If you're craving a delicious and filling gyro, be aware that a regular 1 pita (354 g) gyro contains 484 calories. While this Mediterranean dish can be a great source of protein and other nutrients, it's important to factor in portion size and additional toppings to maintain a balanced diet.

A gyro typically includes roasted meat, such as lamb or beef, wrapped in a warm pita bread and topped with vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion. It may also come with tasty extras like feta cheese or tzatziki sauce, which can add to the calorie count. However, a gyro is also a good source of carbohydrates and can provide much-needed fiber to your diet.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value of a regular pita gyro and provide tips to help make it a healthy addition to your diet.

High in Calories

As mentioned earlier, a regular pita gyro contains 484 calories, which is a significant portion of your daily recommended intake. Eating a large gyro with extra toppings can quickly add even more calories to your meal. If you're trying to lose weight or watch your calorie intake, try opting for a smaller portion size or a gyro with fewer toppings. You can also balance out the calories by including plenty of vegetables or having a lighter meal earlier in the day.

Source of Protein

One of the benefits of a pita gyro is that it's a significant source of protein. A regular gyro can provide around 24 grams of protein, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and feeling full and satisfied after your meal. If you're vegetarian or looking for a meat-free option, you can also find gyros made with falafel or other plant-based protein sources.

Contains Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, providing energy and supporting brain function. A regular gyro contains around 38 grams of carbohydrates, which can help fuel your day and keep you feeling satisfied. If you're following a low-carb diet or have specific dietary needs, you may want to consider ordering a gyro without the pita bread or choosing a lighter option like a gyro salad.

Moderate in Fat

While a pita gyro does contain some fat, it's not as high as you might expect. A regular gyro generally contains around 18 grams of fat, which is about one-third of your daily recommended intake. To keep the fat content in check, try ordering a gyro with lean meat like chicken, turkey, or pork. You can also ask for extra vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content of your meal.

May Contain Sodium

One downside of many prepared foods, including gyros, is that they can be high in sodium. A regular pita gyro can contain up to 1300 milligrams of sodium, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake. To reduce your sodium intake, try making your own gyro at home with fresh ingredients and low-sodium seasonings. When ordering out, ask for less salt and avoid extra sauces or dressings that may contain high amounts of sodium.

Possible Source of Fiber

Along with protein and carbohydrates, a pita gyro can also be a good source of fiber. If you include plenty of vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion, you can add important nutrients and fiber to your meal. To make your gyro even more fiber-packed, try adding additional veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots. You can also opt for a side of hummus or a chickpea salad for a boost of plant-based protein and fiber.

May Contain Vegetables

As mentioned earlier, vegetables are an important part of a pita gyro. They can add important nutrients like vitamins and minerals, as well as flavor and crunch. If you're looking to amp up the veggie content of your gyro, try asking for extra veggies like spinach, avocado, or roasted eggplant. You can also skip the standard gyro toppings and opt for a veggie-loaded salad instead.

Can Include Tzatziki Sauce

One of the classic toppings for a pita gyro is tzatziki sauce, a creamy blend of yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. While this sauce can add a lot of flavor and creaminess to your meal, it can also be high in calories and fat. To enjoy the benefits of tzatziki without going overboard, try asking for a light drizzle of sauce or for your sauce on the side. You can also swap out tzatziki for other low-calorie toppings like hummus or baba ghanoush.

May Have Additional Toppings

Depending on where you get your gyro, there may be a variety of toppings and sauces to choose from. While these can add flavor and variety to your meal, they can also pack on calories and fat. To keep your gyro on the healthy side, try opting for toppings like fresh herbs, diced cucumbers, or spicy harissa sauce. You can also choose a smaller portion size or share your meal with a friend to cut down on excess calories and fat.

Portion Size Matters

When it comes to enjoying a pita gyro, portion size is key. While a regular gyro can be a filling meal on its own, adding extra toppings or sides can quickly turn it into a calorie bomb. To keep your meal on track, try ordering a smaller portion size or sharing your gyro with a friend. You can also load up on vegetables and protein to feel satisfied without overdoing it on calories.