Choosing the best low-fat fish can be far less arduous than most care to make it. By thinking about the meal you hope to prepare, assessing your budget and resources, and giving yourself options, this task can be made simple and easy. Most fish is lean in general, so if you are worried about eating fish that is not healthy at all, just be thankful you're not consuming the high fat and cholesterol in red meat. It is more important to emphasize quality and low toxin levels when choosing fish than to obsess over fat values.
That being said, if you know that the fish is fresh and is not laced with high mercury levels, it doesn't hurt to look at fat differentials. Low-fat fish are abundant, but any initially healthy entree can be tarnished through cooking methods. To prevent this, don't only buy healthy, but cook healthy as well. You can take the healthiest food in the world and prepare is using fatty oils and frying techniques that can tarnish its original state.
Cod, flounder, and salmon are all on the top of the list of leanest fish. No two fish are alike, just like two human beings can differ in lean mass. Location can also change a particular species's fat content. Some other relatively lean fish are tilapia, trout, and tuna. There are other species of seafood sometimes coupled with fish, like lobster, crab, and shrimp, that are other lean varieties of food of the sea.
Now that you have options, next consider your situation and your resources. If you are a lucky enough person to have no financial boundaries when choosing low-fat fish, the sky is the limit. Go to the most reputable market, and choose the freshest goods for the taking. There are also budget options for those who can't afford such a splurge too. If you are one of these people, try making smaller portions, finding coupons, or using a budget market that still has high quality.
Different fish have different flavors, so think about the dish you hope to make before committing to purchasing a low-fat fish. It may also be wise to follow market prices. The fish market is like any other economically explainable system, with supply and demand largely affecting prices. Fish that are down in supply or seasonally difficult to obtain will be more expensive than a more abundant variety.
Don't let your ego get in the way and set your mind on a lobster feast. A more affordable and less expensive option could be at your fingertips if you are willing to make a small sacrifice. Remember these things when choosing a low-fat fish to get the best bang for your buck.