May 10th is National Shrimp Day! Hooray!
Shrimp is a good protein choice for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients who are able to tolerate regular consistency proteins. A three ounce serving of shrimp (cooked with moist heat, not fried) provides under 85 calories, 18 grams protein, and 1 g fat. That means you can use shrimp to meet your protein goal of 60-80 grams after bariatric surgery while still maintaining your calorie and carbohydrate restrictions to promote weight loss. Learn more about Dr. Shillingford's bariatric diet here.
Shrimp is readily available at most grocery stores, keeps well in the freezer, and cooks up quickly. It’s pretty versalite, too. Shrimp can be served hot or cold. It adds easily to salads. It tastes great off the grill. It tosses easily into zucchini noodles. It mixes up nicely with cauliflower rice. It even works well with eggs. We’ve gathered up some shrimp recipes that are or can easily be bariatric friendly for you to cook at home this May 10th for National Shrimp Day.
- Shrimp and Pineapple Tacos
- Mini Cajun Shrimp Frittatas
- Creole Shrimp
- Shrimp Scampi Zoodles
- Sriracha Shrimp
- Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad
One downside to shrimp is that it is higher in cholesterol than many other protein choices. You’ll find 166 mg of cholesterol in a three ounce portion of shrimp. If you have high cholesterol or if you are on cholesterol medication, please follow the advice of your doctor or dietitian for your diet.
Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA is a board certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and weight loss surgery. His gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band patients receive superior care during their stay at Northwest Medical Center’s Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery, where Dr. Shillingford proudly serves as Medical Director. His bariatric surgery patients receive follow up care in his Boca Raton office, which is conveniently located for those living in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Wellington, Delray Beach, and even Orlando. Cooking at home is an important way to ensure compliance with your bariatric diet, but it doesn’t have to be boring! Cook up one of the shrimp recipes and have a tasty meal celebrating National Shrimp Day.