are shrimp low in carbs

Are Shrimp Low in Carbs? A Guide to Eating Shrimp on Keto

As a keto dieter I’m always looking for delicious high-fat low-carb foods to incorporate into my meal plan. One of my favorite keto-friendly proteins is shrimp. With their sweet, briny flavor and meaty texture, shrimp make a tasty addition to soups, salads, skewers and more. But before piling my plate high with these succulent shellfish, I had to answer one important question – are shrimp low in carbs?

In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about the carb content of shrimp and how to enjoy them as part of a ketogenic diet. We’ll take a look at their nutrition profile, culinary versatility, potential health benefits, and how to select high-quality shrimp at the market. I’ll also include several mouthwatering low-carb shrimp recipes perfect for keto diners. Let’s dive in!

The Ketogenic Acceptability of Shrimp

So are shrimp low in carbohydrates? The answer is a resounding yes! Here are some key stats on the carb content of shrimp:

• A 3 oz serving of cooked shrimp has less than 1 gram of net carbs.

• Shrimp contain only 0.5 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. After subtracting fiber, that leaves just 0.2 grams of digestible carbs.

• Their carb count is negligible, allowing you to enjoy shrimp generously on a keto diet.

With such an insignificant amount of carbohydrates, shrimp get my seal of approval as a keto-friendly food. Their near zero carb load makes shrimp a delicious high-protein, low-carb option for keto meal plans.

Nutritional Profile of Shrimp

In addition to being low in carbs, shrimp offer an impressive nutritional profile. Some of the key nutrients found in a 3 oz serving of shrimp include:

• Protein – 18 g. Shrimp deliver a hefty dose of satisfying protein with each serving. This makes them great for preserving lean muscle mass when cutting carbs.

• Selenium – 23 mcg. Shrimp are an excellent source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral vital for thyroid and immune function.

• Vitamin B12 – 1.5 mcg. Shrimp supply a good amount of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient that supports nerve tissue and red blood cell health.

• Phosphorus – 152 mg. Phosphorus helps strengthen bones and teeth while assisting with energy production.

• Omega-3s – 252 mg. Shrimp contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA that promote heart and brain health.

With their stellar nutrition profile, shrimp provide far more than just protein. They deliver a host of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats that give your body what it needs to thrive in ketosis.

Tips for Cooking with Shrimp
Culinary Uses for Delicious Low-Carb Shrimp

When I first started eating keto, I tended to stick to the same few proteins like chicken, beef and salmon. But after discovering how amazingly low shrimp are in carbs, I began branching out and exploring different ways to cook with them. Here are some of my favorite options:

• Shrimp Salad – Toss shrimp with mayo, lemon juice, diced cucumber, avocado, tomato and spices for a tasty keto salad.

• Coconut Shrimp – For a crispy, flavorful appetizer, coat shrimp in coconut flour then quick fry in coconut oil and serve with a spicy aioli.

• Shrimp Scampi – Saute shrimp in butter, olive oil, garlic, white wine and spices for a fast weeknight dinner.

• Shrimp Skewers – Alternate shrimp and veggies like onions, peppers and mushrooms on skewers for easy grilled kabobs.

• Shrimp Soup – Simmer shrimp in a savory broth with cauliflower rice or zoodles for a comforting low-carb soup.

• Shrimp Stir Fry – Quickly stir fry shrimp with snap peas, bok choy, carrots, ginger and coconut aminos for a tasty keto dinner.

From appetizers to mains, shrimp lend themselves incredibly well to a wide variety of keto cooking applications. Their versatility makes it easy to enjoy their stellar nutrition and sweet briny flavor in many dishes.

Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp
Potential Wellness Perks of Adding More Shrimp to Your Diet

In addition to being low in carbs, shrimp offer some great health benefits. Here are just a few of the wellness perks associated with eating shrimp:

• Enhanced weight loss – With less than 100 calories per serving, shrimp are a smart choice if trying to shed pounds on keto. Their protein keeps hunger at bay while their low carb content allows fat burning.

• Improved heart health – Shrimp contain astaxanthin, an antioxidant that reduces triglycerides and lowers blood pressure to support cardiovascular function.

• Increased muscle growth – The protein, amino acids and minerals in shrimp help optimize muscle protein synthesis needed for building lean mass.

• Healthy aging – Antioxidants like selenium and astaxanthin found in shrimp combat free radical damage that can accelerate aging.

• Stronger bones – Shrimp provide phosphorus, calcium and magnesium essential for building and maintaining strong bones as you age.

• Better brain function – Omega-3s in shrimp reduce inflammation to support healthy brain aging and improve mood.

Adding more shrimp to your ketogenic meal plan can nourish your body while providing additional wellness advantages. Their wide range of health benefits make shrimp a smart choice while following a keto lifestyle.

Selecting High-Quality Shrimp
How to Choose Fresh, Sustainable Shrimp at the Store

To enjoy the stellar nutrition and bold flavor of shrimp, it helps to source high-quality shrimp. Here are some tips for selecting delicious shrimp at the market:

• Check for firmness – Shrimp flesh should feel firm and spring back when pressed gently. Avoid mushy or limp shrimp.

• Seek translucent appearance – Quality shrimp look moist and shiny with a translucent flesh. Discoloration, dryness or opacity indicate older shrimp.

• Look for intact shells – Whole shrimp should not have cracked or peeling shells which indicate mishandling.

• Opt for wild-caught – Wild shrimp have a fuller flavor and are more sustainable than farmed shrimp.

• Consider freshness – Shrimp is better raw or freshly cooked. Pre-cooked shrimp loses its delicate texture when reheated.

• Watch labels for additives – Some packaged shrimp contains preservatives, phosphates or added water weight. Check ingredients.

Taking a few moments to inspect shrimp quality ensures you get the best tasting, freshest shrimp possible to enjoy. High-quality shrimp is worth the extra effort.

Mouthwatering Keto Shrimp Recipes

If you’re looking for inspiration for preparing shrimp, here are some of my go-to favorite keto shrimp recipes:

• Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

• Cajun Blackened Shrimp

• Easy Shrimp Ceviche

• Keto Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

• Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

• Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp

• Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

• Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

• Zesty Shrimp Zoodles in Tomato Sauce

• Shrimp and Avocado Salad

With minimal carbs and maximum flavor, these recipes make it easy to highlight the succulent taste of shrimp. They are perfect for spicing up your keto meal plan.

Are Shrimp Keto? The Verdict

So can you enjoy shrimp on a ketogenic diet? Based on their near zero carb count, exceptional nutrient density and culinary versatility, shrimp get my hearty recommendation as a keto-approved food. Their impressive nutrition profile and bold, briny flavor make shrimp a prized protein I aim to eat often as part of a healthy low-carb lifestyle.