Written by: Kirby Stanton, RDN, LDN 

Father’s Day is around the corner, and whether you are celebrating your dad, a father figure, or another cherished loved one, helping them take care of their health can be the ultimate gift. Our Dads, uncles, brothers, and sons’ health matters, and living a healthy lifestyle is essential to support health. Choosing a well-balanced diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods, such as seafood, can help to promote health and reduce their risk of chronic disease. 

Fish and other seafood are the major sources of healthful long-chain omega-3 fats and are also rich in other nutrients such as vitamin D and selenium, high in protein, and low in saturated fat. 

Here are a few nutrients in fish and shellfish that can help maintain and improve men’s health: 

• Magnesium and zinc play important roles in healthy nerve and muscle function, immune function, normal heart rhythm, and blood pressure.

• The omega-3s found in fish perform highly unique functions in cells and cell membranes by helping to manage heart rate, circulation, metabolism, muscle contraction, nerve function, inflammation, body temperature, and more. 

• Potassium is an important electrolyte that is necessary for proper muscle contraction and maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Father’s Day approved meal ideas featuring seafood: 

Low Country Boil

A simple technique to feed a crowd is a low country boil. Fill a large pot with crawfish, shrimp, or crab, along with sausage, corn, potatoes, and plenty of boil seasoning. Cook to perfection and simply serve the boil onto a newspaper-covered table and have the perfect meal to share with friends and family. 

Grilled Salmon 

Try grilling a whole salmon filet. Simply season, oil the skin, and add sliced lemon to the grill. Grill to temperature and voila you have a beautiful center piece worth sharing. 

Surf and Turf 

A special treat for dad that can be cooked on the grill recreate restaurant-quality surf and turf with fresh lobster tail and tender ribeye steak. To balance the plate pair with a grilled vegetable like asparagus. 

Visit your local Food City and let a seafood specialist assist with planning your seafood dish to celebrate Father’s Day.