Three Reasons to Invite Shrimp to the Party

Healthy Weight Loss / By

Also known as: Prawn, Shellfish

Likes: Parties!  Plenty of ice

Dislikes: Warm seafood counters, supporting roles (he’s a star)

Hobbies: Getting the party started, showing up at every occasion
 

Find him: Skewered and grilled, sautéed or boiled and topping pasta, crowning crisp salads, chopped in ceviche, sweetening up lunch or dinner all on his own

Shrimp may be small but, boy, is he one well-loved, life of the party food!  He’s been part of our meals for as long as people have been eating and has become THE favorite seafood in the United States.  Sure, he gets lumped in with all the other seafood and shellfish, but he wants you to know he is a star in his own right for flavor and nutrition!  After all, it wasn’t Bubba Gump Seafood Co. that got its start in the blockbuster film Forrest Gump, it was Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.!

Here in the US, Shrimp is generally pulled from the southern coastal waters, helping to shape many a town and city in the Southeast since he was first pulled up from the ocean floor there in the 17th century.  These days, he’s even the star of his own T.V. show on the History Channel, and it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras (or any other party for that matter) in New Orleans without him!

If you aren’t already in love with Shrimp, here are three more reasons to invite him to your next meal:

  • Low in calories and saturated fat – He is a perfect diet food if you’re trying to lose weight or simply eat healthy.  A sweet and juicy 3 ounce serving of shrimp contains just about 100 calories and less than a gram of saturated fat.  Stick that in your salad and eat it!
     
  • Good way to get selenium and omega 3 fatty acids – Shrimp is not only low in calories and fat, but he is also a great way to get heart-healthy, skin-smoothing omega 3 fatty acids and B12 to help keep you energized.  You’ll look great and feel great for whatever the day holds.
     
  • Versatile lean protein – He’s happy to join in whatever dish you’re feeling.  Cool and succulent in a shrimp cocktail, stir-fried with veggies and served over brown rice, twirled with pasta, simmered in soup and more.