It’s common knowledge that doughnuts aren’t the best breakfast food out there, and neither are sugary granola bars or greasy sausage sandwiches.In fact, healthybreakfast options can seem a bit bland in comparison. That’s where real NYC bagels come in!
A fresh, preservative-free bagel is tasty and guilt-free, so you don’t have to worry about breaking your diet in the morning. Whether you take a moment to toast and top them, or simply eat them on-the-go, they’re the perfect breakfast food.
That said, whilea bagel itself don’t have as many calories as say, a bear claw, your toppingscan tip the scales. Here’s where a lot of people go wrong while preparing their bagel, and how you can avoid piling on the calories while enjoying a healthy food.
- Less is more when working with butter. It’s just empty calories, so if you’re drenching your toasted bagel, you’re going to regret it later. Keep it light, and let the butter compliment the bagel, not overwhelm it. Flavored butter can make all the difference, so consider using garlic butter or honey butter.
- When made with low-calorie mayo, egg salad can be a great topping for bagels. Just make sure to limit yourself, and don’t go overboard. It might be salad, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have calories.
- Cream cheese has a similar conundrum to butter. People tend to schmear it on, reducing cream cheese’s effectiveness as a healthy food. Steady your knife, and try to keep your layers light.
- Peanut butter isa healthyoption, especially low sugar, natural varieties. It offers flavor and protein without weighing you down, and it tastes great on bagels. Try it with a sliced banana!
- If actual cream cheese isn’t your favorite, tofu cream cheese is a delicious alternative. It also has fewer calories, so if you enjoy tofu, it’s a far better option than authentic cream cheese.
While these are some of the more health-oriented bagel toppings, you don’t have to stick to these all the time. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices can be great compliments to a cream-cheese bagel, and you can top your toasted bagel with a fried egg if you’re feeling adventurous.
Bagels can be a healthy choice when toppings are chosen with an eye to nutrition. Counting calories doesn’t have to take the fun out of your breakfast. What are your favorite guilt free bagel toppings?
FAQs
The healthiest bagel is one made with whole grains. For a healthy bagel option, look for whole wheat or rye bagels. Sourdough bagels are also a healthy option, since sourdough bread varieties are more nutritious than white bread options.
Are bagels ok to eat when trying to lose weight? ›
If you're eating bread or bagels while trying to lose weight, look for those made from grains with a low glycemic index. Bagels and bread aren't among your top choices when trying to lose weight. But if you love bagels or bread, you can certainly continue eating them, even when on a weight loss plan.
What is healthy to eat on a bagel? ›
"You can also try adding more food groups to turn a plain bagel into a balanced meal. Add proteins like egg, salmon, hummus or tofu and fats like hemp seeds, cream cheese or avocado. It can also be helpful to add veggies like cucumber, tomato or onion for vitamins and minerals," says Kolesa.
What is healthier on toast, cream cheese or butter? ›
Cream cheese is generally a healthier option due to its lower calorie and fat content and higher protein levels. It can be an ideal spread or dip for those on a calorie-restricted or high-protein diet. If you prefer butter's flavor but want less fat, light butter is a tasty alternative.
How to make eating a bagel healthier? ›
Add vegetables and fruits.
Turn your bagel sandwich into a more nutritious one by adding sliced tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers, or avocado. Try making a fruit sandwich with light cream cheese, sliced kiwis and fresh berries.
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? ›
Donuts contain a lot more sugar and fat than bagels, and bagels contain more protein and sometimes more fiber than donuts. Donuts are usually made with a white flour, while bagels can be made using whole grain flours, which would provide even more protein and fiber.
What is the best breakfast for weight loss? ›
To lose weight, eat fewer calories than you burn throughout the day. The best things to eat for breakfast include oatmeal, eggs, lean bacon or turkey, whole-grain toast, peanut butter, smoothies, and yogurt with muesli.
Is it okay to eat a bagel every day? ›
Every food can be enjoyed in moderation. If you want a fresh bagel smothered in cream cheese every so often, go for it. However, if you want to eat a bagel every day, there are many ways you can make them more healthy. Instead of eating a regular-sized bagel each morning, opt for a mini one instead.
Is peanut butter good for weight loss? ›
Peanut butter is high in protein, aiding weight loss, but it is rich in calories, so it can help you gain weight if you consume too much of it. Nuts are some of the healthiest things you can eat, providing proteins, healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals.
Eating eggs may support weight loss, especially if a person incorporates them into a calorie-controlled diet. Research suggests that eggs boost metabolic activity and increase feelings of fullness. Eating an egg-based breakfast may stop a person from consuming extra calories throughout the day.
What is the best bread for weight loss? ›
The best bread for weight loss is a bread that is the most filling and contains the least unnecessary calories. When shopping, look for options that contain the lowest amount of added sugar and the highest amount of fiber. This combination for the best weight loss bread is usually 100% whole grain bread.
Is Philadelphia cream cheese healthy? ›
It's a good source of vitamin A and doesn't provide much lactose. However, it's low in protein and high in fat and calories, so it's best to use it in moderation. Notably, versions like whipped cream cheese are lower in fat and calories.
What can I put on a bagel besides butter? ›
These flavor combos are game changers in my book.
- Strawberries + chocolate-hazelnut spread + chopped hazelnuts. ...
- Cinnamon cream cheese + apple. ...
- Smoked salmon + cream cheese + dill. ...
- Egg + cheese. ...
- Tomato + onion + cream cheese + avocado. ...
- Marinara + chicken + mozzarella. ...
- Peanut butter + jelly.
Butter, though, has even more calories and fat and doesn't have the creamy taste of cream cheese. So, when deciding what to spread on your bagel, think about more than just the calories.
What is a healthy substitution for a bagel with cream cheese? ›
Plain Greek yogurt has the same creaminess and tang as cream cheese—and straining it overnight gives it a more solid texture. It's a great alternative for many recipes requiring cream cheese.
What is the healthiest bagel flavor? ›
For some bagels, they might be considered healthier due to the nutrients in the added ingredients—think spinach, multigrain, everything bagels, or sun-dried tomato. For other bagels, the added ingredients might mean more added sugars or added calories.
