Choosing Healthy Seafood In Florida Keys, FL

When it comes to eating out, getting seafood can be a healthy, nutritious choice. Many seafood dishes can be high in protein and low in fat, providing your body with essential vitamins and minerals that are difficult to get from other foods, not to mention that fish can be a delicious treat. However, not all seafood in Florida Keys, FL may be the best choice for your waistline. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the seafood you love without the extra calories and fat that you don’t.

First, search the restaurant menu for options that are described as grilled, broiled, or steamed. These cooking methods often add fewer calories to seafood in Florida Keys, FL than some other cooking styles. To make sure that your fish still has lots of flavor without the fat, look for options that use a variety of herbs or citrus for flavoring, as these toppings have few to no calories but can really stimulate your taste buds.

Second, if you like seafood gumbo, you may want to consider ordering a cup of it for your meal. Many gumbos have a reasonable amount of calories, most of which comes from the fish’s protein and the broth. However, if you are on a sodium restricted diet, make sure that you find out just how much salt is in the broth before you order.

Next, avoid seafood in Florida Keys, FL that is fried or served with creamy or buttery sauces when you are trying to watch your caloric intake. When seafood is fried, the oil can add large amounts of fat to the dish, doubling or tripling the number of calories you would get if you ordered the fish alone. Fish with cream or butter based sauces can also have a high fat content, so it’s best to enjoy these dishes in moderation.

Last, choose wisely when it comes to the side dishes that accompany your seafood in Florida Keys, FL. If you can, pick steamed vegetables or a green salad to round out your plate. Adding a vegetable side to your meal is great way to increase the fiber content and nutrient density of your meal and can complement the flavors of many fish dishes nicely, helping you to stick to light fare that will leave you satisfied without leaving you in a food coma.