can you eat shrimp on whole30

Can You Eat Shrimp on Whole30? A Detailed Guide on Incorporating Shrimp into Your Whole30 Diet

Eating shrimp on Whole30 is absolutely allowed! In fact shrimp is one of the most popular sources of protein for people following the Whole30 program.

With its versatility, nutrients, and delicious flavor shrimp can be a great addition to any Whole30 meal plan. This article will provide a complete guide on how to incorporate shrimp into your Whole30 diet.

What is Whole30?

Whole30 is a 30-day clean eating program focused on eliminating processed foods, sugar, grains, legumes, and dairy from your diet. By removing these common food triggers, Whole30 aims to help improve overall health, provide energy, eliminate cravings, and kickstart healthy habits.

During the 30 days, participants cannot consume added sugar of any kind, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, dairy, carrageenan, MSG or sulfites. The program emphasizes eating moderate portions of meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, natural fats and fruit.

After the 30 days, foods can be slowly reintroduced to see how they impact your body. Many people choose to continue eating Whole30 or a modified version long after completing the program.

Why Eat Shrimp on Whole30?

Here are some of the main benefits of eating shrimp as part of your Whole30 diet:

• High in Protein – Shrimp is packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied. A 3 ounce serving contains 18 grams of protein.

• Provides Key Nutrients – Shrimp contains selenium, vitamin B12, niacin and phosphorus. It’s also high in antioxidant carotenoids like astaxanthin.

• Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free – Shrimp is a Whole30 approved food that requires no substitutions.

• Low in Calories – With only 84 calories in 3 ounces of shrimp, it’s a lean source of protein that can help with weight management.

• Anti-Inflammatory – The omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp can help reduce inflammation in the body.

• Supports Heart Health – The nutrients in shrimp may help lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

• Quick and Easy to Cook – Shrimp cooks very quickly, making it perfect for hectic schedules. It can be grilled, sauteed, baked or added to Whole30 salads, soups and more.

• Provides Variety – Shrimp tastes great in so many recipes, so you’ll never get bored.

As you can see, shrimp is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can make following the Whole30 program easier and more enjoyable. Let’s look at some delicious ways to enjoy shrimp while sticking to the Whole30 guidelines.

Whole30 Shrimp Recipes

Here are 17 mouthwatering Whole30 compliant shrimp recipes to try:

1. Tuscan Garlic Shrimp – Sauteed shrimp in a creamy coconut milk sauce with spinach and sun dried tomatoes.

2. Shrimp Fajita Bowls – Baked shrimp with onions, peppers and cauliflower rice.

3. Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner – Shrimp, chicken sausage and veggies roasted on one sheet pan.

4. Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy fried shrimp in a savory and spicy sauce.

5. Shrimp Ceviche – Shrimp marinated in lime juice and tossed with veggies.

6. Shrimp Salad Wraps – Shrimp salad wrapped in collard green leaves.

7. Shrimp and Avocado Salad – Mixed greens with sauteed shrimp, avocado and lemon vinaigrette.

8. Shrimp Tacos – Baked shrimp, cabbage slaw and avocado in lettuce cups.

9. Shrimp Soup – Spicy shrimp soup with tomatoes, zucchini and cabbage.

10. Coconut Curry Shrimp – Shrimp in a creamy and flavorful coconut curry sauce.

11. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zoodles – Sauteed shrimp served over zucchini noodles.

12. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage – Spicy shrimp with chicken sausage and cauliflower grits.

13. Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup – Tom kha gai inspired soup with shrimp, mushrooms and coconut milk.

14. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry – Quick stir fry with shrimp, broccoli, garlic and coconut aminos.

15. Greek Shrimp Salad – Shrimp salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, lemon and olive oil.

16. Shrimp Burgers – Patties made with seasoned shrimp and compliant binders like carrot.

17. Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps – Baked buffalo shrimp served in lettuce cups with ranch dressing.

With so many options, you’ll never get bored eating shrimp on Whole30! Be sure to meal prep shrimp recipes on your prep day to have easy grab and go options all week long.

Whole30 Shrimp Shopping Tips

When buying shrimp for your Whole30, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose wild caught shrimp over farmed shrimp when possible. It is more sustainable and lower in contaminants.

• Opt for raw, shell on shrimp. You can remove the shell yourself and cook as needed.

• Avoid shrimp with added sauces, seasonings or marinades, which likely contain non-compliant ingredients.

• Check the ingredients on frozen shrimp for additives and preservatives.

• Buy shrimp frozen or fresh. If using frozen, opt for individually frozen shrimp.

• When in doubt, ask if additives were used or if it was treated with sulfites.

By choosing high quality sources of shrimp, you’ll get the most nutritional benefits during your Whole30.

Should Shrimp be Avoided on Whole30?

Generally shrimp is fine to eat on the Whole30 program. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Allergies – Skip shrimp if you have a shellfish allergy or sensitivity.

• Quality – Lower quality farmed or imported shrimp may have higher toxin levels, so opt for wild caught.

• Reactions – Pay attention after reintroducing shrimp in case it causes negative symptoms.

• Additives – Avoid shrimp with added preservatives, soy, sulfites, flavorings or sauces.

• Prepared Items – Be cautious of restaurant dishes like fried shrimp or shrimp scampi that could contain non-compliant ingredients.

As long as you choose high quality shrimp and avoid any additives, shrimp can be a regular part of your Whole30 diet. Listen to your body and discontinue if you have signs of food sensitivity.

Whole30 Shrimp Meal Ideas

Here are some simple meal ideas featuring delicious Whole30 shrimp recipes:

Breakfast:

• Shrimp omelet with veggies
• Shrimp salad wrap in collard greens or lettuce

Lunch:

• Buffalo shrimp lettuce wrap with carrots and celery
• Shrimp caesar salad without croutons or cheese
• Thai coconut shrimp soup

Dinner:

• Sheet pan dinner with shrimp, sausage and veggies
• Cajun shrimp with cauliflower grits and green beans
• Fajita shrimp bowl with cauliflower rice

Snacks:

• Shrimp salad stuffed in cucumber cups
• Leftover grilled shrimp and guacamole

Dessert:

• Shrimp ceviche with mango, jicama and cucumber
• Greek shrimp salad with olives, tomatoes and feta

With so many ways to enjoy shrimp, it can definitely be a regular part of your Whole30 diet. Just follow the program guidelines and choose high quality shrimp to reap the benefits.

The Takeaway on Eating Shrimp on Whole30

Shrimp is a fantastic addition to any Whole30 meal plan. It’s packed with protein, nutrients, and comes in easy, fast and delicious recipes. Just be sure to buy high-quality sources of shrimp and avoid any added ingredients. Listen to your body, but for most people shrimp can be a regular part of a healthy Whole30 diet. With so many recipe options, you’ll never get bored with this lean and versatile protein.