How Healthy Can A Bagel Be? (2024)

It’s common that as a food gets more popular, the less healthy it becomes. Many fast food joints prove this theory, and as bagels have hit the mainstream as ago-to breakfast or snack, certainmodifications have gotten a bit extreme. From over-the-top toppings to excessive sizes, it seems the bagel isn’t exactly viewed as the pinnacle of healthy eating anymore.

Fresh bagels are still an amazingly health food, however. They have a great ratio of protein and carbs, with healthy fat and no preservatives (assuming you are buying good bagels form a reputable bakery.)

With reasonable toppings, self-control, and portion regulation, bagels can still taste great and not put a strain on your calorie-count. Here just a few ways you can ditch unhealthy bagel habits, and build a better, healthier breakfast.

  • Get a reasonably sized, healthy bagel. While more may seem tempting, your bagel should be four to six inches wide, and tall enough to cut into two healthy sized halves. Try whole wheat bagel or mixed grain if you’re looking for a healthier option; the complex carbohydrates can power you through your day without harming your diet.
  • If it doesn’t taste good on its own, don’t buy it! A bagel should be able to stand on its own, and only be improved by toppings. If you’re finding yourself slathering on cream cheese just to bear it, you probably should stop eating them.
  • Watch those toppings. A healthy layer of light cream cheese is never a bad idea, but don’t go overboard. Try nut butters, veggies, or even proteins for an extra kick to start your day. Peanut butter is your best friend, so don’t be hesitant to invite your friend Jiffy over for breakfast.
  • Avoid butter. Butter is nothing but empty calories, and if you’re using salted butter, you’re adding sodium into the mix. While buttering a bagel can seem like a good idea at first, it may not feel like the best choice later.

These tips can go a long way in helping you improve your eating habits, and help you even more in your journey towards health. However, it’s important to remember that these tips and tricks aren’t rules, so be sure to enjoy yourself sometimes!

Don’t be afraid to put a little lox along with the cream cheese on your bagel if you want to have a cheat day, and give yourself a Blueberryor French Toast bagel once in a while too. Healthy eatingcan be fun once you figure out how to include your favorite foods.

How Healthy Can A Bagel Be? (2024)

FAQs

How Healthy Can A Bagel Be? ›

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

bagels with cream cheese
A bagel and cream cheese (also known as bagel with cream cheese) is a food pairing that consists, in its basic form, of a sliced bagel spread with cream cheese.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Bagel_and_cream_cheese
are delicious, traditional cream cheese is not necessarily healthy.

How healthy are bagels? ›

You can enjoy practically any bagel in moderation, though whole-grain bagels provide more satiating fiber and protein. That said, bagels can be high in sodium, so make sure you're mindful of the other sources of sodium in your diet when you eat them. Be mindful of portion sizes, since bagels can be large.

How good are bagels good for? ›

Some varieties of bagels are made from whole grains. Whole grains are high in dietary fiber and antioxidants. They have been found to offer some protection against diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Whole grains also have B vitamins, iron, selenium, and magnesium.

Can I eat a bagel every day and still lose weight? ›

Bagels and bread have a lot of calories and little protein, but you can include them in your diet with some precautions. Your weight loss plan will still work if you don't go over the calorie target. You should eat 120 to 180 grams of grain daily on a weight loss diet.

What is healthy from a bagel store? ›

1. Opt for whole wheat or multi-grain bagels: Multi-grain bagels contain 7.7 grams of fiber compared to the 2.3 grams of fiber found in regular bagels. Whole wheat bagels contain 4.6 grams of fiber compared to 2.3 grams of fiber found in regular bagels.

Are bagels healthy 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.

Are bagels heart healthy? ›

Studies have found that replacing refined grains with whole grains can lower your risk of coronary heart disease. Try incorporating these whole grains into your diet: whole-grain bread, bagels, English muffins, and tortillas.

Is it OK to eat a lot of bagels? ›

Bottom Line: Save the bagels for one day a week. When you do enjoy it, have a half along with some protein to help keep you satisfied.

Are bagels healthier than ice cream? ›

Some good news if you love sweets and are trying to maintain a healthy diet. A new study suggests ice cream is better for you than a multigrain bagel. Researchers at Tufts University ranked the nutrition of foods on a scale of one to 100, with 100 being the most healthful.

Are bagels healthy at night? ›

Avoid foods that cause inflammation

An ideal diet leaves out foods with substances that could spoil your slumber. They include less healthy carbs like low-fiber, high-sugar cereals, bagels, and fruit juices. People who eat unhealthy carbs tend to wake up more frequently overnight, according to St-Onge's research.

Will one bagel ruin my diet? ›

A little refined bagel here and there does not hurt, especially if you top it with fresh veggies, healthy fats, or lean protein. For portion sizes, consider choosing mini and thin bagel options if you want to lower your carb or calorie intake.

What is the healthiest bagel flavor? ›

In terms of the healthiest bagels, plain may seem like the obvious choice but Taub-Dix notes that seed-rich sesame and everything bagels contain heart-healthy fat and fiber. Rye, pumpernickel, oat and whole-wheat are also good choices.

Are bagels healthy yes or no? ›

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.

Do healthy bagels exist? ›

Consider switching to a fresh, chewy, Whole Wheat Bagel if you already love bagels but are looking for the healthiest options, or try eating this bagel instead of a doughnut or pastry. Whole Wheat is also available as a Mini Bagel or Flat Bagel.

What's healthier, a bagel or muffin? ›

Which should you choose? The nutrition of English muffins makes them a more obvious health choice over bagels. And while bagels do not have to be completely eliminated from the diet, their intake should be moderated in a healthy eating pattern.

Are bagels healthier than pancakes? ›

Winner: Neither. “Both pancakes and bagels are high in refined flour, which has important B vitamins removed,” says Thomas. “The toppings can also blow your healthy eating habits, as bagels typically come slathered in cream cheese and pancakes come with empty-calorie syrup.”

Are bagels healthier than muffins? ›

Opting for a 100% whole wheat English muffin likewise serves a similar nutritional value. It also provides 25 grams of whole grain per serving and is considered a good source of dietary fiber. Which should you choose? The nutrition of English muffins makes them a more obvious health choice over bagels.

Why are bagels so high in protein? ›

Traditional bagels were made with very high-protein, spring wheat flour. The flour for bagels is often still between 13% and 16% protein. Spring wheat grown in the northern plains of the United States, Canada, part of Russia, and China produces most of the flour used in baking traditional bagels made today.

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