Up to this point, who does not know meatballs? They are so popular to the point that they could be considered a cultural masterpiece in many places of the world thanks to their simple yet unique approach in terms of flavor and ingredients. Meatballs tend to come in small balls of protein and while that might sound rare at first, due to this simple composition it is simple to find dozens of variations and styles in the market or in the form of recipes, and every single one of them might use different ingredients and seasoning.
Meatballs are great, there is no point in trying to deny that. But there could be a problem, many other magnificent dishes are well known for being fattening and damaging for those individuals who are trying to lose weight or live a healthier life. Are Meatballs Fattening? That is what the next article will discuss, and in the end, it will be possible to determine if meatballs are good for consumption.
Are Meatballs Fattening?
The simple answer; Yes, they are kind of fattening. While there might be lots of variations and styles in the modern market, meatballs are still based on the traditional design that consists of the usage of ground beef and some seasonings to create a unique texture and flavor. However, it is also common to see breadcrumbs used as an ingredient for keeping everything put together, and while that might be practical, when it comes to the healthiness of the dish, that ingredient just ruins everything.
In decently large servings or in regular consumption, it is safe to say that meatballs can be considered fattening. It might be true that they pack a lot of protein into your organism, but it is also true that fat and meatballs tend to be in the same equation, and if you are starting a weight loss diet, fat-containing dishes should be avoided at all cost.
Why Meatballs are Considered Fattening?
It is estimated that the most common serving of meatballs is around 3-ounces per serving, and while that might not sound like a lot of food, in the case of this dish, it will prove to be a lot. That 3-ounce serving actually packs 243 calories and a significant amount of 19 grams of fat. Now you might ask, where does all that fat come from? Well, it is a fact that meatballs’ composition has 30% of fat, which is not a good number, especially for those who try to claim that meatballs are healthy.
Also, you should never forget about the existence of 7 grams of saturated fat that comes included in the previous measurement. Remember that this kind of fat is the one that encourages the development of many life-threatening diseases like heart issues. So not only meatballs could be considered fattening, but they could also be damaging to your organism in certain conditions.
However, meatballs could be considered “safer” if they are consumed in less quantity, but going lower than a 3-ounce serving should not be considered something intelligent as you could be left with hunger. Instead, there might be other alternatives that could pack all of the wanted nutrients or proteins that your organism requires.
Are All Meatballs Fattening?
One of the greatest things about meatballs is the fact that it is possible to find many types and variations in the market or in form of recipes, and since every single one of these variations could come with different ingredients, their composition might differ from the traditional styles. That is why all types of meatballs should be judged differently, and luckily, not all meatballs are bad.
In fact, by using a suitable type of meat and fresh/natural ingredients and seasonings, it is possible to create non-fattening meatballs. Keep in mind that most meats have a rich source of high-quality protein that the organism requires for the development of the essential amino acids, making it a valuable asset for growth and development.
What Should be Done to Find Non-Fattening Meatballs?
Thanks to the fact that it is possible to find pre-cooked meatballs in the market that were made with low carb or natural ingredients, it is safe to say that you do not have to cook them from scratch at home, meaning that you will not have to deal with unfamiliar ingredients that could disrupt your aspirations of losing weight or living a healthier life.
However, most food brands can not be trusted. Even when they claim that healthy ingredients are used, as soon as you check the ingredients label, you can see the existence of breadcrumbs, which are not natural at all. Restaurants tend to use this dirty trick as well, and since you can not just walk into the kitchen to check the composition of the meatballs, you could end up becoming something damaging without even knowing it.
That is why the best and safest way to find non-fattening meatballs is by making them at home with your own hands and criteria. In this way, it will be possible to filter any fattening ingredient that could mess up the meatballs’ composition. Try to rely on the usage of organic meats and investigate more about vegan meatballs that were made with natural ingredients.
Can Meatballs Be Consumed on a Regular Basis?
Absolutely not. Since meatballs come with an unbalanced fat composition, it would not be wise to consume them on a regular basis as this could develop issues in your organism due to the existence of saturated fats and sodium. Also, even when meatballs are made with non-fattening ingredients, the situation is still the same when it comes to consumption, they are a great dish that can be enjoyed once in a while but never break the limits and safety measures.
Normally, it is safe to consume meatballs no more than two to three times per week, just make sure to avoid unsafe styles and products sold by non-trustworthy brands or restaurants as these will just ruin all of your aspirations thanks to the unreliable source of the ingredients and their fat composition.