Calories In Plate Of Spaghetti And Meatballs
Who doesn't love a plate of spaghetti and meatballs? It's a classic Italian-American dish that has been around for centuries. However, if you're watching your weight, you might be wondering how many calories are in a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the calorie content of this delicious meal, and share some tips on how to make it more healthy.
Calories in Spaghetti
The first component of spaghetti and meatballs is, of course, the spaghetti. The calorie content of spaghetti can vary depending on the type of pasta you choose and the serving size. Generally speaking, one cup of cooked spaghetti contains around 220 calories. If you're trying to cut back on calories, you might consider choosing a whole grain pasta or a vegetable-based pasta like zucchini noodles. These options are lower in calories and higher in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
Calories in Meatballs
The second component of spaghetti and meatballs is, of course, the meatballs. The calorie content of meatballs can also vary depending on the type of meat you use and the size of the meatballs. Generally speaking, one meatball contains around 70-100 calories. If you're trying to cut back on calories, you might consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and making smaller meatballs. You can also add extra veggies like grated zucchini or carrots to your meatball mixture to bulk it up without adding extra calories.
Calories in Sauce
The third component of spaghetti and meatballs is the sauce. The calorie content of spaghetti sauce can vary depending on whether you use a store-bought sauce or make your own, and what ingredients you use. Generally speaking, a half-cup serving of spaghetti sauce contains around 70-100 calories. If you're trying to cut back on calories, you might consider making your own sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This will be lower in calories and higher in nutrients than a store-bought sauce, which can be high in sugar and preservatives.
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs More Healthy
If you're trying to cut back on calories, there are a few things you can do to make spaghetti and meatballs more healthy. First, choose a whole grain pasta or a vegetable-based pasta like zucchini noodles. These options are lower in calories and higher in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Second, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and make smaller meatballs. You can also add extra veggies like grated zucchini or carrots to your meatball mixture to bulk it up without adding extra calories. Third, make your own sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This will be lower in calories and higher in nutrients than a store-bought sauce, which can be high in sugar and preservatives.
Conclusion
Overall, a plate of spaghetti and meatballs can be a delicious and satisfying meal. However, if you're trying to watch your weight, it's important to be mindful of the calorie content of each component. By choosing whole grain pasta or vegetable-based pasta, using lean ground turkey or chicken, and making your own sauce, you can enjoy this classic dish without blowing your calorie budget.
