Pescatarian to Flexitarian Journey
I want to share a significant chapter in my journey—one involving a substantial shift in my dietary choices, but it’s more than just that.
For over 35 years, I proudly identified as a pescatarian. About five years ago, I also became gluten-free due to a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune thyroid condition. However, recently, I made a thoughtful decision to introduce poultry into my meals, after contemplating it for many months.
As women age, nutritional needs change, especially during menopause. Body composition changes, making it challenging to maintain lean body mass. We lose 3-8% of muscle mass every decade after the age of 30! Eek! We also have a decrease in overall strength and power because of the drop in estrogen that occurs. Research shows that increasing protein intake and strength training help counteract muscle decline. To learn more about fitness in midlife, check out my comprehensive guide to staying strong and healthy.
Despite doing all the “right” things—eating “healthy,” strength training, getting 10k steps a day, and hydrating—I still wasn’t seeing the body changes I so desired. I discovered that meeting my daily protein goal of 100 g proved very challenging. Tracking my protein intake, I realized I wasn’t coming close, even with regular fish consumption.
To reach my protein goals, I added more eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and increased the amount of tuna I was eating. However, feeling burnt out on tuna, I started considering adding in turkey or chicken.
Changing long-standing dietary habits is not easy, and the decision to do so reflects a willingness to embrace change for personal growth. The journey taught me valuable lessons beyond food, especially the power of making decisions based on goals and then following through with it. Yes, there was also apprehension as I stepped into something unfamiliar to me.
Interestingly, my friends and family found it shocking that I was even considering this. So, when I finally ate my first bite of chicken in over 35 years, I decided that I didn’t want any hoopla surrounding this milestone and did it quietly at my desk. I didn’t want it to be a big deal or to have everyone staring at me and asking how it tasted or if I was going to be sick from it. I was doing this for me and for me alone.
We all tend to like labels because they help us easily identify who we are or what we do. I have loved saying that I am a pescatarian for all of these years. But fitting into something no longer serving us doesn’t make sense. If I had to choose a label now, it would be “flexitarian”—a flexible eating style emphasizing plant foods, incorporating fish, dairy and eggs, with less frequent or smaller meat portions.
This journey taught me valuable lessons beyond food. Whether it's a dietary change or pursuing personal or professional goals, the principle remains the same—making a decision and seeing it through is key to success.
If you're feeling inspired to make positive changes in your own health, but unsure where to start, I'm here to guide and support you on your journey. The first step can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Let's work together to create a life you love—one that makes you feel good.
