How Many Calories Are in a Dozen Shrimp? A Detailed Look at Shrimp Nutrition

Shrimp are a beloved type of seafood enjoyed around the world. Their sweet, briny flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes and cooking methods. But if you’re watching your calorie intake, you may wonder – how many calories are in shrimp? Specifically, how many calories are in a dozen shrimp?

In this article, we’ll take a close look at shrimp nutrition facts and calorie counts We’ll also discuss

• Serving sizes for shrimp
• Factors that affect shrimp calorie counts
• Health benefits of eating shrimp
• How to incorporate shrimp into a healthy diet

Shrimp Nutrition Facts

Before calculating calories in shrimp, let’s review some nutrition facts.

A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp contains approximately:

• 84 calories
• 0.2 grams fat
• 94 milligrams sodium
• 0.2 grams carbohydrates
• 20.4 grams protein

Shrimp are naturally low in fat and carbohydrates. Their main nutritional highlight is protein – a 3-ounce serving provides over 20 grams!

Protein is important for building muscle mass and supporting weight management. The high protein content makes shrimp a great choice if you’re reducing calories for weight loss.

Shrimp also contain beneficial vitamins and minerals like selenium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.

How Many Shrimp Are in a Serving?

To determine calories in a dozen shrimp, we first need to know how many shrimp make up a typical serving size.

The standard serving size for shrimp is 3 ounces. This equals about 7 or 8 medium shrimp.

So a dozen medium shrimp would contain around 1.5 servings.

Of course, this varies depending on the size of the shrimp. Jumbo shrimp contain fewer pieces per serving, while smaller cocktail shrimp contain more.

When calculating your own shrimp portions, remember that 3 ounces of shrimp is about the size of a deck of cards.

How Many Calories In a Dozen Shrimp?

Now that we know serving sizes, let’s calculate calories for a dozen shrimp:

• There are 84 calories in 3 ounces (1 serving) of shrimp.
• A dozen medium shrimp contains around 1.5 servings.
• So there are approximately 126 calories in 12 medium shrimp.

Again, this number changes depending on shrimp size:

• Jumbo shrimp – 7 per dozen, 90 calories
• Extra large – 9 per dozen, 113 calories
• Large – 12 per dozen, 126 calories
• Medium – 15 per dozen, 158 calories
• Small – 21 per dozen, 221 calories

As a general rule, the smaller the shrimp, the more calories in a dozen. But shrimp are low in calories no matter the size!

What Affects Shrimp Calorie Counts?

Preparation methods significantly impact the calories in shrimp. Breading, frying, and heavy sauces can turn this lean protein into a high-calorie dish.

For example, the calories increase to:

• Breaded fried shrimp – 178 calories in 3 ounces
• Shrimp scampi – 229 calories in 3 ounces

If you’re watching your calorie intake, opt for healthier cooking methods like grilling, steaming, or baking. Season with lemon juice and herbs rather than heavy, creamy sauces.

The Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp

Shrimp offer impressive health benefits, especially for heart health. Here are some of the top ways shrimp can boost your wellness:

1. Promotes heart health – Shrimp are high in protein but low in saturated fat. The lean protein helps lower LDL cholesterol levels to reduce heart disease risk.

2. Supports healthy pregnancy – Shrimp provide key nutrients for pregnant women like iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and choline.

3. Helps maintain weight loss – The high protein content improves satiety to prevent overeating and maintain a calorie deficit.

4. Benefits brain health – Shrimp contain omega-3s and choline, which support optimal cognitive function.

5. Strengthens bones – The protein, magnesium, and calcium in shrimp help build and maintain bone density.

Incorporating Shrimp Into a Healthy Diet

Shrimp provide protein, vitamins, and minerals with minimal calories, making them a smart choice in a weight loss meal plan.

Here are some healthy ways to enjoy shrimp as part of a calorie-conscious diet:

• Make a shrimp salad with mixed greens, chopped veggies, and a light vinaigrette.
• Skewer shrimp and vegetables for the grill or air fryer.
• Add cooled, cooked shrimp to homemade sushi rolls.
• Mix shrimp with riced cauliflower and seasonings for a low-carb “fried rice.”
• Whip up a shrimp curry packed with veggies in a coconut milk-based sauce.

Choose healthy cooking methods and watch portion sizes, and shrimp can be part of a diet for sustainable weight management and improved overall health. A dozen medium shrimp contain just 126 calories!

So go ahead and enjoy this versatile, nutrition-packed seafood. Just be mindful of preparation methods and pairing shrimp with low-calorie sides and sauces.