5 Fx™-Approved Side Dishes to Serve with Seafood
The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.
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A medical doctor was interviewed recently on the topic of successful weight loss. When asked how she helps her patients shed unwanted pounds using food as medicine, she brilliantly replied, “I encourage them to look at each meal as a repair kit for their body.”
That’s a powerful visual representation of how food can heal! I imagine the tiny vitamins and minerals in my daily fruit and veggie smoothie dispersing themselves in the tissues and cells of my body, stitching up all the areas in need of mending.
Does the idea of using food as medicine fill you with hope for a healthier future like it does me? If so, let’s have some fun and apply it to a homecooked seafood dinner using fresh catches from Heinen’s Seafood Department!
The Health Benefits of Seafood
Seafood is a superior source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but the real star player is omega-3 fatty acids. The positive effects of seafood have primarily been linked to the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA.
Potential health benefits received from eating two to three, 4-ounce servings of fatty fish per week include lower triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and a healthy brain.
Although most fish contain some omega-3 fatty acids, mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna rank the highest in EPA & DHA.
5 Fx™-Approved Seafood Side Dishes
Side dishes are where I typically see the good intention of a seafood meal crumble to pieces. Greasy French fries and coleslaw swimming in mayo are no way to repair your precious body.
Since you’ve already chosen fish as the main course, why not extend the goodness with one of these Fx-approved side dishes?
Herby Roasted Sunchoke Salad
Sunflower chokes (also known as Jerusalem artichokes) taste like a cross between an artichoke and potato! They are the root portion of a sunflower plant and look like a ginger root. Although they might not be as pretty as a sunflower on the outside, the flavor and nutritional benefits they offer are beautiful, especially if you’re looking to improve your gut health!
Mayo-Free Coleslaw
While most coleslaws are loaded with mayonnaise, this recipe is very light and requires only 10 minutes of hands-on prep and very little chopping thanks to Heinen’s recipe ready chopped slaw with carrots.
Grilled Vegetables with Tahini Dressing
Tahini is one of those foods that is so delicious but does not get enough attention. If you love hummus, you may know tahini as the key ingredient that makes it taste so good! In this recipe, Heinen’s organic sesame tahini is used as a dipping sauce that takes grilled vegetables to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice is a whole grain that has up to three times more fiber and protein than white rice, so it’s more filling when you eat it.
Cooked in bone broth for added flavor, sprinkled with seasonings and spices, and tossed with juicy citrus, edamame, red onion, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and almonds, this wild rice pilaf makes a delicious bed or side for fish!
Heinen’s Farro & Quinoa with Broccoli and Feta
For those times when you need a quick side dish, Heinen’s Farro & Quinoa with Broccoli and Feta saves the day. Farro is an ancient whole grain dating back to early Mesopotamia and is packed with more fiber and protein than most grains. Its firm, chewy texture makes it a popular ingredient in salads, soups, and side dishes.
Tasty Fx™-Approved Toppings for Fish
A squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chopped fresh chives or parsley, are simple ways to season fish. And of course, no seafood lover should be without Heinen’s Fan Favorite Two Brothers seafood seasoning featuring a blend of black pepper, garlic, onion, coriander, dill, kosher salt, and tarragon.
If you’re in the mood for a more tropical topping and don’t want to spend extra time in the kitchen, try Heinen’s pineapple mango salsa or pico de gallo (mild or medium), both found in the Heinen’s Deli Department.
Key Takeaway
If you eat three meals a day you have 21 opportunities a week (and 84 chances a month) to heal your body from the inside out using food as medicine. What are you waiting for?
