1 sandwich Coney Island Gyro contains 819 calories, making it a relatively high calorie food choice. However, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
In addition to calories, the sandwich also provides a range of nutrients. Here is the nutritional information:
While it may not be the healthiest food option, it can still be enjoyed as an indulgent treat from time to time. Let's take a closer look at its nutritional content.
Caloric Content
As mentioned, one sandwich Coney Island Gyro contains 819 calories. This amounts to 41% of the recommended daily calorie intake for an adult consuming a 2000 calorie diet. While this may seem like a lot of calories, it is important to consider the rest of your diet as well. If you are typically consuming a moderate amount of calories and are able to balance out the rest of your meals, this sandwich can still fit into a healthy diet. However, it is generally not recommended as a regular part of a diet for those watching their calorie intake.
Protein Content
The sandwich contains 37g of protein, which is a good amount for a meal. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue and can also help with satiety and weight management. It is important to note that not all protein sources are created equal. While the gyro meat in the sandwich is a good source of protein, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which should be consumed in moderation. To boost the overall nutritional value of the sandwich, consider adding some additional veggies or swapping out the gyro meat for a lean protein source like grilled chicken.
Fat Content
The sandwich contains 48g of fat, which is a significant amount. This includes 17g of saturated fat, which can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. While some fat in your diet is important for health, it is still recommended to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. You can do this by choosing lean protein sources, cooking with olive oil or other healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods and fried foods. If you are looking to enjoy the sandwich without consuming too much saturated fat, consider removing some of the gyro meat or swapping it out for a lean protein option.
Carbohydrate Content
The sandwich contains 69g of carbohydrates, including 4g of fiber and 9g of sugar. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, but it is still recommended to choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and veggies over simple carbohydrates like sugar and refined grains. To make the sandwich more filling and nutritious, consider adding some veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, or onions to bump up the fiber and nutrient content.
Fiber Content
The sandwich contains 4g of fiber, which is about 14% of the recommended daily intake for an adult consuming a 2000 calorie diet. Fiber is important for digestive health and can also help with weight management and blood sugar control. Unfortunately, the sandwich does not provide a significant amount of fiber on its own. To boost the fiber content of the sandwich, consider adding some extra veggies or swapping out the bread for a high-fiber wrap or pita.
Sodium Content
The sandwich contains a whopping 2397mg of sodium, which is about 104% of the recommended daily intake. Excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. It is recommended to limit your sodium intake to 2300mg per day or less. To reduce the sodium content of the sandwich, consider opting for a smaller portion or swapping the gyro meat for a lower-sodium option like grilled chicken breast.
Cholesterol Content
The sandwich contains 123mg of cholesterol, which is about 41% of the recommended daily intake. While dietary cholesterol does not have as much of an impact on blood cholesterol levels as previously thought, it is still recommended to limit your intake to 300mg per day or less. This means that the sandwich provides a significant amount of cholesterol in just one meal. To reduce the cholesterol content of the sandwich, consider removing some of the gyro meat or swapping it out for a lower-cholesterol protein source.
Vitamin Content
The sandwich provides a range of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Vitamins are essential for overall health and can help with immune function, bone health, and more. However, the sandwich does not provide a significant amount of any one vitamin. To boost the vitamin content of the sandwich, consider adding some extra veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, or onions, which are all good sources of vitamins and minerals.
Mineral Content
The sandwich provides a range of minerals, including iron, calcium, and potassium. Minerals are important for a range of bodily functions, including bone health, muscle function, and more. While the sandwich does provide some minerals, it is not a significant source of any one mineral. To boost the mineral content of the sandwich, consider adding some veggies or swapping out the gyro meat for a higher mineral option like grilled salmon.
Indulgence Factor
The gyro sandwich is not the healthiest food option, but it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you are looking to indulge without going overboard, consider splitting the sandwich with a friend or saving half for later. You can also balance out the rest of your meals to include more whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean protein sources. Remember, no food is inherently good or bad. It is all about balance and moderation.
Everything in moderation, including moderation.
5 FAQs About the Coney Island Gyro Sandwich
1. What is the Coney Island Gyro Sandwich?
The Coney Island Gyro Sandwich is a popular menu item at many Greek restaurants. It is made with gyro meat (usually a blend of lamb and beef), lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce, all wrapped up in a warm pita bread.
2. How many calories are in a Coney Island Gyro Sandwich?
The Coney Island Gyro Sandwich typically has around 819 calories. However, the exact calorie count may vary depending on the size and ingredients used in your sandwich.
3. Is the Coney Island Gyro Sandwich healthy?
The Coney Island Gyro Sandwich is high in calories and fat, so it may not be the healthiest option. However, it does provide a good amount of protein and nutrients like vitamin C and iron. It can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, but should not be consumed on a regular basis as part of a healthy diet.
4. Can the Coney Island Gyro Sandwich be made with different meats?
Yes, while traditionally the Coney Island Gyro Sandwich is made with lamb and beef, it can also be made with chicken, pork, or even falafel for a vegetarian option.
5. What is tzatziki sauce?
Tzatziki sauce is a Greek yogurt-based sauce made with cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It is often used as a condiment for Mediterranean dishes and adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the Coney Island Gyro Sandwich.