As the new year begins we like to share the foods that will bring us good fortune and blessings for the year, as is Southern tradition. What you don't hear much of are the foods you shouldn't eat and why.  Many younger/beginner wives and cooks may be trying to find a substitute do to budget concerns.  

There are many ways you can celebrate the New Year with food, but be sure to NOT include the following foods and why.

Bottom-dwellers.  Bottom-dwellers are those animals that scavenge and feed off the bottom of the ocean. Examples of bottom feeding fish species groups are flatfish (halibut, flounder, plaice, sole), eels, cod, haddock, bass, grouper, carp, bream (snapper) and some species ofcatfish and shark.

Crabs. Crabs walk sideways. Forward progress is what you're looking for. Not sidestepping any issues or concerns. 

Lobster, is a bad idea because they move backwards.  This moving backwards could therefore lead to stumbling blocks and setbacks. 

Chicken & Turkey.  Turkeys and chickens scratch backwards for their food which is believed to cause regret, and dwelling on the past. Who wants to "scratch in the dirt" to survive? Not me! 

Winged fowl.   Like buying shoes for a mate -- your good luck could fly away.

So eat as much lucky food as you can, just don't get too greedy.