Remember that summer I decided to go on a “tuna cleanse”? Yeah. I ate tuna for lunch and dinner for five days straight. I thought I was being thrifty and healthy. By day three, I smelled like a cat’s wet food, and my dreams were just me swimming with tiny, metallic fish.
I later learned that my “cleanse” was basically a mercury speed run. I didn’t get sick, but my hair started looking suspiciously shinier, and I twitched a little when the microwave dinged. Lesson learned: tuna is a treat, not a lifestyle.
Dietitians Online Blog: World Tuna Day
How to Keep Your Tuna Habit Safe and Fun
Mix it up! You don’t have to abandon tuna forever. Just treat it like your favorite band—enjoy them, but don’t play their album on repeat all week. Alternate with salmon, sardines (yes, they’re actually delicious), or good old chicken salad.
Here’s a pro tip: buy skipjack or chunk light tuna for your weekly staple. It’s the safest bet. Save the pricey albacore for special occasions—like when you’re making a fancy tuna melt for a friend who thinks they’re a food critic.
And if you’re still paranoid? Eat smaller amounts more often. A half-can on Monday, then nothing until Friday. That’s like sipping a soda instead of chugging a gallon. Your bucket stays happy.
How Much Canned Tuna Is Safe to Eat?
