Can You Eat Shrimp on a Low Fiber Diet?

Eating shrimp on a low fiber diet is a common question for people following this meal plan. Shrimp can be a great protein source, but determining if it fits into a low fiber diet depends on how it is prepared and served. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at shrimp and fiber to help you understand if and how to incorporate shrimp into a low fiber meal plan.

What is a Low Fiber Diet?

First, let’s review what a low fiber diet is. A low fiber diet limits high fiber foods to help ease gastrointestinal issues. It may be recommended for conditions like

• Bowel obstructions
• Diverticulitis
• IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• IBS
• Recent bowel surgery

On a low fiber diet, you want to avoid foods high in insoluble fiber which can’t be digested and may irritate the intestines. This includes whole grains nuts, seeds, raw fruits and vegetables.

Instead, you focus on low fiber foods like refined breads and cereals, tender meats, dairy, canned fruits and vegetables without skins or seeds, and ripe bananas. The goal is to reduce stool bulk and frequency to rest the bowels.

Is Shrimp High in Fiber?

Shrimp itself contains no fiber, since it comes from an animal source. However, the way shrimp is served can increase its fiber content. For example:

• Shrimp with shells will be higher in fiber than peeled, deveined shrimp. The shells contain chitin, which acts as fiber.
• Sauces or seasonings with coconut, seeds, whole grains or chunky ingredients will add fiber.
• Pairing shrimp with high fiber sides like salads, beans or whole grains will increase fiber intake.

So the short answer is no – plain, peeled shrimp is low fiber. But how the shrimp is cooked is important to know if it will work with your low-fiber diet.

Tips for Eating Low Fiber Shrimp

To help you eat shrimp while on a low-fiber diet, here are some tips:

• Choose peeled and deveined shrimp without shells and tails. Canned or frozen pre-cooked shrimp works well.

• Avoid coconut-based seasonings or breadcrumbs, which contain fiber. Stick to plain or garlic-infused olive oil and mild herbs and spices.

• Skip the cocktail sauce, which has tomato paste and often horseradish or mustard seeds. Opt for lemon juice or a non-chunky sauce made with low fiber ingredients.

• Cook shrimp simply – boiled, grilled or sautéed. Avoid heavy, fibrous sauces or coatings.

• Enjoy shrimp on its own, over white rice, or with non-starchy low fiber vegetables like carrots or green beans.

• If including salad, stick to tender lettuces like butter lettuce or romaine rather than kale or spinach which are higher in fiber. Avoid chopping or shredding, which makes lettuce harder to digest.

Sample Low Fiber Shrimp Recipes

Here are a few recipe ideas to help incorporate shrimp into a low fiber diet:

Simple Sautéed Shrimp

• 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse shrimp and pat dry. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from heat and toss with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Shrimp and Rice

• 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup carrots, boiled and diced
• 1 tbsp parsley

Cook rice according to package directions. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Add carrots and heat through. Serve shrimp and carrots over rice and garnish with parsley.

Creamy Baked Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, combine shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic powder. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 10 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Shrimp Salad

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves

In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, celery, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Scoop onto lettuce leaves to serve.

When Can You Add Higher Fiber Shrimp Dishes Back In?

Once your digestive symptoms have improved, talk to your doctor about transitioning back to a regular diet. This is often done gradually over a period of several weeks.

At first you’ll want to continue avoiding skins, shells and high fiber seasonings with shrimp. As you tolerate more fiber, try adding in:

• Shrimp with shells
• Small amounts of coconut or panko breading
• Mild cocktail sauce
• Shirataki noodles or cooked lentils instead of white rice
• Salads with tender greens and avocado

The key is to go slow and pay attention to any digestive discomfort as you increase fiber. This will help you determine how much your system can handle.

Should You Avoid All Shellfish on a Low Fiber Diet?

Shrimp is one type of shellfish that can be eaten on a low fiber diet when properly prepared. Here’s a quick rundown of other low fiber shellfish options:

Yes:

• Crab meat
• Lobster tail meat
• Scallops
• Clam meat
• Oysters

No:

• Clams, oysters, mussels or scallops with shells
• Whole crabs or lobsters
• Shellfish cooked in heavy sauces or breading

The key is sticking with the meat of shelled seafood, not the actual shells or whole creatures. Preparation method also plays a role in keeping fiber low.

The Takeaway on Shrimp and Fiber

Shrimp can be included on a low fiber diet when shelled, peeled and properly cooked. Avoid shells, heavy sauces or high fiber sides and seasonings. Stick to plain preparations paired with white rice, non-starchy vegetables or tender lettuces. Slowly reintroduce higher fiber options as your digestive system recovers. Pay attention to any symptoms flare ups as you transition back to a regular diet.