Low Carb Greek Gyro Meatballs Recipe - Simply So Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Why are gyros unhealthy? ›

One of the main concerns about gyro meat is its relatively high fat content, especially when made with lamb or a combination of lamb and beef. Saturated fat, in particular, increases LDL cholesterol levels and elevates the risk of heart disease. However, this issue can be mitigated by choosing leaner meat options.

You can fit gyro meat perfectly into a keto diet. It's a viable option for people on a ketogenic diet.

Gyros are known for being abundant in iron, which is good for your health. Iron is a crucial nutrient for your body's blood, metabolism, and the production of red blood cells. Additionally, iron is needed for your body to carry oxygen from your lungs to your heart. Gyro meats are also rich in niacin.

Typical gyro meat contains a lot of protein, carrying around 25 grams of it in a serving. Gyros are a healthy option because they can make you feel full even when you consume a small amount. Plus, so many vitamins and minerals make gyro meat a healthy dish that is capable of maintaining the body's energy.

Since these gyros are made with lean pork tenderloin or skinless chicken breasts, they make for a low-calorie meal. This makes them perfect for anyone wishing to not add more inches to their waistline or people trying to lose a few pounds. The gyros are topped with a tzatziki sauce made with plain yogurt.

Contrary to popular belief, authentic Greek gyros are NOT processed meat. Traditionally, gyros are made from slices of marinated chicken, or lamb, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and slow-cooked to perfection.

In terms of nutrition, what's great about gyro is that it has traces of vitamins and minerals. Overall, the gyro sandwich can be considered as a low-carb diet.

Gyro meat, typically made from lamb, beef, or a combination of both, is often considered healthy for several reasons: Lean Protein: Gyro meat is a good source of lean protein. Lean cuts of meat are lower in saturated fats compared to fatty cuts, making them a healthier choice for protein intake.

Generally, chicken is a lean meat that is a good source of protein, low in fat (especially if you choose skinless, white meat), and it provides essential nutrients. Gyro meat, traditionally made with a mixture of ground meat (often lamb or beef), fat, and seasonings, tends to be higher in saturated fat.

Gyro meat doesn't have carbs. According to the USDA, the gyro sandwich may contain about a hundred gram serving of lamb meat, which may have 217 calories and 26 grams of protein.

How healthy is tzatziki? ›

Yes, tzatziki is considered a healthier dip than hummus and sour cream. It contains several vitamins, a good amount of protein, and fewer carbohydrates and calories. The fat content of tzatziki is low too, which is not the case with other dips. Thus, you can opt for tzatziki dips over other dips.

Low in Carbohydrates

For people on a low-carbohydrate diet, Gyros can be a suitable option. Gyros is typically served with pita bread, but it can also be served as a salad, which eliminates the need for bread. This makes it a low-carbohydrate and low-calorie meal that is filling and satisfying.

try to limit processed meat products such as sausages, salami, pâté and beefburgers, because these are generally high in fat – they are often high in salt, too.

Gyro meat, beef and lamb (2 ounce) contains 5.1g total carbs, 4.6g net carbs, 16.6g fat, 9.2g protein, and 209 calories.

Many contain mixtures (usually 50-50) of beef and lamb. In the US, outside of truly ethnic restaurants, the standard is a 50-50 mix, made by one of three national companies. A Turkish restaurant may make its own 100% lamb doner kebab equivalent while a Greek restaurant may offer a pork or chicken gyro.

Gyro meat is a valuable addition to your diet because of its rich protein content that supports immune system functionality, muscle maintenance, and satiety.

It is most commonly made with lamb, but beef and pork are also available. In Greece, gyros are a popular meal choice. Greek food culture is deeply rooted in the regions across the U.S. Historically, Greeks began to migrate to the United States after World War II to escape the economic hardships of their homeland.

Traditionally, these are made with lamb meat, or lamb and beef. I have one son who refuses to eat lamb because "They're too cute to eat." So at our house, the homemade gyros are usually made with either ground beef, or a combination of pork and ground beef.