Shrimp lovers will be happy to know that this popular crustacean is a fantastic food choice for anyone that is trying to lose weight for multiple reasons. Shrimp is a healthy form of seafood that is high in protein, full of water, and contains plenty of vitamins and nutrients to promote a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Although Shrimp on its own is a healthy food option, there are many different popular ways people eat them that can be damaging to any weight loss goals. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to eat shrimp for weight loss and preparation techniques you should avoid.
Why is Shrimp Good For Weight Loss?
It can be hard finding foods that you can enjoy while dieting to lose weight. Most of the time, people have to give up the items they love the most such as baked goods, pasta and pizzas, and fried foods.
Luckily, Shrimp doesn’t have to be a craving you curb when looking to lose a few pounds, and here’s why.
Shrimp is High in Protein
Shrimp is very high in protein, 20.4g per every 3-ounces consumed, in fact. Protein is ideal for weight loss for multiple reasons.
- Helps you feel full– Protein helps curb cravings because it slows down your digestive tract and makes you feel fuller for longer, keeping you from overeating or consuming more calories a day than necessary.
- Increases the fat-burning process- Your body requires proteins and carbs to burn fats. Having plenty of stored protein will allow your body to burn calories from carbs and help build lean muscle.
- Increases burned energy– The body requires more energy to break down and digest protein compared to fats or carbs, suggesting you burn more energy (and calories) simply by eating protein.
Shrimp is Full of Water
There is 63.2g of water in 3-ounces of shrimp, proving that shrimp is mostly made up of water, keeping you feeling hydrated and full.
For anyone who has attempted dieting in the past, you have probably heard that a big symptom of dehydration is hunger. Your brain can trick you into thinking you are hungry when really you just need a little H2O.
Eating foods that have high water levels can help decrease the feeling of hunger and increase the feeling of being full.
Shrimp Has Almost No Carbohydrates
We all know that cutting carbs is one of the best ways to lose weight. This information means we say goodbye to bread, spaghetti, and other delicious foods. However, shrimp is safe to keep on the menu because there is less than 0.2g of Carbohydrates in every 3-ounces.
Shrimp is Packed Full of Vital Nutrients
Aside from the protein that we have already discussed, shrimp is full of other vitamins and minerals our bodies crave to stay healthy and lean.
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
What Are The Benefits to Shrimp Skin?
Although we are often advised to remove the skin from many foods we eat, this is not the case for shrimp. These skins can actually be beneficial to your health as they contain many of the nutrients already discussed above, specifically phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and sodium.
While the skin may be good for aiding in weight loss, it can also be hard to chew and digest and also has an off-putting texture, which is why many people prefer to remove it before eating.
Shrimp Contains Chitosan
Chitosan is a fibrous chemical found in the shells of shrimp that is known to help aid in lowering cholesterol and the absorption of cholesterol by the body, lowering body fat, controlling appetites, and improving strength.
The Best Ways to Eat Shrimp for Weight Loss
Like almost every other type of food, you can enjoy eating shrimp any way you like as long as you stick to your daily caloric intake. However, in order to enjoy more of the food you love with fewer calories per serving, consider baking or grilling your shrimp rather than frying it up.
Refrain from cooking your shrimp in oils and fats. If you end up choosing to fry your food, use a heart-healthy option such as sunflower or olive oil. This will add a fantastic flavor while still keeping it a healthy choice.
Another thing to consider when preparing shrimp is avoiding unhealthy dipping options. Instead of dipping your shrimp in traditional cocktail sauce or options full of fat and carbs, try something a little more health-conscious such as oregano and lemon or mango salsa.
Lastly, always pair your shrimp with a healthy side dish such as a side salad or fresh garden veggies. Doing this will help you feel fuller quicker, reducing your calorie intake and giving you a content feeling, keeping you from going back for round two.
Other Benefits of Eating Shrimp
Yes, shrimp is amazing when it comes to losing weight. However, that is not the only health benefit this food provides.
Here is a list of other reasons you should consider adding this type of seafood to your favorite dinner list.
- Believed to reduce and relieve eye fatigue from long-term computer use.
- Believed to reduce cardiovascular disease
- Can improve the health of your bones
- Can improve brain function and health
- Contains cholesterol that helps relieve menstrual pain
Summing Things Up
If prepared properly, shrimp is the perfect item to add to your grocery list when you are attempting to lose weight. Just keep in mind every ingredient added is extra calories consumed, so keeping things light is the best way to go.
