog.
I blog at Your Choice Nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, food and fitness blog, which I use as a way to share my passion for health, cooking, baking and all things nutrition. Whether encouraging readers to try a healthier version of a classic recipe, go running for the first time, or explore other areas of health and wellness, I aim to show people that it doesn’t have to be complex or expensive to be healthy – and, in fact, it can even be fun!
Why do you love seafood?
I admit I always haven’t been a seafood lover. However, over the past 5 or 6 years I have been working on changing my preferences for seafood. There are so many health benefits to fish and I don’t want to be missing out on them. Salmon is my current favorite!
How should seafood fit into a diabetic’s diet?
Seafood is a great option for people with diabetes. Most seafood is low in unhealthy saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol, while also being a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Seafood is a high-quality protein and by itself does not contain any carbohydrates; therefore, it won’t cause blood glucose to rise.
The federal 2015 Dietary Guidelines recommend at least 2 servings of seafood per week. Another plus is the fact most seafood cooks up quickly, so it can be an easy and healthy addition to anyone’s diet, diabetic or not.
Any words of wisdom for parents who have picky eaters? How did you get your kids to eat seafood?
I like making my own fish sticks and letting my kids dip them in tartar sauce. If I include some sort of dip or sauce with a meal, including seafood, it’s guaranteed my kids will at least try it and most likely will devour it.
What’s next on your “must-make” or “must-order” seafood list?
I want to branch out from my usual – salmon and tuna – and try something different, such as cod, halibut or mackerel. When I’m out to eat I try to order seafood; that way, I can get new ideas about different flavor combinations to bring back to my kitchen. Learning to prepare seafood in a delicious way at home will ensure it makes a regular appearance in my diet.
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