Calorie Chart / Meat & Eggs / Lamb - Leg
How Many Calories Are in Leg of lamb?
Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of leg of lamb
For g and a calorie requirement of kcal
| Calories 338 kcal | Proteins 27 g | Lipids 26 g | Carbohydrates 0 g |
| 17% | 36% | 39% | 0% |
Health benefits of leg of lamb
Leg of lamb - 100g
Calories 225 kcal
Proteins 18 g
Lipids 17 g
Carbohydrates 0 g
With around 225 kcal per 100 g, leg of lamb is considered a moderately high-calorie meat: the term "calories" often comes up when discussing this festive cut because it supplies more energy than chicken yet less than many processed meats. Those calories are largely carried by its rich fat profile, while still offering valuable nutrients.
Beyond calories, each serving delivers roughly 18 g of high-quality proteins that supply all essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance and recovery. This makes leg of lamb an interesting option for athletes who watch both proteins and calories.
Micronutrient-wise, it is an excellent source of vitamin B12, niacin (B3), and iron—key for red-blood-cell formation and oxygen transport—as well as zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. These minerals help convert the food's calories into usable energy and support immune and thyroid function.
Lamb fat contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA); some studies attribute supposed benefits to CLA for body-composition management, although evidence remains inconclusive—keep total calories in mind if you increase intake for this reason.
Historically, leg of lamb has been a centerpiece for Easter meals around the Mediterranean. Slow roasting was originally chosen to melt connective tissue, improving tenderness while concentrating flavors—and, inevitably, calories.
Tips for incorporating leg of lamb into a balanced diet
The secret to enjoying leg of lamb without letting calories skyrocket is portion control: aim for 120–150 g cooked meat, then fill the rest of the plate with colorful vegetables. A classic garlic-and-rosemary roast served with steamed carrot and grilled zucchini keeps calories balanced while adding fiber.
For light summer lunches, slice leftover lamb thinly and toss it through an arugula salad with lemon juice and a teaspoon of olive oil rather than creamy dressings; you will still taste the meat while trimming calories.
Endurance athletes who actually need more calories can pair the roast with complex-carb sides such as brown rice or quinoa. The extra starch raises total calories gradually and provides sustained energy for long training sessions.
If you crave spices, transform diced leg of lamb into lamb curry with rice; the coconut-based sauce is richer in calories, so moderate the portion or add extra vegetables. Another family favorite is using small cubes in a fragrant couscous; again, loading the dish with chickpeas and vegetables helps dilute calories per bite.
Finally, remember resting time: letting the joint stand 10 minutes after cooking allows juices—and calories from the fat—to redistribute, so you can carve thin, juicy slices and avoid adding extra sauces that would bump up calories further.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in leg of lamb?
- There are 225 kcal per 100 g.
- Is leg of lamb fattier—and higher in calories—than lamb shoulder?
- Yes, leg is slightly leaner; the shoulder usually contains more marbling, meaning a few additional grams of fat and therefore more calories per 100 g, although exact figures depend on trimming.
- Which cooking method keeps calories lowest?
- Oven roasting on a rack lets excess fat drip away, reducing final calories compared with pan-frying or confit preparations. Avoid heavy cream sauces that would add extra calories.
- Can I eat leg of lamb on a low-carb diet?
- Absolutely—leg of lamb contains 0 g of carbohydrates, so all its calories come from proteins and fats, fitting perfectly into low-carb or ketogenic plans.
- What portion size controls calories for weight loss?
- A cooked slice weighing about 120 g delivers roughly 270 kcal; combining it with two cups of non-starchy vegetables keeps the full meal under 500 calories.
- Is leg of lamb a good protein source without excessive calories for athletes?
- Yes; compared with fatty cuts like pork belly, it provides a favorable protein-to-calories ratio. Pairing it with low-fat sides helps meet protein goals while containing total calories.
- How should I store leftovers to avoid waste—and hidden calories from spoilage?
- Refrigerate carved meat within two hours, in a shallow container so it cools quickly. Reheat once only; repeated reheating can dry the meat, tempting you to add sauces and thus extra calories.
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Information provided by Calorie Menu may contain inaccuracies or errors. It cannot, under any circumstances, substitute medical advice or medication.
