{"id":4337,"date":"2016-10-08T11:19:59","date_gmt":"2016-10-08T11:19:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=4337"},"modified":"2016-10-17T18:04:08","modified_gmt":"2016-10-17T18:04:08","slug":"going-seagan-foods-next-biggest-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/fall-2016\/going-seagan-foods-next-biggest-trend\/","title":{"rendered":"Going Seagan: Food\u2019s Next Biggest Trend"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Rachel Ezrin<\/p><\/p>\n

W<\/span>e know about vegetarians, vegans, and even meatarians, but what do you call someone who only eats seafood? A seagan! It might sound like a joke, but seaganism follows all the rules of vegetarianism but allows for certain proteins such as fish, shrimp, and even crab, is a growing trend.<\/p>\n

Amy Cramer and Lisa McComsey, authors of Seagan Eating<\/em>, note that vegetarians and vegans alike \u201ccheat\u201d by incorporating seafood into their diets. While many claim it\u2019s not \u201creally vegan\u201d to eat fish, there are many who\u2019ve set out to prove them wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome say we\u2019re sleeping with the enemy,\u201d write authors Amy Cramer and Lisa McComey in the first chapter of their book Seagan Eating<\/em>. What follows next is a rather shocking admission, at least by vegetarian standards.<\/p>\n

Cramer and McComey have given up their respective vegetarian and vegan lifestyles for something they claim is much healthier: seaganism. Seganism\u2014combining aspects of vegetarianism with the ability to eat fish, shrimp, and crab\u2014is food\u2019s newest trend. While some call it \u201ccheating,\u201d others believe that seaganism is a viable life choice for those who wish to incorporate more protein into their diet.<\/p>\n

Seaganism is popular for many reasons, but most converts decide to \u201cgo seagan\u201d purely for the health benefits. Seafood is known for its numerous health benefits such as its likelihood to reduced heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. Seafood also contains several vital nutrients such as vitamins D3, C, and E, which are key for fighting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Finally, seafood is rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which reduce the effects of AMD.<\/p>\n

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Crab Spinach Calzones from Seagan Eating<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Despite the numerous health benefits of seaganism, most are still shy when it comes to making the final transition from vegan to seagan. Many aren\u2019t sure where to start, where to buy ingredients, or have no idea what should be on a seagan\u2019s shelf! Thankfully, authors Cramer and McComey in their book Seagan Eating<\/em> are here to show us just how simple going seagan can be.<\/p>\n

Their book contains multiple, delicious recipes like Crab and Spinach Calzones and Halibut a la Vodka, all tailored towards the seagan diet.<\/p>\n

Why Go Seagan?<\/h4>\n

According to Seafoodhealthfacts.org<\/a>, a joint venture between several universities and the Community Seafood Initiative<\/a>, there are many health benefits to eating seafood. Low in total and saturated fats and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, seafood is known for its ability to reduce the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n

Additionally, seafood is often seen as a healthier alternative to red meat. Seafood is lower in fat and cholesterol than most meat and fish such as flounder, cod, and sole contain 100 calories for every three ounce serving.<\/p>\n

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Spicy Fish Tacos from Eat Right for Your Sight<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Seaganism and Eyesight<\/h4>\n

According to Jennifer Trainer Thompson and Johanna Seddon, authors of Eat Right for Your Sight<\/em>, published by The Experiment<\/a> going Seagan can actually improve vision. Foods containing selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, or vitamins D3, C, and E are all key nutrients when fighting Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD.<\/p>\n

AMD, which causes the macula to deteriorate, is the leading cause of vision loss for those over the age of 55. After her own brush with the disease, Johanna M. Seddon set out to lessen the effects of AMD through a very important medium: food. Eat Right for Your Sight<\/em> is the (delicious) result of her research. With recipes like Sardine Sandwiches or Spicy Fish Tacos, Thompson and Seddon prove that going seagan isn\u2019t nearly as hard as it sounds.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s on Your Shelf?<\/h4>\n

Naturally, the women of Seagan Eating<\/em> echo Thompson and Seddon\u2019s sentiments. After all, \u201cData, such as that from the World Health Organization, now support the notion that processed meats\u2014and likely even red meat\u2014contribute to cancer, heart disease, and other ills.\u201d In the long run, going seagan can prevent many health problems like heart disease or cancer.<\/p>\n

Even so, the women of Seagan Eating<\/em> acknowledge that change can be hard and many who want to transition from meat-eaters to seagans are overwhelmed by information. Lucky for us, they\u2019ve shared some of the best recipes for people who want to dive head first into the world of seaganism.<\/p>\n

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Italian Halibut with Grapes from The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook<\/em>. Photo: Glenn Scott Photography<\/p><\/div>\n

Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier<\/h4>\n

Amy Riolo, author of The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook<\/em>, knows that change doesn\u2019t start with a cookbook and a handful of recipes. In her book, she outlines not only the benefits of going seagan but foods to keep and replace and several wonderful recipes sure to delight any dinner table.<\/p>\n

Riolo recommends doing away with most red meats, much like the authors of Seagan Eating<\/em> and Eat Right for Your Sight<\/em>. Instead, she offers several, healthier alternatives to meat such as lentils and dried beans. Recipes like Italian Halibut with Grapes and Trout Cooked in Parchment will be keepers on your seafood menu list. \u00a0These ingredients are not only healthier but also offer a cooking introduction for those unfamiliar with Mediterranean-style dishes.<\/p>\n

Seaganism and the Future<\/h4>\n

With its delicious food and healthy reputation, it\u2019s no wonder that seaganism has attracted such a following the past couple years. While some may view the seagan lifestyle as \u201ccheating,\u201d others say it\u2019s a delicious, healthy alternative to red meat. No matter the ingredients and no matter the diet, seagan food always has a recipe to suit everyone\u2019s tastes.<\/p>\n

Want to dabble in seaganism? Here are some creative and delicious recipes from the authors. Maybe you will decide to call yourself a seagan!<\/p>\n

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