7 Low-Calorie Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
7 Low-Calorie Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
Introduction
When it comes to eating for health and weight loss, shrimp poses a triple threat: It adds omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, keeps your calorie counts low, and gives you a protein boost for muscle growth. Plus, it cooks up in a matter of minutes. In this article, we’ll explore 7 low-calorie shrimp recipes that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Recipe 1: Garlic Lime Shrimp Kebabs
With a 30-minute marinade time and a 4-minute cooking time, this recipe saves the day when you’re craving something healthy but also feeling a bit lazy. One skewer contains only 137 calories and 16 grams of protein. Pair it with nearly any vegetable for a quick, wholesome meal.
The Health Benefits of Garlic
A randomized controlled trial highlights the incredible benefits of garlic, a key ingredient in this marinade. The researchers show that garlic may improve metabolic syndrome by potentially reducing waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose readings. Plus, it might increase HDL cholesterol – the good kind. So don’t skimp on this health-promoting ingredient.
Recipe 2: Shrimp Curry
Need a high-protein fix? This recipe offers 25 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per serving – great for those nights when you’re extra hungry. The curry features unexpected vegetables like leeks and Brussels sprouts, which provide fiber. It also includes the perfect amount of sweetness from fresh mango. But here’s the best part: It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup. Cue the happy dance!
The Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
While some curries can be high in calories, this recipe offers a healthier twist by using unsweetened boxed coconut milk instead of the canned variety. This swap saves you a whopping 310 calories without compromising on taste and cuts down on saturated fat, which the American Heart Association recommends.
Recipe 3: Grilled Shrimp With Spicy Tomatillo Sauce
If you want to spice things up, this recipe brings the heat – and that just might be a good thing for your weight loss goals. Research suggests that spicy foods can help boost metabolism. The star spicy ingredient? Serrano pepper. But don’t worry: If you’re not into spicy foods, you can easily leave the pepper out of the sauce.
The Health Benefits of Shrimp
While this dish totals less than 250 calories per serving, the majority of these calories come from the sauce. Shrimp, on the other hand, is an incredibly lean protein source. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 3 ounces of cooked shrimp contain a mere 75 calories. This makes shrimp an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake while striving to lose weight.
Recipe 4: Shrimp Pad Thai
Don’t let the long ingredient list deter you – chances are, you already know most of them. It features six low-calorie vegetables (zucchini, portobello mushrooms, bell pepper, carrots, scallions, and pea shoots) alongside four protein sources (shrimp, peanuts, peanut butter, and egg). If you haven’t tried rice noodles yet, you’re in for a treat. They’re naturally gluten-free and provide a delicate texture that perfectly complements this dish.
The Health Benefits of Vegetables
Recipes like this one that include vegetables within the main dish rather than on the side can make them easier to eat. Plus, research shows that eating more vegetables may help you lose weight. One study found that as people ate more vegetables, their weight tended to decrease, while those who ate less vegetables tended to weigh more.
Recipe 5: Smoky Shrimp Grapefruit Quinoa Bowl
Something about the blend of grapefruit and shrimp seems like a perfect match, especially when nestled atop hearty quinoa. This grain has one major advantage over rice: It contains all nine essential amino acids, as noted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which makes it a complete source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep, as it can be served warm or chilled.
The Health Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. This makes it an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. Quinoa is also high in fiber, iron, and magnesium, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Recipe 6: Kale Caesar Salad With Shrimp
The classic flavors of a Caesar salad come together with two healthy swaps: Greek yogurt instead of mayo and kale instead of romaine. The nonfat Greek yogurt helps reduce the total calories and saturated fat while boosting the amount of protein in the dressing. Despite both kale and romaine being leafy greens, kale offers a slightly higher fiber profile, per the USDA. Its heartier texture also comes in handy during meal prep.
The Health Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp contains dietary cholesterol, sparking questions about its impact on blood cholesterol levels. However, recent research reveals no direct link between dietary cholesterol intake and blood cholesterol. In fact, the study recommends pairing cholesterol-containing foods (like shrimp) with low-saturated-fat options (such as kale).
Recipe 7: Steamed Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings
Dumplings are fun to make and to eat, making this a family-friendly recipe. This recipe features shrimp as the main protein source, with 5 grams of protein per serving. And with just 69 calories per two dumplings, it also boasts a low calorie count.
The Health Benefits of Shrimp
If you’re concerned about seafood and mercury levels, you’re probably not alone. Fortunately, both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration classify shrimp as a "best choice" due to its low mercury content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shrimp is an excellent addition to any healthy diet, offering a triple threat of omega-3 fatty acids, low calories, and protein. With these 7 low-calorie shrimp recipes, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
FAQs
Q: What are the health benefits of shrimp?
A: Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains dietary cholesterol, but research shows no direct link between dietary cholesterol intake and blood cholesterol.
Q: What are the health benefits of garlic?
A: Garlic may improve metabolic syndrome by potentially reducing waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose readings. It may also increase HDL cholesterol – the good kind.
Q: What are the health benefits of quinoa?
A: Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also high in fiber, iron, and magnesium, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Q: What are the health benefits of vegetables?
A: Eating more vegetables may help you lose weight. Research shows that as people eat more vegetables, their weight tends to decrease, while those who eat less vegetables tend to weigh more.
Q: What are the health benefits of coconut milk?
A: Unsweetened boxed coconut milk is a healthier alternative to canned coconut milk, as it cuts down on saturated fat and calories.
