Celebrate National Seafood Month with your Kids
During National Seafood Month, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and Seafood Nutrition Partnership are encouraging families to take the Healthy Heart Pledge to eat seafood twice a week. In conjunction with Seafood Nutrition Partnership, more communities and families are recognizing that healthy seafood meals are essential for our kids and healthy communities. As one example, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Alabama is offering an Eating Heart Healthy after-school program to empower teens to cook healthy seafood meals at home. Why is seafood so important for kids?
- It is a lean protein choice. Seafood is packed with protein and low in calories, which will help with energy balance.
- It is important for brain development. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood are essential for brain and eye development, ensuring your kids have the brain power needed to succeed in school.
- It helps prevent chronic disease, like heart disease. Studies have found that the Omega-3s found in seafood can reduce the chance of dying of heart disease by 36%.
- It is packed with essential nutrients. Seafood is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B-12, selenium and more. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and just three ounces of cooked swordfish can provide help you meet your daily needs, according to the NIH. Clams top the NIH’s list for foods with highest amount of vitamin B-12. Clams and other seafood are good sources of this vitamin needed for cardiovascular functioning. Seafood is a top source of selenium which is an important anti-oxidant.
- Did You Know lean protein can keep hunger pangs away? Find out more.
While seafood may sound like a special treat, it can also be the center piece of an inexpensive and quick family meal. There are child friendly recipes, like Salmon Cakes and Sardine Meatballs, which serve a family of four for around $10. Take the Healthy Heart Pledge and Seafood Nutrition Partnership will send you more recipes, tips and coupons to help your family enjoy healthy seafood meals.
Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to inspire a healthier America through partnerships that raise awareness about the essential nutritional benefits of eating seafood. SNP, a member of the NCD Roundtable, leads education efforts to help Americans gain the skills to select, order and prepare fish and shellfish, and to inspire a healthier America by promoting a nutrient-rich diet that includes seafood. In October 2015, during National Seafood Month, SNP is launching a three-year national public health education campaign. For more information, visit SeafoodNutrition.org.
For more smart eating tips take a look at these other posts from Together Counts!