Is Shrimp Good for Weight Loss?

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 Are you a seafood lover who wants to know if shrimp is good for weight loss? If you are looking for seafood that is good for weight loss, consider shrimp. It is rich in protein and low in calories.

Shrimp is usually a healthy food choice that provides many benefits for weight loss. It is the most diet-friendly seafood as compared to other seafood for weight loss because other seafood is rich in omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals.     

In terms of providing a low-calorie protein, shrimp is often the healthier option. It has been consumed for centuries in many Asian countries, but it is not as widely popular in the United States.

Shrimp can improve your cardiovascular health and blood sugar levels, as well as reduce your cholesterol, which will help you in weight loss.

So, all benefits aside, let’s now dive into the main part: How shrimp can be on your weight loss diet menu! Keep reading. 

Shrimp: A Healthy Protein

Did you know that shrimps have only 1.5g of healthy fats per serving?

From being high in protein to being low in carbohydrates, calories, and fats, shrimps can be your next favorite item on your weight loss menu! On average, 3 ounces of shrimp have 12 grams of protein and only 60 calories; interesting, isn’t it? 

It can be a healthy option for many people who struggle with their weight because of their high protein content that helps people maintain a balanced diet.

Being a low-calorie food that contains few carbohydrates, Shrimp can help with weight loss by staving off hunger cravings. In fact, one serving of shrimp contains only 60 calories and 1 gram of fat.

Not only that, shrimp has been shown to help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation levels in the body.

And well, Shrimp is also cost-effective, comparatively speaking to other lean proteins such as chicken breast and fish. Who doesn’t like a pocket-friendly diet option?

sauteed shrimp with cajun seasoning and lime on a maple plank.

Shrimp Nutrition Facts: How Much Nutrients Does a Serving of Shrimp Provide?

With the increasing demand for shrimp worldwide, the nutritional value of shrimp is a topic that has come to the forefront of many consumers’ minds.

Shrimp are surprisingly high in protein and nutrients, with only 70 calories per 100 grams. They are also low in fat and cholesterol.

They are packed with selenium, zinc, vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids. For example, there is about 60% more selenium than found in beef:

Here is a much clearer breakdown:

  • Calories: 84.
  • Protein: 18 grams.
  • Selenium: 48% of the RDI.
  • Vitamin B12: 21% of the RDI.
  • Iron: 15% of the RDI.
  • Phosphorus: 12% of the RDI.
  • Niacin: 11% of the RDI.
  • Zinc: 9% of the RDI

Shrimp and a Low Calorie Food Option

Shrimp can be eaten as an entrée or prepared as a side dish or appetizer. It’s also great for making salads due to its crunchy texture and pleasant flavor. However, eating shrimp with low calorie food should be a popular choice for the people who want to reduce their weight.

It also tastes great and can be eaten with a variety of dishes such as pasta, risotto, and even fried rice. Shrimp also has different ways of cooking that require less time and effort when compared to other types of seafood such as lobster or scallops.

5 Reasons Why Shrimp is Good for Weight Loss

Here are some reasons why shrimp is healthy for weight loss compared to other meat.

  1. Shrimp is lower in fats other than lean beef.
  2. Shrimp is rich in dietary fiber, zinc, and vitamin B12..It is also a good source of antioxidants which prevents the formation of LDL cholesterol.
  3. Shrimp helps in maintaining muscle mass by lowering cortisol levels 
  4. Shrimp is low in calories, so it is an ideal food for losing weight. 
  5. The protein in shrimp might help your body burn more fat. This can speed up the weight loss process and even lead to permanent weight loss.

Healthy Shrimp Recipes for Weight loss

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein with zero fats, enough omega-3, and other nutrients present in it. Shrimp can be a constant part of your diet.

Its nutritional benefits are the reason why it is a popular staple of many cuisines and it is easy to buy and prepare at home. So, if you fancy eating shrimp, then you can easily lose weight with the help of shrimp by preparing the following recipes.

There are some healthy recipes below which can help you in weight loss. 

  1. Spanish Garlic Shrimp
  2. Shrimp Succotash Salad Recipe
  3. Pop Shrimp and Broccoli
  4. Crispy Coconut Shrimp (Not Fried)
  5. Low-Calorie Shrimp Fra Diavolo
  6. Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
  7. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Make Sure You Check The Calorie: Remember, Every Calorie Counts!

Most recipes with shrimps are high in calories. You can use less calorie content and 

modify recipes according to the weight loss ingredients.

If you deep fry the shrimp and eat it with creamy sauces then you are going in the wrong direction. Use non-fat yogurt instead of mayonnaise, when making shrimp salad or sandwich. Alfredo sauce can be replaced with tomato ketchup in making pasta, it’s better to serve your shrimp with spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Is Shrimp Fried Rice Good for Weight Loss

It depends on how much you intake for example; 1 cup serving of shrimp fried rice contains 238 calories from fried rice and 101 from shrimp which means 339 total calories.

This means 5.4g of fat from which only 1 gram is saturated, and other is protein, which means shrimp fried rice can be helpful in the weight loss journey.  

Bottom line 

You can lose weight if you intake shrimp in an average amount and shrimp should be cooked in the right way. 

In fact, it is still uncommon to see shrimp being served at restaurants or on restaurant menus. However, that does not mean that people should avoid eating shrimp.

One study found that there are clear nutritional benefits to eating shrimp for weight loss – as long as you are careful with what you order and how much you consume!

As the demand for low-calorie foods increases, so will the demand for healthy seafood options like shrimp. It seems like the time has come when Americans can finally enjoy this healthful seafood more than ever before!

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