How Much Shrimp Can You Have on the Optavia Diet?
The Optavia diet involves replacing some meals with pre-packaged shakes, bars, and other supplements. But you also get to eat regular food like lean proteins and vegetables. If you’re a shrimp lover, you may be wondering – how much shrimp can I have on Optavia?
Optavia does allow shrimp in moderation as part of your lean and green meals. According to Optavia guidelines, the recommended portion is 200g shrimp per meal, paired with healthy fats. Here’s a detailed look at shrimp and Optavia, including portion sizes, prep tips, recipes and more.
Understanding Optavia and Lean Proteins
First, let’s overview the Optavia program. Optavia provides packaged “fuelings” like shakes and bars to replace some of your daily meals. The rest of your meals involve:
- 5 Servings of non-starchy vegetables
- 1 Lean and green meal – 3 servings of veggies + 8 oz lean protein
- 2 Healthy fat servings (nuts, oil, avocado etc.)
Optavia encourages lean proteins like chicken, fish, turkey, eggs and shrimp. Shrimp is one of the leanest protein options, meaning it fits well into the diet.
Optavia Recommended Portion Size for Shrimp
According to Optavia’s nutrition calculator, the recommended shrimp portion is 200g per meal. This equals around 8 ounces or about 15-20 medium shrimp.
This 200g shrimp portion can be paired with 2 healthy fat servings – for example, a tsp of olive oil and 1/4 of an avocado.
It’s important to stick to the recommended 8 oz shrimp per meal on Optavia. Consuming very large shrimp portions could increase cholesterol levels. Those with existing high cholesterol should be especially cautious with shrimp intake.
Healthy Ways to Prepare Shrimp for Optavia
Optavia recommends avoiding breaded or fried shrimp, as these add excess calories. Here are some healthy shrimp cooking methods:
-
Grilling – Brush shrimp with olive oil and grill until opaque. Add seasoning like lemon pepper.
-
Sauteeing – Cook shrimp in a non-stick pan with a tsp of olive oil for 2-4 minutes.
-
Roasted – Toss shrimp in olive oil, garlic and spice blend. Roast at 400F for 5-7 minutes.
-
Air Fried – Coat shrimp in spices, then air fry at 400F for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
-
Skewered – Alternate shrimp and veggies like peppers and onion on skewers. Grill until done.
Delicious Shrimp Recipes for Optavia Diet
Here are some tasty shrimp recipes that align with Optavia guidelines:
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 200g raw shrimp, peeled
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook 3 minutes until pink. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper.
- Cajun Shrimp and Sausage
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 85g chicken sausage, sliced
- 200g shrimp, peeled
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper
In a skillet, cook sausage in oil for 2-3 minutes. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning and cook 3 minutes until shrimp is pink. Add broccoli and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Shirataki Noodle Shrimp Stir Fry
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 200g shrimp, peeled
- 3 cups stir fry veggies
- 1 package shirataki noodles, rinsed
- 2 tbsp stir fry sauce or soy sauce
Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Add shrimp and veggies and stir fry 5 minutes. Add noodles and sauce, and cook until noodles are heated through.
Tips for Adding More Shrimp to Optavia
If you want more shrimp in your Optavia diet, here are some tips:
- Stick to 8 oz portions or less per meal
- Incorporate into salads, tacos, stir fries etc.
- Choose wild caught or sustainable shrimp sources
- Pair with lots of non-starchy vegetables
- Discuss added shrimp with your Optavia coach
- Listen to your body and lower portions if needed
The Bottom Line
Shrimp can be part of an Optavia diet in 8 oz portions or less per meal. Stick to healthy preparations like grilling, steaming or roasting. Pair with vegetables and healthy fats. Check with your healthcare provider or Optavia coach if concerned about cholesterol or other issues. When eaten in moderation, shrimp can be a great lean and green addition!