Over twenty years ago, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. It was a very scary time for our family as he went through chemo, radiation and surgery to remove a large part of his colon. He recovered and, twenty years later, is doing great. But, as in the case of most major events that happen to us, our life changed because of the diagnosis. One of the major changes for us was eliminating red meat from our diet. My husband, through research, came to the conclusion that red meat was a factor in his getting colon cancer. We’re not doctors or scientist so this is just our story, no one else’s. 

Prior to his diagnosis, Johnny loved to grill outside and often cooked his hamburger patties with charred edges. A good bit of research backs up a connection between charred red meat and colon cancer. So, once he read that, red meat was no longer on his menu. Since I believed it can’t be the only component or all of us would have colon cancer, it took me a few years before I dropped red meat from my diet as well. Basically, it was just easier for me if we ate the same and I love fish, so no problem. Over the years, I have also come to the conclusion that fish and veggies are healthier than red meat. People often ask us if we feel better, but, honestly, it’s been so long, we don’t remember if we feel better or not. I will say this, we feel great. 

Lots of people want to know how we do it, what we cook, it is hard, do we miss it, etc. We don’t miss it and it’s not hard. Since we do eat fish and live in Louisiana, where fish is plentiful, the switch was easy. Plus, we love vegetables, so that helps. I have to confess, in the early days of our switch, it was hard to find something on the run. Fast food was an issue, but more and more drive through restaurants are adding a veggie or fish options so it’s gotten easier. 

Here’s a quick definition of a vegetarian, vegan and, what we are, pescatarian. The word vegetarian sprouted up in 1839. In 1944, vegetarians who consume no animal or dairy products began calling themselves vegans. Then, in 1993, those who eat fish but no other meat chose pesce, the Italian word for “fish,” to create the designation pescatarian. 

For nearly twenty years now, we have eaten differently than everyone in our family. We tried to never burden others with our diet and, if fish wasn’t on the menu, we just ate the vegetables and salad, which most meals include anyway and were totally fine. But, a funny thing happened on the way to life and Willie decided he was ready to give up meat for a while too. What?? Yes, after twenty years, we now had other family members on the same path. Then, our daughter and her husband in Alabama decided the same thing!! What!! More of our family have now joined the quiet crusade we have been on for twenty years. Our daughter in Huntsville has even gone further and they eat mostly vegan. 

That goes to show you, not every cause needs banner-carrying members. Some causes just need quiet resolution and, eventually, the message spreads. I’m confident our twenty years didn’t have as much to do with their decision as a recent Netflix documentary call Game Changer, but I like to think they looked at us and said, “They’re doing pretty good for two older folks. Let’s do what they do.” Lol. In any case, now our family actually has more non-meat eaters as meat eaters, which makes the whole potluck thing look pretty good in our favor. 

One thing that I have found is simple food and simple meals actually equal healthier food. That was a game changer for me, as I don’t really love to cook anyway. I falsely felt like a “special” diet would require more complicated cooking, but it’s the opposite. Just cooking fresh veggies and some kind of fish or shrimp is about as easy as it gets. One of my favorite meals is almost all in one pan. I just take cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and fresh green beans and spread them in a large pan with olive oil and salt and pepper.  On the other end of the pan, place fish of any kind. You can even use fish sticks. Coat it in olive oil and the seasoning of your choice. Cook at 425 until fish is cooked and veggies are browned. You can do this with potatoes as well. If you feel like the veggies will take longer than the fish, just wait a few minutes and put the fish in. It’s super simple and very healthy. Add a salad or fruit and you’re good to go. 

If you decide to try the pescatarian lifestyle, here’s a list of things we eat.

• Whole grains and grain products
• Legumes and their products, including beans, lentils, tofu and hummus
• Nuts and nut butters, peanuts and seeds
• Seeds, including hemp, chia and flaxseeds
• Dairy, including yogurt, milk and cheese
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Fish and shellfish
• Eggs

Try it. You just might like it. I’ll come back in more posts with some of my favorite recipes.