When you spend the day at the county fair or a local theme park, part of your day may include a treat that's tough to find anywhere else: a giant smoked turkey leg.
It seems like a pretty good option, after all, turkey is a lean protein and it's smoked, not fried. But the nutrition data suggests that this might be a great treat to share.
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Nutrition Data for a Smoked Turkey Leg
- Calories: 1,136
- Fat: 54 grams
- Protein: 152 grams
- Carbs: 0 grams
*Note: This data is for a 1-pound serving.
Calories and Fat
Most places serving smoked turkey legs aren't going to trim off a healthy 2-ounce slice and send you on your way. Instead, you're more likely to be served a 1-pound leg from a 40- to 50-pound bird. A leg that big has 1,136 calories per serving and 54 grams of fat.
Protein and Carbohydrates
If you're following a low-carb diet, you'll be pleased to learn that there are no carbohydrates in a smoked turkey leg. However, you'll more than meet your protein requirement for the next several days, as this theme-park treat serves up 152 grams of protein per 1-pound serving.
Vitamins and Minerals
Although this simple entrée-turned-county-fair-snack is more food than anyone really needs in one sitting, it does offer a few essential nutrients. Niacin, folate, thiamin and vitamin K top the list of vitamin content.
And to keep the valuable nutrients coming, you can also catch up on your intake of some vital minerals, as this bird contains 4,480 milligrams of potassium, 608 milligrams of selenium and 512 milligrams of calcium per pound, plus many other useful minerals in slightly smaller quantities.
Considerations
Proceed with caution as you enjoy each bite of this county fair delight. Consuming the entire leg will provide you with six days' worth of the RDA for sodium, 1,360 milligrams of cholesterol and 48 grams of saturated fat. If this treat is a non-negotiable part of your yearly visit to the fair, consider sharing it with friends, and keep your good health in mind.