Shrimp

Shrimp is the most overlooked GLP-1 food because it has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio among common proteins—24 grams per 100 grams at only 99 calories—which surpasses chicken breast and tuna for sheer efficiency. For users on tight calorie budgets, this outperforms #9 oats by 21 grams more protein per serving for similar calories, making it a superior satiety tool. It cooks in two to three minutes, three times faster than the average whole protein, removing a barrier that often leads to processed foods. Shrimp is also rich in iodine (critical for thyroid health during weight loss), selenium, vitamin B12, copper, phosphorus, and astaxanthin, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in studies. Despite containing 161 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams, its minimal saturated fat (less than 0.3 grams) makes it safe for most users with normal lipid profiles. Frozen shrimp costs $6 to $10 per pound, cheaper than the typical rival like fresh salmon, and is nutritionally equivalent, offering three to four servings for under $3 each.