The number of calories in a homemade tamale with pork depends on various factors such as the recipe used, the quantity of ingredients, and if any type of oil or fat are added. A typical large homemade tamale with pork can range between 250 and 350 calories.
The tamale itself usually consists of masa harina, a corn-based flour, which provides the calories. The filling is typically the most caloric component and in this case it’s the pork. Depending on the type of pork (ground, shredded, etc.
) and the recipe it could contain between 80 to 200 calories per 3. 5 ounces. A typical recipe would also use onions, garlic and spices, providing additional calories ranging from 10 to 30 calories total.
Adding an oil or fat to the masa harina to make it more moist will obviously add calories as well. While it’s impossible to know without a specific recipe, a safe estimate for a homemade tamale with pork would range from 340 to 410 calories.
How many calories is 1 pork tamale?
The amount of calories in a pork tamale will vary depending on the exact recipe used, but on average a pork tamale will contain 160-190 calories. These tamales are usually made with masa (dough made from corn flour) and lard, which are ingredients that can provide a significant amount of calories.
The pork filling also contributes to the calorie content of the tamale. Additional ingredients such as cheese, chilies, and other vegetables may also change the calorie count of a single tamale.
Are homemade pork tamales healthy?
Homemade pork tamales can be part of a healthy overall diet depending on how they are prepared. Pork tamales are usually made with leaner cuts of pork, such as the shoulder or loin. You can also reduce the amount of saturated fat in tamales by using leaner cuts of pork, reducing the amount of lard in the filling, and using larger leaves of the corn husk.
If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can use vegetable-based fillings instead of pork.
The main ingredients of pork tamales are corn masa, pork, lard, and chili. Pork and lard can be high in saturated fat and calories, but if you use lean cuts of pork and limit the amount of lard, you can reduce the fat and calorie content.
Corn masa is a naturally whole grain food that provides fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals. Chili is a great way to add flavor to your tamales as it is low in calories and high in vitamin C, but be careful when adding it to your recipe as it can add a lot of sodium.
Making pork tamales at home can be a healthy way to enjoy a traditional dish. As long as you focus on leaner cuts of pork, reduce the amount of lard, and choose vegetables fillings, you can make your picadillo-filled tamales with fewer calories and less saturated fat.
If you do decide to enjoy tamales, be mindful when it comes to portion size as it can be tempting to overindulge in this tasty dish.
Is a tamale good for weight loss?
That largely depends on the ingredients that go into the tamale. Tamales are typically made from corn husks wrapped around a filling of masa dough, meat, and other ingredients. In general, tamales are high in calories and carbohydrates.
So, if you’re looking to lose weight, you may not want to make tamales a regular part of your diet.
However, there are ways to make them leaner and healthier. Consider using lean meats like chicken, turkey, and seafood and avoiding meats high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Incorporate vegetables like corn, peppers, green beans, squash, etc.
into your tamale fillings. Try using whole wheat flour instead of white flour for the masa, and use low-fat substitutes such as Greek yogurt or applesauce for the fat ingredients. Finally, if you can, try using brown rice instead of white rice for an added nutrition boost.
By following these tips and making a few simple swaps when baking your tamales, you can enjoy them without having to worry about weight gain.
Why are tamales so high in calories?
Tamales are high in calories because they consist of a variety of ingredients that have a high caloric content. The outer layer of the tamale is made up of masa, which is a corn-based dough that usually contains lard or butter, which are both high in fat and calories.
The stuffing of a tamale is generally quite high in fat, because it is usually made up of pork, beef, cheese, or other fatty ingredients.
In addition, when tamales are served they are usually covered in a sauce or a salsa. These sauces also contain a high amount of calories because of ingredients such as milk, cheese, and butter. All of these caloric ingredients combined contribute to the high caloric content of a tamale.
What is a serving size of tamales?
A serving size of tamales can vary depending on the size of the tamale, but generally speaking, a single serving size is about 2 small tamales, 1 large tamale, or 3 medium tamales. For reference, a large tamale is usually about 3 to 4 inches long, while a medium tamale is usually about 2.
5 to 3 inches long. Additionally, a single serving size of tamales is usually about 140 to 180 calories, which is roughly equivalent to 1 cup of cooked rice. For larger appetites, it’s not uncommon to increase the tamale serving size to a few more tamales, but try to stick with the recommended serving size.
What Mexican food is good for weight loss?
When it comes to Mexican food and weight loss, there are several options that are both healthy and delicious. Eating Mexican-inspired dishes is an excellent way to stay full and enjoy some unique flavors.
One option is grilled or baked chicken/fish tacos, which are light and packed with lean protein and fiber. Chicken fajitas are also a great option to enjoy all the flavor while still creating a nutritious, low-calorie dish.
Another healthy option is chicken enchiladas, which are stuffed with black beans, vegetables, and low-fat cheese. These can be baked with a light tomato-based sauce instead of a cream-based sauce to reduce the fat and calories.
Roasted vegetable burritos are another healthy option for Mexican food. These options are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals, and can be lightly cooked with olive oil and low-fat cheese. Finally, salads are also a great way to enjoy Mexican flavors with loads of vegetables and lean proteins like fish, chicken, or shredded beef.
These can be tostadas with a few simple ingredients like diced tomatoes, beans, and olives. By consciously making small changes to the ingredients, Mexican food can be a great addition to any diet.
What is the nutritional value of a pork tamale?
A pork tamale can be a tasty and nutritious snack or part of a meal depending on the ingredients used. On average, one pork tamale contains around 350 calories, 17 grams of fat, 24 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of protein.
When it comes to the nutritional value of a pork tamale, the filling will determine the amount of nutrient content. For example, if the tamale includes lean pork, it will contain less fat and more protein than a tamale made with pork that is high in fat.
Additionally, if the tamale includes ingredients like onions, garlic, peppers, and other vegetables, it will also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, pork tamales usually provide generous amounts of vitamin B-12, phosphorous, iron, zinc, and magnesium. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help with digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Overall, pork tamales can be a healthy and delicious addition to any diet when made with lean meat, fresh vegetables, and other healthy ingredients.
Do tamales make you gain weight?
No, tamales do not inherently make you gain weight. Rather, how much weight you may gain or lose when eating tamales depends on a number of factors, such as the ingredients used in the recipe and your daily calorie intake.
For people following a generally healthy diet, tamales can actually be a great source of nutrition. Tamales typically have a lot of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, which can provide energy and help you feel full.
Additionally, they are a good source of minerals and vitamins, such as iron and B vitamins.
Since tamales, like all foods, can be high in calories, it is important to practice portion control when eating them. Balancing out your meals with fruits and vegetables and eating a variety of foods from all the food groups can help you maintain a balanced diet.
Additionally, regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. So, as long as you practice healthy eating habits and balance your diet, eating tamales does not have to prevent you from getting to and maintaining a healthy weight.
How many tamales should you eat?
The amount of tamales someone should eat ultimately depends on a variety of factors, such as personal dietary preference and health goals. Generally, two to three tamales can be a healthy source of carbohydrates for most people.
However, many tamales can be high in calories and sodium, so it’s important to take into consideration one’s dietary restrictions and nutritional needs before consuming a large amount of tamales. Additionally, as a more general guideline, it is important to listen to one’s body and not be afraid to stop eating once one feels full.
Eating slowly and savoring the flavor of tamales can also help in controlling the number of tamales one consumes. Whichever approach one takes, it’s important to pay attention to the amount of tamales consumed in order to make sure one is eating the appropriate amount for one’s individual needs.
Are Mexican tamales fattening?
Mexican tamales can be fattening, depending on the ingredients and the other accompaniments. Many traditional Mexican tamales are made with masa (corn-based dough), pork, vegetable, or cheese fillings, and are served with a variety of accompaniments such as crema, salsa, and guacamole.
These accompaniments can contribute to the overall calorie content of the meal. Tamales can also be made with pre-made masa, which can contain additives that increase calories. Additionally, some cooks prepare their tamales with lard or bacon, which add to their fat content.
To make tamales that are lower in calories, you could use leaner fillings such as pork loin or mushrooms, and use olive oil instead of lard or bacon fat. You could also use low-fat crema or salsa, and serve fruit as a side dish instead of guacamole.
Can diabetics have tamales?
Yes, diabetics can have tamales. While it is true that tamales typically contain high amounts of carbohydrates, it is possible to make substitutions that can reduce the amount of carbohydrates while still maintaining the taste and texture of a traditional tamale.
For instance, using butter in place of lard, replacing white rice with quinoa, and replacing cornflour with almond or coconut flour are all great alternatives that can help reduce the carbs present in a tamale.
Additionally, using non-starchy vegetables such as peppers, chilies, onions and garlic can greatly reduce the amount of carbohydrates in the filling of a tamale. Finally, opting for lean proteins such as chicken or fish can eliminate any excessive carbohydrates while still keeping the flavors in the tamale.
With these adjustments in mind, it is possible for a diabetic to enjoy tamales without severely affecting their overall health.
What Mexican dishes are low-carb?
Generally, Mexican food doesn’t have to be unhealthy and there are a number of dishes that are low-carb. A great way to enjoy Mexican cuisine without the high carbohydrate content of many traditional dishes is to opt for fresh, low-carb ingredients as the base of your meal.
One of the most popular Mexican dishes that is naturally low in carbs is Tacos al Pastor. This dish is made with chunks of pork that are marinated with spices and cooked until the pork is tender, usually on a spit.
Once cooked, the pork is served on small tortillas made from corn or flour. This delicious dish is low-carb, but still has plenty of flavor.
Grilled and roasted chicken, beef or fish dishes with Mexican spices are another great option and use low-carb ingredients. As an alternative to rice, opt for cauliflower rice or just serve your protein of choice with a salad or grilled vegetables.
Burritos without the tortilla are also an excellent low-carb option. Just fill the dish with meat and veggies and you’ve got a delicious, healthy dinner that won’t put you over your daily carbohydrate limit.
And for something a little different, try chicharrones. This dish usually uses pork rinds or pork belly that is cooked and seasoned with Mexican spices, and is a great way to enjoy a high-flavor snack without the carbs.
Overall, there are a number of delicious, low-carb Mexican dishes to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a snack, you can easily find low-carb options to satisfy your cravings and your dietary needs.
How many tamales per person for dinner?
The exact number of tamales per person for dinner depends on the size of the tamales, the size of the servings, and the type of meal served. Generally, it is recommended that a single person have 4-6 tamales for a main meal or 1-2 tamales as a side dish.
If a meal includes a variety of courses, like an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, then 1-2 tamales would be a good serving size. For larger groups, it may be necessary to increase the serving size to 8-12 tamales per person.
In any case, the number of tamales needed should be adjusted to ensure everyone in the group has enough to eat.
