Lose Extra Weight by Eating Fish

If you love seafood, you'll be pleased to know that eating fish every week is not only good for you, it will also help you lose weight. Certain fish contain a type of fatty acid called omega-3, which is very good for your heart and overall health. 

A study conducted at the University of South Australia found that people who both exercised and consumed omega-3 fatty acid lost significantly more weight than those who simply exercised. Other studies also revealed that fish can lower your risk for heart disease and cancer. Fish also has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease arthritis and lupus. Eating the right kinds of fish can even relieve depression and help with mood swings. 

Most diets warn us away from fatty meats such as pork and beef. For many meat lovers, this is a difficult rule to follow. But if you enjoy the light taste of seafood, fish is a good alternative, because it's full of lean protein. Even the more "fatty" fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines aren't nearly as fattening as steak or pork. As long as you don't fry it up in grease, fish will go a long way in helping you lose weight and satisfying your hunger at the same time. 

The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish each week. Fish with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, mackerel, light tuna, cod, sardines, and shellfish. However, it's better to avoid swordfish, shark, and king mackerel since these types of fish usually have higher levels of mercury. The best way to avoid eating fish contaminated with mercury is to buy a wide variety of seafood from different sources. Ocean and farm raised fish are the safest choices, whereas freshwater fish tend to have higher traces of mercury contamination. 

Of course, you can't deep-fry your fish filets and expect that they'll help you lose weight. It's much healthier to bake or boil your fish. Luckily, fish such as salmon or tilapia is easy to prepare and requires very little cooking time. Just preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, season the fish with your favorite spices, and bake for 6 to 12 minutes for every inch of thickness. You'll know it's done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. 

Although eating more fish can help you lose weight and benefit you in other ways, you'll be much more successful in the long run if you eat a variety of healthy foods and experiment with different ways of preparing them. Don't be afraid to try new recipes and jazz up your seafood with different ingredients.