Why I "Torture" My Children With Fish Night

Yes, I force my children to eat fish once a week for dinner.  I probably force my husband too.  I also have them have a fish oil supplement four days a week.  When the kids were little, it did seem like torture to have them eat the dinner.  I experimented and found which fish they liked best. And I would have side dishes that made the fish go down a little easier.  As they have gotten older, they would never tell me they like fish night (although I do have one son that does like fish).  But, I do get compliments on the fish sometimes, and I do not ever hear, "I HATE FISH," like I did when they were younger.

From my research and study, I knew there was a benefit to having the omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammation, emotional health, mental strength and healthy skin.  A recent study has even shown that fish oil preserves the brain and prevents it from shrinking as we age.  It has also been shown promising in preventing dementia.  The omega-3 fats prevent the hippocampus part of the brain from shrinking.  The hippocampus plays an important role in memory and is usually one of the areas affected early in the dementia process.  The study suggests two servings of oily fish like salmon, herring, tuna, mackerel and sardines a week are all that is needed for the benefits.

I would prefer to serve a fish dinner twice a week, but I wouldn't push my luck (I do make extra so I can have the leftovers for lunch thereby satisfying the twice a week recommendation) .  At this point, they know fish is healthy and they eat it without complaint.  Sometimes, they even like it.  They are exposed to healthy eating and they are respectful to the chef of the meal they are served.  This is good.  Parenting is one of the biggest joys in my life, but it is also one of the toughest jobs I have ever had.  At least if I eat my fish twice a week, I will be able to remember it.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa