Frybread is a type of bread that is made by frying dough. It is a popular food in Native American communities and is often served with various toppings such as honey, jam, cheese, and meat. One serving of frybread, which is around 152.0 grams, contains approximately 502 calories.

While frybread is a delicious and satisfying food, it is important to be aware of its nutritional value, especially if you are trying to maintain a healthy diet. Frybread is high in fat, carbohydrates, and sodium, which can lead to health problems if consumed in excess.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies on how to enjoy frybread in moderation, and some healthy alternatives to try.

What is Frybread?

Frybread is made using basic ingredients such as flour, baking powder, salt, and water. Some recipes also call for milk or sugar. The dough is then shaped into rounds and fried until golden brown. Frybread can be served plain or with various toppings such as honey, jam, powdered sugar, and meat. It is a popular food in Native American communities and is often served at gatherings and celebrations. While frybread is a delicious and comforting food, it is important to be mindful of its nutritional value as it is high in calories, fat, and sodium.

How Many Calories are in Frybread?

One serving of frybread, which is around 152.0 grams, contains approximately 502 calories. This makes it a high-calorie food that may lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. While it is okay to enjoy frybread occasionally, it is important to be mindful of its calorie content and to balance it with other nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Frybread's Fat Content

One serving of frybread contains approximately 30 grams of fat, which is more than the recommended daily intake for most people. Consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease. To make frybread healthier, try to use healthier cooking oils such as vegetable oil or canola oil instead of lard or butter. You can also try to minimize the amount of fat by using less dough or frying the dough for shorter periods of time.

Frybread's Carbohydrate Content

One serving of frybread contains approximately 73 grams of carbohydrates, which is a significant amount. Consuming too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes. To make frybread healthier, try to use whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour, which is higher in fiber and lower in carbohydrates. You can also try to minimize the amount of sugar by using unsweetened toppings or opting for savory toppings such as vegetables and herbs.

Frybread's Protein Content

One serving of frybread contains approximately 7 grams of protein, which is a relatively small amount. Consuming enough protein is important for maintaining muscle mass and promoting satiety. To increase the protein content of frybread, you can try adding protein-rich toppings such as lean meat, beans, or cheese. You can also try to balance your meal with other protein sources such as eggs, yogurt, or tofu.

Frybread's Sugar Content

Frybread can be a high-sugar food depending on the toppings used. Common sweet toppings such as honey, jam, and powdered sugar can add a significant amount of sugar to the dish. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes. To make frybread healthier, try to use toppings that are lower in sugar such as fresh fruits or nut butter. You can also try to minimize the amount of sugar by using less dough or frying the dough for shorter periods of time.

Frybread's Fiber Content

One serving of frybread contains less than 1 gram of fiber, which is a very small amount. Consuming enough fiber is important for maintaining digestive health and promoting satiety. To increase the fiber content of frybread, you can try using whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour, which is higher in fiber. You can also try to add fiber-rich toppings such as vegetables or beans.

Frybread's Sodium Content

One serving of frybread contains approximately 720 milligrams of sodium, which is a significant amount. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. To make frybread healthier, try to minimize the amount of salt used in the recipe or topping. You can also try to balance your meal with other low-sodium foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Health Risks of Eating Frybread

While frybread is a delicious and satisfying food, consuming it in excess can lead to various health problems such as weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. These conditions increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. To maintain a healthy diet, it is important to enjoy frybread in moderation and balance it with other nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Healthy Alternatives to Frybread

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to frybread, try making baked goods using whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour. Whole grain flour is higher in fiber and lower in calories, making it a more nutrient-dense choice. Some other healthy alternatives to frybread include corn tortillas, whole grain pita bread, or homemade crackers. These options are lower in calories and fat than frybread and can be paired with a variety of healthy toppings.