What Do You Call a Pescatarian Who Eats Chicken?

According to a 2018 study published in the journal Nutrients, semi-vegetarian diets like the one followed by a pescatarian who eats chicken are increasingly popular. These specific dietary choices mean the individual is not a true pescatarian, but more accurately described as a pollopescatarian.

Quick Summary

A person who consumes both fish and poultry, but avoids red meat, is called a pollopescatarian or pesce-pollotarian. This dietary pattern is a type of semi-vegetarianism, not a strict pescatarian or vegetarian diet.

Key Points

• Pollopescatarian: This is the correct, though lesser-known, term for an individual who eats both fish and chicken, but abstains from red meat.

• Pescatarian Definition: A true pescatarian diet includes fish and seafood but excludes all poultry, red meat, and other meat.

• Flexitarian vs. Pollopescatarian: Flexitarian is a broader term for a semi-vegetarian who eats meat occasionally, while pollopescatarian is a specific term for those who consistently include only poultry and fish.

• Nutritional Balance: This diet can offer a healthy balance of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and lean protein from chicken, while reducing saturated fat intake from red meat.

• Clear Communication: Using the correct dietary label helps prevent confusion and accurately describes one's eating preferences to others, from social situations to healthcare providers.

Understanding the Correct Dietary Labels

While many people who eat fish but no other meat refer to themselves as pescatarians, the inclusion of chicken changes this dietary label entirely. A pescatarian diet specifically excludes poultry, so adding chicken means the person is following a different eating pattern. The correct, though lesser-known, term for someone who eats both fish and poultry but avoids red meat is a pollopescatarian, or sometimes a pesce-pollotarian. The terminology combines pollo (Spanish/Italian for chicken) and pesce (Italian for fish) with the vegetarian suffix.

This specific label helps clarify an individual's dietary preferences and provides a more accurate representation of their eating habits. While the term 'flexitarian' can also be used for those who occasionally eat meat, 'pollopescatarian' is far more precise for someone who consistently includes both poultry and seafood while excluding red meat. Understanding the difference is useful for health, nutritional planning, and effectively communicating your choices to others.

Origins of Dietary Terminology

The formal names for semi-vegetarian diets help to provide clarity and context. A pescatarian is a pesco-vegetarian, focusing on fish, while a pollotarian is a pollo-vegetarian, centered on poultry. The combination, a pollopescatarian, reflects an eating style that incorporates both of these non-red meat animal proteins alongside a largely plant-based diet. This level of specificity addresses the increasing complexity of modern eating habits, which often fall outside traditional labels like vegetarian or vegan. The rise of these terms reflects a growing awareness of health, environmental, and ethical reasons for modifying meat consumption.

The Nutritional Aspects of a Pollopescatarian Diet

A diet that includes both fish and chicken, while excluding red meat, offers a balance of nutrients. Both fish and poultry are excellent sources of lean protein, which is vital for muscle repair and growth. Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. Chicken offers a lean source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. By avoiding red meat, a pollopescatarian diet typically has a lower intake of saturated fat compared to an omnivorous diet. However, individuals must still ensure a balanced nutrient intake from a variety of plant-based sources to avoid potential deficiencies, particularly for nutrients more readily available in red meat like heme iron.

Potential Benefits and Considerations

Following a pollopescatarian diet can offer several health benefits, many of which are associated with its emphasis on lean protein and plant-based foods. By avoiding red meat, this diet can contribute to a lower risk of certain chronic diseases. However, as with any modified diet, careful planning is essential to ensure a complete nutritional profile. Key considerations include sourcing sustainable seafood and ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. The environmental impact is also a significant factor for many choosing this diet, as poultry and fish farming often have a lower carbon footprint than red meat production.

Dietary Type	Excluded Meats	Included Animal Products	Primary Protein Focus
Pescatarian	Red meat, poultry	Fish, seafood, (often dairy, eggs)	Fish, seafood
Pollotarian	Red meat, fish	Poultry, (often dairy, eggs)	Poultry
Pollopescatarian	Red meat	Fish, seafood, poultry, (often dairy, eggs)	Fish, poultry
Vegetarian	All meat, fish, poultry	Dairy, eggs (lacto-ovo)	Plant-based

Conclusion: Defining Your Dietary Path

Ultimately, what you call a pescatarian who eats chicken is a pollopescatarian. While the term might not be widely recognized, it is the most accurate description for this semi-vegetarian diet. The choice to include both fish and poultry reflects a specific set of dietary preferences, often influenced by health, environmental, or ethical considerations. Being precise with your terminology not only clears up confusion but also acknowledges the nuanced differences between various types of plant-forward and semi-vegetarian lifestyles. Regardless of the label, a well-planned, whole-foods-focused diet—whether pollopescatarian, pescatarian, or flexitarian—is key to achieving your health goals.

For more information on dietary choices and sustainable eating, you can explore resources like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch recommendations for making environmentally friendly seafood choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the primary difference between a pescatarian and a pollopescatarian? Answer: A pescatarian eats fish and seafood but avoids all other meat, including poultry and red meat. A pollopescatarian includes both poultry (like chicken) and fish, while still avoiding red meat.

Question: Is it misleading for a pollopescatarian to call themselves a pescatarian? Answer: Yes, it can be misleading. A true pescatarian does not eat poultry. While some use the term broadly, calling yourself a pollopescatarian is more precise and avoids confusion.

Question: What are some reasons someone might become a pollopescatarian? Answer: Reasons can include desiring the health benefits of both fish (omega-3s) and poultry (lean protein), environmental concerns about red meat production, or simply a taste preference that includes both fish and chicken while avoiding other meats.

Question: Do pollopescatarians also avoid other types of meat, like pork or lamb? Answer: Yes, the core principle of both the pollotarian and pescatarian diets, and therefore the combined pollopescatarian diet, is to avoid red meat (mammal meat) such as pork and lamb.

Question: What is a 'flexitarian' and how is it different? Answer: A flexitarian follows a mostly plant-based diet but occasionally eats any type of meat, including red meat, poultry, and fish. It is a more flexible and less specific label than pollopescatarian.

Question: Can a pollopescatarian diet be healthy? Answer: Yes, when well-planned, a pollopescatarian diet can be very healthy. It emphasizes lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Like any diet, health outcomes depend on avoiding processed foods and ensuring a balanced nutrient intake.

Question: Are there any nutritional risks to a pollopescatarian diet? Answer: While generally healthy, individuals should be mindful of certain nutrients. With the exclusion of red meat, it is important to ensure adequate iron and zinc intake, though chicken and plant sources can help meet these needs. B12 supplementation might be considered, depending on how frequently animal products are consumed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between a pescatarian and a pollopescatarian?

A pescatarian eats fish and seafood but avoids all other meat, including poultry and red meat. A pollopescatarian includes both poultry (like chicken) and fish, while still avoiding red meat.

Is it misleading for a pollopescatarian to call themselves a pescatarian?

Yes, it can be misleading. A true pescatarian does not eat poultry. While some use the term broadly, calling yourself a pollopescatarian is more precise and avoids confusion.

What are some reasons someone might become a pollopescatarian?

Reasons can include desiring the health benefits of both fish (omega-3s) and poultry (lean protein), environmental concerns about red meat production, or simply a taste preference that includes both fish and chicken while avoiding other meats.

Do pollopescatarians also avoid other types of meat, like pork or lamb?

Yes, the core principle of both the pollotarian and pescatarian diets, and therefore the combined pollopescatarian diet, is to avoid red meat (mammal meat) such as pork and lamb.

What is a 'flexitarian' and how is it different?

A flexitarian follows a mostly plant-based diet but occasionally eats any type of meat, including red meat, poultry, and fish. It is a more flexible and less specific label than pollopescatarian.

Can a pollopescatarian diet be healthy?

Yes, when well-planned, a pollopescatarian diet can be very healthy. It emphasizes lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Like any diet, health outcomes depend on avoiding processed foods and ensuring a balanced nutrient intake.

Are there any nutritional risks to a pollopescatarian diet?

While generally healthy, individuals should be mindful of certain nutrients. With the exclusion of red meat, it is important to ensure adequate iron and zinc intake, though chicken and plant sources can help meet these needs. B12 supplementation might be considered, depending on how frequently animal products are consumed.