Can You Eat Shrimp on the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is an eating pattern that focuses on animal foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy while eliminating all plant foods. Shrimp is one type of seafood that is allowed on the carnivore diet and can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your meat-based meals.

An Overview of the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet, also known as the all-meat diet or zero-carb diet, involves eating only animal products and avoiding all foods that come from plants The diet recommends eating fatty cuts of meat, organ meats, fish, eggs, and small amounts of dairy products. The most commonly eaten animal foods on the carnivore diet include

• Beef
• Lamb
• Pork
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Eggs
• Full-fat dairy like butter, heavy cream, and hard cheeses

Foods that are not allowed on the carnivore diet include fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils. The carnivore diet also eliminates processed foods, sweets, alcohol, and coffee/tea.

The main theory behind the carnivore diet is that many health conditions are caused by inflammatory reactions to plant compounds and carbohydrates. By removing all plant foods and focusing just on nutrient-dense animal foods, followers of this diet believe it can improve various health markers and alleviate conditions like autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and more.

However, the carnivore diet is considered an extremely restrictive diet and can be challenging to follow long-term for most people. It also lacks scientific research to support its purported health claims.

Can You Eat Shrimp on the Carnivore Diet?

Yes, shrimp is perfectly acceptable on the carnivore diet. As a type of seafood, shrimp is an animal protein that fits into the diet guidelines.

In fact, shrimp is one of the most popular and versatile options for adding variety to a carnivore diet. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of eating shrimp on a zero-carb meal plan:

• Excellent source of protein – A 3-ounce serving of shrimp provides 18 grams of protein, supplying over 30% of the recommended daily intake. The high protein content helps followers of a meat-based diet meet their protein needs.

• Nutrient-dense – Shrimp provides a range of important vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and niacin. It’s much more nutrient-dense than other animal protein sources.

• Low in calories – With only 84 calories in 3 ounces of shrimp, it’s a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake on the carnivore diet. Compare that to 200+ calories in the same amount of fatty steak.

• Low in mercury – Some types of seafood are high in mercury, but shrimp tends to be very low in mercury. It’s considered one of the safer fish choices.

• Easy to prepare – Shrimp cooks quickly and can be grilled, sautéed, baked, or added to carnivore-friendly recipes. This makes it a convenient protein source when following a zero-carb meal plan.

Overall, shrimp is a healthy and delicious animal food that provides a nice change from red meat and poultry. It brings beneficial nutrition to balance out the carnivore diet.

Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp

Adding shrimp to your carnivore diet offers several potential health advantages:

1. High in Antioxidants

Shrimp contains the antioxidant astaxanthin, giving it a reddish-pink hue. Astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory effects in the body and also protects cells from damage. The levels of this antioxidant are much higher in shrimp than other seafood.

2. Rich in Selenium

Just 3 ounces of shrimp provides over 50% of the recommended daily selenium intake. Selenium is an essential mineral that plays a role in reproductive health, thyroid function, DNA production, and protection from oxidative damage and infection.

3. May Support Heart Health

Multiple studies link shrimp consumption to improvements in risk factors for heart disease. The omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp may be protective for heart health by reducing inflammation and triglyceride levels.

4. Contains Choline

Shrimp provides choline, an essential nutrient many people are deficient in. Choline is important for liver function, brain development, muscle movement, and nervous system health.

5. Boosts Immunity

The zinc in shrimp supports the healthy functioning of the immune system. Zinc deficiency can negatively affect the production of white blood cells that fight infection.

Nutrition Profile of Shrimp

Here is the nutrition data for a 3-ounce serving of steamed shrimp (about 12 large shrimp):

• Calories: 84
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbs: 0g
• Cholesterol: 172mg
• Sodium: 152mg
• Selenium: 28% DV
• Vitamin B12: 21% DV
• Niacin: 12% DV
• Phosphorus: 12% DV

Shrimp contains no carbohydrates, making it perfect for the carnivore diet. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and provides a variety of vitamins and minerals.

The high cholesterol content is not a concern, as dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. Shrimp also contains the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Best Ways to Eat Shrimp on the Carnivore Diet

There are endless ways to incorporate shrimp into your carnivore diet:

• Shrimp salad – Chopped shrimp mixed with mayonnaise, celery, lemon juice, and your choice of seasonings.

• Ceviche – “Cook” raw shrimp in lemon/lime juice for a few hours until opaque. Toss with chili peppers, garlic, cilantro, and avocado oil.

• Shrimp scampi – Saute shrimp with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve over zucchini noodles.

• Coconut shrimp – Coat shrimp in egg and shredded coconut, then bake or pan fry.

• Shrimp kabobs – Skewer shrimp and bacon together, brush with olive oil, and grill.

• Shrimp tacos – Saute shrimp with taco seasonings and butter. Serve in lettuce wraps with salsa and avocado.

• Shrimp stir fry – Quickly stir fry shrimp with diced bacon, mushrooms, and any other carnivore-approved veggies.

• Shrimp soup – Simmer shrimp in bone broth with mushrooms, garlic, and oregano.

The options are endless for low-carb shrimp recipes when following the carnivore diet!

Potential Downsides of Eating Shrimp

While shrimp offers many benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

• High cholesterol – The cholesterol in shrimp may be a problem for certain individuals, especially those with high cholesterol levels or heart disease risk.

• Food safety – Raw or undercooked shrimp can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Always cook shrimp thoroughly.

• Allergies – Shellfish allergies are common, which would exclude shrimp from the diet. Monitor for any signs of allergic reaction.

• Sustainability concerns – Some shrimp farming practices can harm the environment. Opt for wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp when possible.

• Sodium content – Shrimp tends to be high in sodium, which may need to be balanced out with lower sodium foods. Rinsing canned shrimp can reduce the sodium content.

As with any food, your individual health status and tolerances should guide your decisions on whether to include it in your carnivore diet.

The Bottom Line

Shrimp is perfectly permissible when following a zero-carb, all-meat diet. In fact, it’s one of the best options for adding nutrient diversity and versatility.

Shrimp offers a stellar nutrition profile with high protein, key vitamins/minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It provides a break from red meats and poultry with a different texture and flavor.

Aim for wild-caught, sustainably farmed shrimp whenever possible. Eat it cooked or raw, on its own, or creatively incorporated into carnivore recipes. Consider shrimp a nutritious and delicious animal protein addition to the carnivore diet.