Whether you are trying to stick to your Weight Watcher plan or your gluten-free plan produce and lean protein are definitely the way to go! Fish, shrimp, chicken, and lean meats are all great sources of protein that are low in fat, making them a smart choice. I probably don’t have to tell you all of the health benefits of shrimp, but I do want to mention a few of them because I am finding for myself that I am more eager to turn to a healthier option when I know all the good it is going to do for my body. According to NaturalFoodBenefits.com here are a few of the health benefits you can enjoy with shrimp.

Several health benefits of eating shrimp

• Shrimp has low-fat and low-calorie protein, a four ounce serving of shrimp supplies 23.7 grams of protein for a mere 112 calories and less than a gram of fat.
• Shrimp is a very good source of vitamin D. This vitamin regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is essential for strong teeth and bones.
• Shrimp has anti-inflammatory qualities that can help reduce gum swelling.
• Shrimp is a good source of vitamin B12. This vitamin is important for the proper brain function and essential for the formation and maturation of blood cells.
• Shrimp is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems because it reduces cholesterol in the blood.
• Omega-3 fatty acids can also ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, avoid blood clots, prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis, slows the growth of cancerous tumors, and helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

I like shrimp, but I get that it is not for everyone.

Seafish allergy or no seafish allergy?

My oldest son has a pretty strong aversion to shrimp and he is good about trying just about anything I cook nowadays. I don’t know for sure if he does or does not have an allergy to fish, but I have chosen not to make him try shrimp anymore because he says it makes him feel sick. As far as I know it could be a mild allergy that is making him not feel good when he eats it. I allowed him to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when we ate the shrimp. Do you think it is possible that you or someone in your family have a fish allergy? You can read this short article to learn what some of typical symptoms of a fish allergy are.

For all you shrimp lovers out there, this recipe is for you.

Here is what you need:

1-1/2 T. Dijon mustard
1 T. honey
2 T.  fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Here is what you do:

1. Combine the first 4 ingredients and stir with a whisk.
   
2. Brush one side of shrimp with mixture.
   

   Skewer or no skewer?

   As far as presentation goes, the shrimp on the skewers look a little nicer. As far as taste goes, it does not make much difference. I tried grilling them both ways. To make them easy to eat (especially for your kids to eat) you could take the tails off of the shrimp before cooking them, grill them without skewers and eat them with a fork.
   

3. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes or until shrimps are cooked.
   
4. Brush grilled shrimp one last time with the remaining sauce. You can also serve the shrimp with sauce on the side as a dipping sauce. Serve with fried rice and/or vegetables.

   
   Check out these cute little shrimps on a skewer….

Makes 4 servings. (1/4 lb. of shrimp, or about 8-9 large shrimp)
One serving is 1 WW FreeStyle Smart Point.

This recipe was adapted from a recipe in the cookbook, “Cooking Light 350-Calorie Eat Smart Guide: 90 Fresh, Quick, and Easy dishes”.