Making a healthy change for you, your community and the environment

(BPT) – Just because New Year’s Day has come and gone, your chance for making a change for the better hasn’t. Whether looking to give a boost to your health, your fellow man or even the environment, there’s no deadline on picking up positive habits.

Make easy nutritional choices

If you’re looking to trim your waistline, but have little time to prepare nutritious meals at home, simple fish recipes can provide a punch of protein and flavor in 30 minutes or less. Lake raised tilapia has become popular for its firm texture, mild taste and overall versatility. Plus, it’s high in protein, low in fat, and a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. Consider using tilapia in a meatless Monday dinner, or add a fish Friday recipe to your weekly repertoire for a healthier you. Regal Springs produces fresh and frozen all-natural, lake grown tilapia in Mexico, Honduras and Java. Asking your seafood counter for products from these regions is a great way to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.

As with any product, not all tilapia are created equal. To ensure the fish — or other seafood you choose — is high quality, look for certifications by credible independent agencies that monitor the conditions in which the proteins are raised and processed. Some endorsements to look for include the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, the British Retail Council and the Global Aquaculture Alliance/Best Aquaculture Practices.

Pay it forward

You can make healthy changes in your diet and your community at the same time. For example, fish like the tilapia previously mentioned can be a more economical protein compared to beef or pork. So, if you can afford to do so, think about purchasing more cost-effective foods and setting aside what you’re saving each week. At the end of each month, make a donation to your local food bank or another charity of your choice.

Or, consider where some of your favorite things come from and how you can support their communities, particularly those in developing countries. If you indulge in coffee or chocolate, seek out versions that are Fair Trade to ensure that the producers and growers are being compensated fully for their labors and can develop sustainable businesses.

If you’re trying to decide between two similar products, the greater social impacts by one brand may help tip the scales. Simple research can uncover how a business treats the communities that are relied upon for raw ingredients or labor. Most companies are proud of how they’re supporting their suppliers and share their efforts online. Companies operating in developing countries recognize the benefits of healthy communities and invest in ways to improve necessities like housing, health care, education and economic development.

Respect for mother nature

Healthy communities also depend upon the state of the environment, and consumers can make a difference with their dollars by supporting environmentally friendly companies. While looking into a brand’s social initiatives, take a look at their green initiatives. Companies relying on aquatic systems, for instance, will want to maintain pristine conditions by monitoring water quality, treating wastewater, improving sanitation systems and contributing to reforestation. Other companies may pursue policies that move toward zero waste or no carbon emissions.

Sometimes, it’s possible to help yourself, others and the environment in one go. For instance, Regal Springs, a leading producer in Mexico, Honduras and Indonesia who provides approximately 70 percent of America’s fresh tilapia, is committed to raising a nutritious fish while being a good steward of the environment and the communities in which it operates. Whether in Mexico, Honduras or Indonesia, the company invests millions of dollars annually to improve the overall quality of life of their employees and their local communities while producing high quality, all natural tilapia that grocers like Costco, Kroger, HEB, Sprouts and Giant Eagle can feel proud to carry and you can feel good about eating.