Day 19

Halibut

It’s one of the most approachable filets in the fish case at your local grocer, in my opinion. But I love fish and seafood of all sizes and stripes, so maybe my opinion is not the most objective for those who’ve yet to develop a taste for deep-sea-type foods. For me, halibut, with its flaky white texture and look and its sweet and un-fishy, pleasant taste, is by far one of my favorite go-to fishes for a healthy cleanse and non-cleansing meal. 

Halibut, found in our Pacific waters, is the largest flatfish as noted by the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game. It’s a high-quality protein that’s packed with selenium that aids in reducing inflammation and cell repair. It also contains a slew of other micro-nutrients, like B vitamins, niacin, magnesium and phosphorus, according to the USDA. It’s a high-quality protein that is also good for heart health given its high Omega-3 fatty acid breakdown, as outlined by the Harvard School of Public Health and its article, Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution.

When eating fish there are a few things to consider: 

• Sustainability 
• Mercury levels
• Wild-caught or farm-raised

The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch has become an authority on the sustainability question regarding fish and seafood consumption. Atlantic halibut is currently on its Best Choice/Buy First recommendation list. To learn more visit the website. 

Additionally, to determine the current mercury levels in fish and seafood (an important consideration for pregnant women and others), check out the EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) Seafood Selector.  There you can also find information about wild-caught versus farm-raised fish. 

To me, halibut is the best grilled and served over a bed of wild rice, but a pan-seared version in olive oil is also quite tasty. Both, when dressed with asparagus spears, make a delicious whole-food lunch or dinner dish. A chimichurri sauce gives the drier texture a little moisture and the color lends a bit of vibrancy to the color-neutrality of the tasty fish. 

María Felicia’s 2023 New Year Body… Cleanse – Day 19

Written by Maria Felicia Kelley
Disclaimer: Maria Felicia Kelley is not a medical doctor. The cleanse and fasting benefits she discusses in this post are derived from her own experiences and observations. Individuals should consult their own healthcare providers when eliminating foods from their diets.
@thenorthcountymoms | @1MariaFelicia 
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