Sometimes, hunger strikes when you least expect it. Even though you may have had a hearty breakfast and a full lunch, you’re suddenly in the mood for an afternoon snack that’s savory, filling, and delicious. Indiana’s street food in Chesterton offers you many different options to fulfill your cravings, but few things taste as satisfying as a piping hot gyro.
The classic Greek dish is known for its soft pita bread that wraps itself around juicy, sumptuous slices of meat, complemented by pieces of crispy cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. The key ingredient that ties everything together is the delicious tzatziki sauce, which is drizzled all over the toppings. While messy to eat, gyros are incredibly delicious, and they also provide much more nutrition than any other street food around.
Here are four nutritional facts about gyros:
- Whole Wheat Pita Has a Lower Glycemic Index
Pita bread is very similar to flatbread, although they are generally softer and thicker than what you can find on your standard supermarket shelves. Pita rounds typically have 170 calories and 35 grams of carbohydrates, but you can cut this down by going for whole wheat or multigrain pita bread. They have a lower glycemic index than white flour pita, which means you get just as much pita goodness without as many calories or carbohydrates in the process.
- The Meat Gives You the Protein You Need
Everyone needs a healthy dose of protein, and gyros have plenty of it. Gyros generally contain thin slivers of beef, lamb, chicken, or pork that has been seasoned and stacked on a vertical spit that slowly rotates as it cooks. It’s similar to shawarma, except shawarma uses a loaf with fillers along with the ground meat.
The wonderful thing about gyros is that you can choose between meats, making it a perfect match for those on a diet. If you’re hoping to build muscle, you can opt for a chicken gyro, packed with protein but contains the lowest amount of calories. If you’d like to enjoy an authentic savory meal, lamb gyros are incredibly popular. Pork gyros are the most traditional iteration of the dish, and beef is the most commonly found variant in America while being one of the most delicious.
- The Toppings are Loaded with Antioxidants
Everyone knows that eating plenty of vegetables is good for you, as it lowers your risk for certain diseases and generally helps boost your immune system functions. Luckily, you can reap these benefits when eating gyros, usually loaded with cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. These vegetables are packed with antioxidants that wipe your cells clean of harmful free radicals, which can lead to stroke, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.
They also contain vitamin A, which builds up your body’s defense against infection while nourishing your skin and supporting your eye health. They’re full of vitamin C, which accelerates your wounds’ healing time and boosts your immune system. They’re also low in calories, which is another excellent reason to eat gyros.
- Tzatziki Sauce Can Be Nutritious
Tzatziki offers that delicious tang in every bite of a gyro. Like hummus, you can use it as a sauce or a dip, depending on its thickness. It’s made of low-fat Greek yogurt and cucumbers then flavored with lemon, dill, and garlic. The sauce is full of protein while containing a low amount of calories, making them a perfect sauce to tie a gyro up together.
Conclusion
Gyros are a delightful and tasty dish that can fulfill any afternoon snack craving. It’s also packed with enough nutrients to make up a full meal, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. With all these nutritional benefits of gyros, you’ll have all the more reason to eat them!
Suppose you’re craving for some gyros, head on over to George’s Gyros Spot! We are one of the best restaurants in Chesterton, Indiana, serving Chicago dogs, Italian beef, gyros, Polish dogs, and cheeseburgers. Call us today to arrange a pick up through drive-thru or carry out!