How I Survive Cookouts Being a Pescetarian

Here we are, in the middle of summer. We all know what comes along with summertime: sunshine, beaches, and barbecues!

We all know what comes with the typical barbecue: burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and chicken. No fish. No shrimp. Only vegetables smothered in mayo, butter, and cheese. No pescetarians or vegetarians welcomed.

You can imagine how hard it is for me to not to starve at these glorious food filled events being that people can not even dare to fathom the thought of someone not eating a steak at a cookout.

Everyone would stare at you because you only have corn on the cob and potato salad on your plate.

People start to ask if you’re just being too shy to eat or are you scared to really eat around people (like I’m ever scared to scarf a table full of food down) .

So, I decided it was time for me to enjoy myself at cookouts (and cease all the annoying looks and comments from meat-eater relatives and friends) by stuffing my face, the healthy and pescetarian way. Below are some of my personal tips on how to survive cookouts when you're a pescetarian (and some tips can also go for vegetarians).

1. I make it a point to tell the person that is throwing the cookout that I am pescetarian, I am living a healthier lifestyle, and I will be arriving! Most times that person makes it a point to have a few pieces of fish set aside for me.

2. I have started to bring my own fish to grill, but not too many pieces or the fellow cookout goers will get a little to curious about the taste of grilled fish (and I don’t share food).

3. Or I will bring a bag of seasoned shrimp to grill.

4. If I am feeling fancy the night before, I’ll prepare a seafood feast! (which just turns out to be crab salad).

5. Sometimes I will just bring a nice romaine and spinach salad topped with tuna.

6. Or I’ll bring an already prepared grilled fish fillet sandwich with a side of fresh vegetables.

  

7. My last resort is to just eat the side dishes.

8. And I ALWAY, ALWAYS make it a point to cover whatever I am eating in barbecue sauce(low fat and low sodium) so that I can pretend it's a burger (sad, I know).