The carnivore diet has been gaining popularity as a way to lose weight, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health This meat-focused diet only includes animal foods like beef, lamb, eggs, and fish With such a limited diet, many wonder if they can eat shrimp on the carnivore diet.
Shrimp are one of the most popular types of seafood worldwide. They provide an impressive amount of nutrients in each serving, including high-quality protein, vitamin B12, selenium, and astaxanthin Additionally, shrimp are low in mercury and rich in antioxidants
So can you enjoy shrimp on a carnivore diet? Keep reading to find out.
An Overview of the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet, also known as the zero-carb diet, is an extreme elimination diet that only includes animal foods. All fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based foods are excluded.
According to carnivore proponents, this diet can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, enhance mental clarity, increase energy levels, and promote weight loss.
However, it lacks fiber and restricts many healthy plant foods linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases. For this reason, most health experts warn against following this diet long-term.
On the carnivore diet, the majority of calories come from protein-rich foods like red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and small amounts of dairy. Added fats from sources like tallow, lard, and ghee are also encouraged to help meet calorie needs.
Nutrition Profile of Shrimp
Shrimp are low in calories but packing a powerful punch of nutrition.
Below is the nutrition profile for a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of cooked shrimp (1):
- Calories: 84
- Protein: 18 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Selenium: 41% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B12: 21% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 20% of the DV
- Zinc: 12% of the DV
- Copper: 11% of the DV
Shrimp are an excellent source of protein, providing about 38 grams in each 8-ounce (227-gram) serving. Protein is essential on the carnivore diet to enhance satiety and prevent muscle loss.
They’re also a good source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that supports thyroid and immune system function (2).
Plus, shrimp are one of the best food sources of astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant that has powerful anti-inflammatory effects (3).
Finally, shrimp are rich in several B vitamins, including B12, which is only found naturally in animal foods. Vitamin B12 is important for energy production, brain function, and red blood cell formation (4).
Shrimp Are Low in Mercury
When it comes to seafood, one potential concern is mercury content.
Mercury builds up in the tissues of fish and shellfish. Consuming high amounts can negatively impact brain development and neurological function, especially in fetuses and young children (5).
Fortunately, shrimp are very low in mercury. They have shorter lifespans than many fish and are much lower on the food chain, meaning they accumulate minimal amounts of mercury.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed shrimp on its list of seafood options lowest in mercury (6).
In fact, a woman would have to eat over 300 servings of shrimp per week to go over the EPA’s safe mercury limit, making shrimp a smart and healthy choice (7).
Potential Drawbacks of Shrimp
Though nutritious and low in mercury, there are a few potential downsides to shrimp that are worth mentioning:
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High sodium content: Like most seafood, shrimp tend to be high in sodium, with over 200 mg in each 3-ounce (85-gram) serving. Those limiting sodium intake may want to keep portions small or rinse shrimp before cooking.
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Possible contaminants: Shrimp farms may use antibiotics or chemical pesticides, which can accumulate in shrimp tissues. Opting for wild-caught shrimp when possible is preferable.
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Allergies: Shrimp allergies are one of the most common food allergies. Symptoms include hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Those with a shrimp allergy must avoid it completely.
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Sustainability concerns: Some shrimp fishing practices can harm other marine life. Choosing sustainably harvested shrimp helps reduce environmental impact.
The Verdict: Yes, Shrimp Are Carnivore-Friendly
At the end of the day, shrimp can definitely be included as part of a healthy carnivore diet.
They provide an abundance of protein, important vitamins and minerals like selenium and vitamin B12, and powerful antioxidants like astaxanthin.
Shrimp are sustainably fished, low in mercury, and safe to eat in moderation for most people. They can add beneficial variety to your diet while still adhering to carnivore diet guidelines.
Aim for wild-caught shrimp whenever possible and keep portions reasonable, around 4–8 ounces (113–227 grams) per day, based on your individual needs.
Pair shrimp with other nutritious seafood like salmon, sardines, or cod 2–3 times per week as part of a balanced carnivore meal plan.
Other Shellfish Options
In addition to shrimp, other types of shellfish can also fit into a carnivore framework.
Here are some of the top options:
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Oysters: High in zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing (8).
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Mussels: Provide selenium, vitamin B12, and several antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin (9).
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Crab: Rich in protein, copper, selenium, and astaxanthin, much like shrimp (10).
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Lobster: Contains protein, vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and some unique antioxidants like astaxanthin (11).
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Clams: Supply zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and decent protein in each serving (12).
Enjoy a variety of these low-mercury shellfish one to two times per week to complement other animal proteins like beef, lamb, chicken, and eggs on the carnivore diet.
Top Ways to Enjoy Shrimp on a Carnivore Diet
Here are some simple, delicious ways to incorporate shrimp into your carnivore meal plan:
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Sauté shrimp in tallow or beef fat for a quick protein-packed meal. Season with only salt and pepper to keep it carnivore-compliant.
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Make shrimp kebabs with chunks of beef, chicken, or fatty fish like salmon. Grill and top with melted butter.
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Stuff peppers or zucchini boats with shrimp and avocado, then bake. Discard the veggies after cooking and enjoy the shrimp.
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Wrap bacon around large shrimp and bake or grill until the bacon is crispy.
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Mix cooked shrimp with olive oil, herbs, lemon, and celery, then serve over lettuce for a carnivore-friendly shrimp salad.
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Skewer shrimp and veggies like onions and peppers, then grill. Discard the veggies after cooking and season the shrimp with just salt and lime juice.
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Sauté shrimp in lard or tallow, then crack eggs right into the pan to make carnivore shrimp frittatas or scrambled eggs.
With minimal preparation required, shrimp make the perfect protein for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
The Bottom Line
Shrimp can be a nutritious and delicious addition to a well-rounded carnivore diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Aim for wild-caught, low-sodium varieties whenever possible. Pair shrimp with other whole, unprocessed animal foods for a healthy, balanced approach to this meat-focused way of eating.
Carnivore Buttered Shrimp! Clean Keto and Ketovore!
Are shrimp a carnivore diet side dish?
This versatility is why they’re a staple carnivore diet side dish. While the carnivore diet predominantly focuses on land animals, let’s not forget the treasures the ocean offers. Shrimp, whether grilled, sautéed, or boiled, can be a light and flavorful side, especially when seasoned minimally with salt.
Is shrimp healthy to eat?
Shrimp is very healthy to eat, unless you have an allergy to shellfish. Shrimp is great because it is a low calorie, high protein food that is relatively inexpensive. Shrimp is also very versatile, so there are many recipes out there, meaning that you can eat shrimp multiple times a week each time in a different way. Don’t make shrimp your only protein source, because a healthy diet is also a varied diet.
Should you eat seafood if you’re a carnivore?
Seafood is an excellent way to add diversity to your carnivore diet food list. It is a particularly good idea before any exercise regimen, especially for weight loss. Yes, you’ll have all the macros to keep you fueled, but it could be sitting heavy in your gut.
Should you eat a carnivore diet?
On a carnivore diet, you’re guaranteed to consume plenty of protein, which may serve as insurance against health issues like poor muscle tone, a weakened immune system, and a higher risk of bone fractures. However, this comes at a cost of under-consuming the other two macronutrients: carbohydrates and fats.