Derived from the Italian root "pesce," the Pescatarian diet is an alternative vegetarian diet that includes fish and seafood. Body nutrients such as protein and omega-3 fatty acids are sourced from seafood, plant-based sources such as legumes, eggs, and/ or dairy alongside the fruits and vegetables. Similarly to the Mediterranean diet, fish is the main source of protein. This diet can be a great transition for anyone looking to switch to a meat-focused to a vegetarian-focused diet.
Additionally, the pescatarian diet may be more sustainable for the environment as it leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to greenhouse-gas producing livestock and poultry. Because the pescatarian diet falls under the umbrella of a plant-based diet, benefits derived from this lifestyle include weight management, blood sugar control, disease prevention, to name a few. On the contrary, there are concerns about mercury consumption in seafood, thus it is recommended to consume two to three servings of seafood per week.