Calzone Calories - Should I Eat It On A Diet?
*Medical Disclaimer: The content in this post is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Those seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and subsequently make a purchase, the author may receive a commision.
Introduction
Calzones are a popular Italian dish that can be made with a variety of fillings. They are made by taking pizza dough and folding it over to create a pocket, which is then filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Calzones can be served as an appetizer or main course, and they are often accompanied by a marinara sauce or dipping sauce.
While calzones are a delicious treat, they can also be high in calories and fat.
While the exact number varies depending on the recipe, A calzone typically has around 500 – 700 calories (505 calories per serving size based on this recipe).
Popular posts
Calzone nutrition facts
One calzone has around:
20 grams of fat
51 grams of carbohydrates
29 grams of protein
The table below gives a more detailed description.
Should I eat it on a diet?
A calzone is basically a giant stuffed pizza pocket, and like many indulgent foods, they’re probably not the best idea if you’re trying to lose weight. Calzones are high in calories and carbs, and even though they’re typically packed with veggies, the doughy crust cancels out any nutritional benefits.
So if you’re watching your waistline, it’s probably best to steer clear of calzones. However, if you’re just looking to enjoy a tasty treat every once in a while, there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in a calzone. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation!
Calorie counting
As mentioned earlier, a calzone has around 500 – 700 calories. This may make it an unsuitable food for those who are calorie counting.
However, the calories content will change depending on the ingredients used. For example, if you add spinach and mushrooms, it will have lesser calories. If you use sausage or pepperoni, it will have more calories.
The average person needs 2,000 – 2,500 calories a day to maintain their weight. So, a typical calzone could represent 25% or more of the average person’s daily calorie intake. Something that should be kept in mind.
Keto diet
A keto dieter typically aims to eat less than 50 grams of net carbs [1] (total carbs minus fiber content) a day. So a traditional calzone would be completely unsuitable on a keto diet. However, there are some keto-friendly recipes for calzones that substitute the dough with a low-carbohydrate option, such as cauliflower or almond flour.
So If you’re following a Keto diet (or any low-carb diet), you should avoid eating calzones.
How much exercise would I need to do to burn the 500 calories from a calzone?
So you had a calzone for lunch, and now you’re feeling guilty about all the calories. Don’t worry – there are plenty of activities you can do to work off that extra cheese and dough. A half-hour walk at a moderate pace will burn around 150 calories, so if you do that four times, you’ll be back at your starting point.
After eating a 500 calorie calzone, a 185 pound individual would need to do:
-Walk briskly for 1 hour 15 minutes
-Hiking for 1 hour
-Cycle for 30 minutes
-Swimming laps for 40 minutes
(*Estimates based on Harvard health study [2])
If you’re feeling ambitious, an hour of running will take care of the calzone and then some – at six miles per hour, you can expect to burn around 1000 calories in an hour.
And for those who prefer a more leisurely approach, an hour of golfing or swimming laps will also help burn those unwanted calories. So get up and get moving – your body will thank you for it.
Tips for making a healthier calzone
If you’re looking to make a healthier calzone, there are a few things you can do:
– Use whole wheat dough: This will add fiber and nutrients.
– Fill it with vegetables: Vegetables are low in calories and fat, and they add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
– Go easy on the cheese: Cheese is high in calories and fat, so use it sparingly.
– Use lean meats: Lean meats are lower in fat than fatty meats.
– Skip the dipping sauce: Most dipping sauces are high in calories and fat.
Making these simple swaps can help you create a healthier calzone that is still delicious.
Conclusion
A calzone is not the most diet friendly food, but it can be a delicious treat. If you are on a diet, you may want to consider eating a smaller portion or choosing a healthier filling. You can also burn off the calories from a calzone by doing some extra exercise.
References
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-many-carbs-on-keto#how-many-carbs
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights