How to Tell which Fish Is Safe for Kids to Eat
Ways to Get More Seafood into Your Family's Diet Inexpensively
Sep 18, 2008
Fish is high in Omega 3s and low in fat. But what about the increasing concern over mercury in seafood? A new EPA web site helps families figure out which fish to eat.
Trying to get kids to eat healthy foods is daunting enough. But when the Environmental Protection Agency comes out with new warnings about possible contaminants in food that is supposed to be healthy; where does a family go for help? Fish Kids is a new EPA web site for kids and parents that sorts out which seafood is safe to eat, whether you buy it from the store or fish it out of a lake. And now that research is finding that people need more Vitamin D, seafood is a great source for this important nutrient.
Ways to Get More Seafood into Your Diet:
- Look for sales on fresh fish. Pay attention to those sales flyers at the front of the store. They contain valuable information on discounts and specials. Often supermarkets will put a certain type of seafood on sale on a regular basis, especially local favorites. If you don’t feel like running to the store everyday to see which fish is on special, bookmark the store’s web site. They usually update their online sales flyer weekly. And when you begin to see a pattern emerge, you can plan your meals around which type of fish is on sale on which day.
- Choose kids’ meals that contain fish. Pre-packaged frozen children’s meals are popular with families. They usually contain fun shapes and colors. But instead of choosing a corn dog or fried chicken, pick fish sticks instead. Buy some tarter or cocktail sauce for dipping, and your kids will get used to eating seafood instead of junk food.
- Search for frozen fish coupons. You can often find frozen shrimp coupons especially, if you do a Google search and check manufacturer’s web sites. Popular brands like Mrs. Pauls frequently offer coupons. If you find you like a certain brand, buy it in bulk and store the packages in an extra freezer.
- Check for free seafood recipes online. If you find new ways to prepare seafood, your family won’t get tired of it as fast. Don’t be afraid to try different types of fish (check with the EPA web site first.) And if all else fails, the deli section of your supermarket usually has fried fish available at a moment’s notice. Maybe not as healthy as broiling or sautéing it yourself, but at least you’re on your way to getting those two servings of seafood a week.
The copyright of the article How to Tell which Fish Is Safe for Kids to Eat in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish How to Tell which Fish Is Safe for Kids to Eat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
 |
