The age old pescetarian vs. vegetarian debate.

Whenever someone brings up this argument, they likely have an array facts that they love to focus on.

Whether it's that you can't get protein without meat or that being vegetarian is healthier, untrue statements passed off as fact seem to plague this topic each time this topic arises.

We took on the task of debunking 6 common myths that have come up from this great debate, arming you with the knowledge you need.

 

You Won't Get Enough Protein

Some people out there believe that poultry and red meat are the only foods that provide you with enough protein. 

But this is totally false.

Vegetarians get protein from grains, beans, soy, nuts and greens, while pescetarians get what they need from lean sources of protein like Tilapia.

It can be tougher to get all the protein you need in a vegetarian diet, but it's not impossible.

 

You'll Be Missing Out on Key Nutrients

Some vegetarians love to claim that their diet is healthier than pescetarianism, but that's a bit of a red herring.

Vegetarians often have a hard time getting essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6, both of which help with brain development and maintenance, whereas pescetarians can find these fats in fish.

Additionally, seafood contains vitamins B12 and D, two vitamins not commonly found in plants that are highly beneficial.

 

You Don't Have Many Food Options

Those who eat meat might think they have more food choices than a vegetarian or pescetarian would, but this is just another myth.

When you're whipping up a meal at home, you have an endless amount of recipes to cook, bake or even steam.

We think that the argument comes from the ease of having a protein to focus on your dish around, but fish works just as well.

Plus veggies and herbs are usually what adds an added burst of flavor anyway!

 

You Can't Eat Out Anymore

Vegetarians have it rough when they go out for a meal.

This is normally due to the fact that many restaurants seldom have a vegetarian option that isn't just a salad.

Pro tip: Almost everything on a menu is vegetarian if you order it without meat and many restaurants will make substitutions.

Pescetarians have it much easier, however, with common dishes normally having some sort of seafood alternative, like a shrimp pasta or a fresh fish main.

 

You're Still Eating Unhealthy Food

Some vegetarians love to argue that fish is just as bad as red meat or poultry, but fish is leaner and healthier than most other meats, which are high in fats as well as cholesterol.

Fish, such as salmon and Tilapia, contain essential fatty acids that are important to good health and are hard to find in other common foods.

Meat, especially beef, is also more harmful to the environment than fish such as Tilapia.

Fish is, in fact, better than meat both for you and for the environment.

 

You Won't Be Invited to BBQ for Dinner Parties

Unless you're particularly demanding, it's unlikely that your friends will even notice your dietary restrictions.

Being vegetarian or pescetarian has little to no effect on those around you.

If you're gracious and prepared, you'll find that bringing your own main or sides to a BBQ isn't all too difficult, for you or your host.

It's your lifestyle after all!