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.
Story Link
FAQs
Bagels Are Healthy-ish If You...
Can bagels be part of a healthy diet? ›
The good news is that the calories from bagels are nutritious and good for you (when you forgo the chocolate chips or sugary toppings), so you can make room for them in your diet. As is often the case, portion size is most important. Opt for smaller bagels and stick to just a half.
Why do people think bagels are healthy? ›
Bagels can be healthy if made with whole grains, contain minimal fat and sugar, and are an appropriate portion size for your health goals. For a healthier choice, look for whole wheat, whole grain, or rye bagels. While bagels with cream cheese are delicious, traditional cream cheese is not necessarily healthy.
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. Limiting your refined carb intake may help manage weight and reduce the risk of several chronic diseases.
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.
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.
Are bagels better for you than 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.
What's healthier eggs or bagels? ›
In one study on overweight women conducted at Saint Louis University in Missouri, the subjects consumed an average of 163 fewer calories for lunch after an egg breakfast. Over a 24-hour period, they consumed about 418 fewer calories than those who ate the bagel breakfast.
Is it better to eat a bagel or a donut? ›
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.
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.
What to Eat to Lose Inches Off Your Stomach
- Avoid sugar and sugar-sweetened drinks. Studies have shown that excess sugar, mostly due to large amounts of fructose, can lead to increased fat around the belly. ...
- Cut carbs. ...
- Eat more protein. ...
- Add fiber-rich foods.
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.
Is a bagel equal to 5 slices of bread? ›
Based on carbohydrates and calories, approximately three slices of bread are equivalent to one medium-sized bagel.
Are everything bagels good or bad for you? ›
Starchy white bagels— and flavored varieties like onion, garlic, poppy seed, and “everything” bagels—are made with refined wheat flour, which has been stripped of the fiber and nutrients that give whole grains their health benefits.
Are bagels bad for cholesterol? ›
Refined Grain Products – A diet high in refined carbohydrates, like white bread, tortillas, bagels and pasta, can have a negative effect on your HDL cholesterol level. Reducing your intake of these types of carbohydrates can improve your HDL levels. Choose high-quality, sprouted wheat breads and fruits.
