How Much Shrimp Can You Have on the Optavia Diet?

The Optavia diet, formerly known as Medifast, is a meal delivery plan that involves eating pre-packaged “fuelings” along with lean proteins and vegetables Shrimp is one of the recommended lean protein options on Optavia. But how much shrimp can you really have while following this diet? Let’s take a look.

Understanding Optavia’s Rules for Lean Proteins

Optavia recommends eating 5-7 small meals per day, including a daily “Lean and Green” meal. This meal should contain 5-7 oz of lean protein plus three servings of non-starchy vegetables.

Shrimp is considered a lean protein, but Optavia recommends limiting portion sizes to 4-6 oz per meal. This ensures you’re staying within your target calorie range. Going overboard on any protein can sabotage weight loss.

Optavia also suggests avoiding breaded or fried shrimp since the extra calories and fat work against the diet’s goals. Instead choose healthier cooking methods like grilling, sautéing or baking.

The Benefits of Choosing Shrimp

Shrimp offers many advantages for those following the Optavia diet:

• It’s low in calories, with only 84 calories in a 3 oz portion. This allows you to eat a satisfying amount while keeping calories in check.

• Shrimp is packed with protein – 24g per 6 oz serving – helping to keep you feeling full.

• It contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and important vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B12 and iodine.

• Shrimp provides a sweet, mild flavor that is complementary to many seasonings and easy to pair with vegetables.

• It can be prepared quickly using healthy cooking methods that don’t add excess calories.

Recommended Serving Size of Shrimp per Meal

The Optavia program recommends a serving size of 4-6 oz of shrimp per Lean and Green meal. This portion provides 20-36g of protein to help you stay satisfied.

To determine appropriate shrimp amounts for your needs, consider the following factors:

• Gender: Men typically require more protein than women, so 5-6 oz of shrimp may be more suitable.

• Activity level: If you are very active, you may benefit from 6 oz servings to support muscle recovery and repair.

• Weight loss goals: Sticking to 4 oz portions can help accelerate fat loss, especially in the initial quick weight loss phase.

• Appetite: Pay attention to hunger signals and increase portions if 4 oz leaves you feeling hungry. Some may feel satisfied with just 4-5 shrimp.

• Other protein sources: Balance shrimp with other lean proteins during the week like chicken, fish or egg whites.

Aim for 12-18 shrimp per meal, depending on size. Large shrimp have about 1 oz of meat each. Ask your Optavia coach if you need help fine-tuning your ideal shrimp serving size.

Healthy Ways to Prepare Shrimp for Optavia

It’s easy to prepare succulent shrimp in healthy ways:

• Sauté: Cook raw, peeled shrimp in a skillet with a little olive oil, garlic, lemon and seasoning.

• Grill: Brush shrimp with oil and grill until opaque. Sprinkle with cajun seasoning and lemon juice.

• Bake: Toss shrimp with paprika, cumin and cayenne and bake at 400°F for 5 minutes.

• Air Fry: Coat shrimp in avocado oil spray and air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until done.

• Broil: Toss shrimp in chili powder and broil for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.

Avoid frying or breading shrimp. Optavia also doesn’t recommend eating processed or imitation shrimp like shrimp rolls due to added calories, carbohydrates and preservatives.

Delicious Optavia-Approved Shrimp Recipes

Here are two tasty shrimp recipes to try on Optavia:

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Sauté 1 lb shrimp, 1 chopped bell pepper, diced turkey sausage, Cajun seasoning and crushed tomatoes. Serve with cauliflower rice.

Shrimp Fajita Stir Fry

Stir fry 1 lb shrimp with bell peppers, onions, taco seasoning and salsa. Wrap in lettuce leaves and add guacamole.

Both provide a hearty 5-6 oz protein serving. Balance with non-starchy veggies and healthy fats like avocado or olives.

Tips for Incorporating Shrimp into Optavia

Follow these simple tips:

• Vary your protein choices to avoid boredom. Swap in salmon or chicken.

• Skewer shrimp with cherry tomatoes and zucchini for easy grilling.

• Add raw shrimp to veggie-packed soups and stews at the end to gently cook.

• Mix up marinades and global seasonings to keep flavors exciting.

• Chili lime shrimp packs a flavor punch with minimal calories.

• Pair shrimp with optimal Omega-3 veggies like Brussels sprouts and kale.

With proper portion control and cooking methods, shrimp can be an excellent addition to Optavia Lean and Green meals. It provides a protein boost to keep hunger at bay while delivering key nutrients important for health.