By Brandi Goodman
Bagels are a common breakfast food and snack option for many. Being that it consists of bread, this tasty treat has more calories and carbs than are really needed. The toppings you choose can also play a major role in upping the calorie and sugar count. Enjoy bagels a healthier way by making them at home and considering some alterations.
Homemade is Better Than Store-Bought
Store-bought options are not usually the healthiest. Many are made with more sugar than necessary and unhealthy ingredients. Making bagels at home allows you to see exactly what is being put into your mix. You get to control the amount of sugar and can make the right substitutes so the round treat is healthier for you to enjoy.
Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of White
The typical white flour you use for baking isn't the safest for consumption. It is bleached and enriched. A whole wheat flour is a better option. It offers fiber and protein to your bagel due to the grains provided. It is also never bleached so you aren't consuming unsafe chemicals.
Avoid Cream Cheese
Cream cheese on bagels may be what's advertised, but that isn't what you have to use. In fact, you should really be avoiding it. A nut butter spread, such as almond butter, or even hummus or avocado make great spreads for your bagel. You'll be eating far fewer calories than the typical cream cheese option. If you still want something sweet and creamy, go for a low-fat Greek yogurt then.
Eat Half of a Bagel Instead of a Whole
A whole bagel is going to be far too much no matter if it's healthy or not. Just eat half and you'll be consuming fewer calories than usual. It also ensures you have two snacks for the day, keeping the other half for later. You can even enjoy it in a different way so you feel like you're eating something new.
Add Protein and Veggies
One-half of a bagel with a bit of nut butter spread may suffice for a snack, but it probably won't fill you up for breakfast. To get your day started right, add protein and veggies to your bagel. You can place meat, cheese, and vegetables between your two halves for a fully satisfying meal.
National BagelFest Day arrives near the end of July. Be sure to have your favorite bagel recipes on hand. Any other time of the year that you want to enjoy the common breakfast item in the morning or for a snack, be sure to make healthier versions that aren't as calorie-filled as the ones you can purchase from shops.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, seeyour local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Indianapolis, Ind.
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FAQs
Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of White
Can bagels be part of a healthy diet? ›
Bagels can be a part of a healthy breakfast if eaten with other foods that provide an overall nutritious and balanced meal. To enjoy bagels as part of a fulfilling breakfast, consider incorporating healthy fats as a bagel spread, such as avocado, hummus, or peanut butter.
What is a healthier option for a bagel? ›
Try choosing bagels made from whole grain and simple, whole food ingredients if you eat them regularly.
Are bagels healthy for weight loss? ›
While bagels pack a lot of carbs and are more 'refined,' they can fit a balanced plate when paired with protein and fat." A 1,700-calorie diet breaks down to 400 to 500 calories per meal (if you also eat a snack or two). One medium bagel has just 289 calories, so it can definitely fit within that range.
Are bagels healthier then bread? ›
Unfortunately there's no simple answer to this question. In terms of calories, on average one bagel has more calories than one slice of bread. However, if you choose to have a bagel with more fibre, this may help you feel fuller for longer and potentially reduce your snacking throughout the day.
Is it okay to eat a bagel every day? ›
"The portion size of most packaged bagels is equal to just over three slices of bread. Enjoying a bagel every morning is fine if you watch your portion size. Consider eating half a bagel one day and the other half the next day," says Laura M. Ali, M.S., RDN, a culinary nutritionist in Pittsburgh.
What are the 5 foods that burn belly fat? ›
Five foods that may help burn belly fat include:
- foods with soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
- foods with protein like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
- fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
- foods with probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
- green tea.
Eating a healthy, varied diet that is high in fruits and vegetables — including soluble fiber, vitamin D, and probiotics — is the best plan for losing weight from your waistline. Avoiding refined carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods whenever possible will help you cut calories and get rid of fat more quickly.
Does toasting a bagel increase calories? ›
The other answers so far are correct that there is essentially no effect of toasting on the macronutrients, the carbs, fat, protein and calorie values are not much affected by toasting. Even the heat-sensitive vitamins are probably not damaged much by toasting.
What's the point of bagels? ›
The basic roll-with-a-hole design, hundreds of years old, allows even cooking and baking of the dough; it also allows groups of bagels to be gathered on a string or dowel for handling, transportation, and retail display.
Based on carbohydrates and calories, approximately three slices of bread are equivalent to one medium-sized bagel.
Are eggs and bagels healthy? ›
Sure thing. As long as you are balancing out your carbs meaning you are also eating a lot of veggies and greens. If you are eating eggs and a bagel for breakfast every day that's okay as long as you are eating greens and nutritious foods for lunch and dinner.
Are bagels healthier than cereal? ›
bagels are loaded with carbs and if you add cream cheese alot of fat too. cereal is the healthier option.
Are bagels or Doughnuts healthier? ›
Key Takeaways. Bagels tend to be lower in calories, fat, and sugar compared to donuts, making them a healthier option. Bagels have more carbohydrates and fiber than donuts, providing more sustained energy and promoting a feeling of fullness. Bagels generally contain more protein than donuts.
