In this updated episode of Food for Thought—Omega-3s: Skip the Fish, Boost Your Brain (and Get Enough!)—we talk about these incredibly important fatty acids that are vital for brain, heart, mood, eye, and overall health.

You’ve probably heard recommendations to eat fish to get your omega-3 fats, but listen to understand exactly what these fats are—and why skipping the middle fish is beneficial.

What’s also essential is getting an amount of omega-3s that truly protects your brain, heart, and other organs. The best way to know if you’re getting enough is to test. I share my own story—testing my Omega-3 Index (and my husband’s), learning we were low, increasing our intake, and testing again. In the episode, I share the results with you and encourage you to test yourself!

In this episode, we cover:

* Why omega-rich plant foods (like flax seeds and walnuts) are great for many reasons but limited when it comes to converting ALA into EPA and DHA.

* How and why to skip the fish and get your omega-3s where the fish get them (i.e. algae).

* What the Omega-3 Index is—what it measures, how to test it (including at home), and why it’s not on standard panels. (Find tests online, or get 15% off of Complement’s tests. Use JOYFULVEGAN for your discount.

* How I increased my Omega-3 Index by over 60%—and my husband’s by 100%.

* …and so much more!

Tune in for the full story, and remember…

Food for Thought is a listener-supported podcast, and your support as a paid subscriber helps me continue creating content that inspires compassion and action—for animals, people, and the planet.

Related Episodes

* Your Daily Supplement Guide: The Non-Negotiables and the Helpful Boosts

* Are You Eating Enough Protein? (Part One)

* Are You Eating Enough Protein? (Part Two)

Support the Podcast

To keep Food for Thought Podcast ad-free and accessible to all, I rely on the support of paid subscribers. If you're already one—thank you. If you’re not, please consider becoming one. None of the companies below sponsored this episode. They’re simply brands I personally use, love, and trust—which is why I agreed to be an affiliate.

If you make a purchase using the links below, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you—and you’ll receive exclusive discounts using the codes provided!

* Complement SupplementsEverything you need, nothing you don’t. Complement makes targeted supplements for plant-based eaters, including B12, D3, DHA, and more—all from clean, trusted sources. (Discount includes Omega-3 Index tests!)🔗 lovecomplement.com | Code: JOYFULVEGAN for 15% off all products!

* Plaine ProductsRefillable, non-toxic, plastic-free personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash. Gentle on you, gentle on the planet.🔗 plaineproducts.com | Code: JOYFULVEGAN for 20% off all products!

* Nama JuicerMy favorite cold-press juicer—quiet, powerful, and easy to clean. It’s become an essential part of my kitchen.🔗 namawell.com | Code: COLLEEN10 for 10% off all products!

Additional Resources

👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for. (One one-on-one connection is also a perk of the Founding Member/VIP level here on Substack.)

👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.

👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.

👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes.

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Omega-3s: Skip the Fish, Boost Your Brain, but Make Sure You're Getting Enough