If you’re trying to lose weight or improve your diet, you should probably eat more fish. It is recommended that you eat at least two servings of fish each week. But fish calories vary substantially and some that are higher in calories provide healthy fat. So the type of fish you choose makes a big difference. There are some types of fish to avoid and other types of fish that are better.
Comparing fish calories can be tricky because the way you prepare your fish can change the nutrition facts significantly. But you can compare raw fish calories with this guide based on USDA nutrition data. Fish calories and nutrition are listed for a 100 gram (3.5-ounce) serving.
Believe it or not, the best fish for weight loss and improved health is fatty fish.
But not just any fatty fish. Certain types of fish contain an essential fatty acid called omega-3. This polyunsaturated fat provides your body with important health benefits.
Fish that contain omega-3 fats help to reduce your risk of heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, studies show that people who eat seafood at least once per week are less likely to die of heart disease. Researchers also believe that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may help to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and may even help to improve brain and eye health.
Of course, you can get essential omega-3 fatty acids by taking a supplement. But research has not been able to show that taking a supplement can provide the same benefits as eating omega-3 foods, like fish.
So if you’re going to build a diet-friendly weight loss meal, why not choose a fish that provides a boost of good health as well? Eating higher fat fish may mean that you consume more calories in a single meal, but if you eat the fish in moderation and use good cooking methods to prepare the food, you may benefit in the long run.
| Atlantic Wild Salmon Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size 1/2 fillet (154 g) | |
| Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories 280 | |
| Calories from Fat 113 | |
| Total Fat 12.5g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat 1.9g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 5g | |
| Monounsaturated Fat 4.2g | |
| Cholesterol 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium 86mg | 4% |
| Potassium 967.12mg | 28% |
| Carbohydrates 0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Sugars 0g | |
| Protein 39.2g | |
| Vitamin A 1% · Vitamin C 0% | |
| Calcium 2% · Iron 9% | |
| *Based on a 2,000 calorie diet | |
But which sources are also lower in calories? Here’s a run-down of some of the lower-calorie fish varieties:
The calorie counts listed are for the raw form of each omega-3-rich fish. Note that unless cooked with flour or another ingredient that contains carbohydrate, fish itself, as a protein, does not contain any carbohydrate. The way that you prepare your fish will change the calorie count. Baked fish, grilled fish, and broiled fish are usually lowest in calories.
Shrimp (three ounces) provides about 100 calories and only 1.5 grams of fat, so they can be a healthy addition to your diet. And calories in scallops are low as well. Three ounces of steamed scallops provide about 95 calories and less than one gram of fat.
If you don’t like the taste of fish, there are a few things you can do to include it in your diet. First, try less “fishy” varieties. For example, many healthy eaters say that red snapper (about 100 calories per serving) has a less fishy taste than a heavier fish like salmon. You can also add fresh herbs and citrus to manage the taste.
Or try adding fish to recipes that you know you like. Add fish to a healthy salad. Or try making healthy fish tacos. You can add salmon to your morning omelet or even make a lean fish sandwich for lunch. You can use fish just like you would use any other diet-friendly protein, like chicken. Drizzle your fish with lemon or lime to give it a fresh and zesty flare. If you’re creative and persistent, you’ll get your two servings of fish per week along with all of the health and weight loss benefits that they provide.
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