Author and Photographer: Kallie Hoffman

If anyone knows me, they would know that there are great lengths I would go to in order to secure a grilled hamburger, served medium rare with french fries, or a pan-seared steak with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans. I make it my goal to have a form of protein, vegetable, and carbohydrate with my dinner every night, which means I usually end up making some sort of variation of a chicken stir fry, steak rice bowl, or turkey bolognese. Do not get me wrong; I like to throw in the occasional salmon or shrimp, and I have recently developed an interest in meat substitutes such as tofu and tempeh. However, it is clear that meat is a staple of my diet—especially when I go home and my mom proceeds to serve grilled chicken every night for days on end.

Yet, when I traveled to Marco Island, Florida, over holiday break—the home of all things seafood—I decided to live a week as a pescatarian. The pescatarian diet consists of plant-based foods, with fish and seafood as the main sources of protein. I could still have my eggs for breakfast (minus the bacon) and Greek salad for lunch, but I needed to make a serious effort to diversify what I ordered for dinner every night.

Day 1: Shrimp Basket @ LeeBe Fish

For the first day of vacation, my family went to the most authentic restaurant on the island. Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, this little shack does not look very exciting from the outside, but the way the chefs prepare the subtly spiced food in a quick-service style for low prices is something to make you excited. There is only fish on the menu, so this night provided no challenges. I ordered the Shrimp and Fish Basket, which came with a large filet of fresh Mahi Mahi and six shrimp, delicately coated in a spicy Cajun rub. Overall, the meal was simple but delicious.

Day 2: Grouper Sandwich @ Cocomo’s Grill

The second night nearly sent me into a frenzy, as the restaurant we selected for dinner had such a large and diverse menu that there were so many dishes I wanted to order. I skipped over my usual go-to options of Mongolian beef or Vietnamese chicken pho and decided to try the Blackened Grouper Sandwich (on garlic bread)! The bread was a little too buttery and not quite big enough for the size of my fish, but the garlic flavor, combined with the deep earthy taste of the blackened seasoning, left my stomach craving more.

Day 3: Salmon Wrap @ CJ’s on the Bay

Once again, day 3 presented another challenge due to the diversity of the menu. I could have followed my sisters and ordered another grouper sandwich, but I ventured off the beaten path and selected the Salmon Wrap, which came filled to the brim with light and flaky salmon, juicy feta cheese, roasted red peppers, and fresh lettuce and tomato. As a sandwich girl through and through, I absolutely loved this meal—the way so many simple ingredients could just come together into a wholesome meal, all thanks to a small tortilla, is the reason why wraps are one of the best and most nutritious meals out there.

Day 4: Fish Tacos @ Island Gypsy

Let me just say—the fish taco has it all! The Caribbean Fish Tacos were crispy and creamy, spicy and salty, and just the right amount of sweet with the pear slaw and chipotle aioli drizzled on top. There were many other items I could have ordered at this restaurant, but the tacos were absolutely perfect for satisfying my taste buds and quelling my worst hunger. It is safe to say that you cannot go wrong with a light fish, all of the fixings, and a toasted flour tortilla.

Day 5: Fish & Chips @ 2Shea's Salty Dog

For my last night out, I decided to go a little crazy, stray from the lighter grilled and blackened fish options, and go back to the basics with the classic fish and chips. There was a light, thin batter encasing the perfectly cooked cod, making for a crispy crunch, and they were fried to a delicate light brown. There was not much to the dish, and it was definitely one of my cheaper meals on the island, but anything that comes out of a deep fryer is bound to be delicious.

Conclusion

Overall, I am now back to my meat-eating ways, but there is definitely something to be said about the pescatarian diet. There are a myriad of associated health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, and fish is extremely versatile. On my short trip alone, I had fish in the form of tacos, a sandwich, a wrap, and a basket or platter. It can also be tossed in a wide array of sauces and spices and cooked in different styles, including grilled, fried, blackened, roasted, and more. I could still eat everything I wanted, from breakfast to dessert, but I increased my intake of fish and decreased the amount of meat and poultry I consumed. I did not walk away from every meal feeling stuffed, and I saw a difference in my complexion and energy levels. Eating a diet consisting mainly of plant-based foods has a variety of health benefits, which the addition of fish products enhances, and who would not want to save some of the earth’s wildlife? Do not get me wrong; I still love my steak and hamburgers. The only difference is that now you may see me order the fresh tilapia at a restaurant as opposed to the roasted chicken.

Living as a Pescatarian for a Week