Introduction

Let’s Serve Fish for the Weight Watcher is a 1967 cookbook created by the Department of Fisheries of Canada with the purpose of helping its readers prepare low-calorie fish recipes. The book’s recipes are diverse and cover various courses, from appetizers and salads to main courses. The recipes are divided into different sections, such as "Baked Fish," "Outdoor Cooking," or "Low Calorie Snacks." The book is a product of its time as it enforces the predominant gender roles, as evidenced by its cover illustration which depicts a well-dressed woman serving fish to a man (presumably her husband). Other cultural trends from the 1960s are also represented in the book, such as views on health and nutrition and multiculturalism. As this booklet was released by the federal Department of Fisheries, it intended to educate consumers about local fish and seafood products in the hopes of increasing sales. The book encourages readers to eat more fish and seafood and associates them with weight loss. The book's introduction discusses the importance of a well-balanced diet, with weight loss as the ultimate goal. The book reflects a common belief from the time that health and nutrition were demonstrated in one's body weight. Overall, Let’s Serve Fish for the Weight Watcher provides readers with diverse recipes using many different types of fish and other ingredients, while simultaneously supporting Canadian fisheries and disseminating information about health and wellness. 

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