Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Fresh Lobster is a Health Secret

By Shannon Linnen

If like many of us, you're on what can seem like a perpetual diet, it can be difficult to stay healthy. One of the hardest things is finding a protein that you like that isn't bad for you. No one wants to eat tofu every day, and red meat has been out for years. You can only eat so much chicken, and now even fish is becoming unsafe, with high levels of mercury. Where is a dieter to turn when all they really want is to spice things up? Surprisingly, and deliciously, you can turn to fresh lobster.

You may think of lobster as a special, high in fat, bad for you food, but in fact the opposite is true. Lobster tastes so good it feels like it must be bad for you, but three and a half ounces of the meat has only 90 calories, making it lower in calories than even chicken! And it's a great source of protein, just like the other, higher in calorie meats. So by indulging in lobster, you're actually doing something good for yourself, and you don't have to feel guilty about including fresh lobster in a healthy meal.

You may be thinking to yourself that lobster must be unhealthy, because that's what you've heard and thought for years, but it's simply not true. What is true is that most of the ways in which lobster has been prepared and enjoyed have been unhealthy, masking the fact that the fresh lobster meat itself is quite healthy. Of course, a creamy and rich lobster bisque isn't good for you, and dipping any meat in butter wouldn't make for a healthy meal, but on it's own, because it is steamed in preparation, lobster is better for you than other proteins.

Lobster is also a great source of omega three fatty acids, which you've probably been seeing on the news lately. Found naturally in many types of fish and shellfish, omega three fatty acids are seen as essential for heart health. They are such a hit that they're being added to many other foods. Fresh lobster is a great way to get these great heart benefits because it can be prepared in such a low calorie way. It's also a great way to get the protein that you need to have energy throughout your day.

Are you stuck for how you can enjoy lobster in a healthy way that will complement it? Here are some simple ideas. For a quick snack, try a few pieces on some rye bread. The strong flavors play off each other nicely. You can also add texture and flavor to a vegetable filled salad with some chunks of lobster. It's an easy and low calorie way to get some protein. Feeding the family? Prepare whole wheat pasta with olive oil, and add some pieces of lobster. It's elegant and good for you.

Fresh lobster is a great way to add some classic elegance to your diet, without sacrificing taste or your healthy. It's a great tasting protein that can be prepared in many simple ways for both yourself, and for your friends and family.

About the Author:

No comments: