Healthy Bagels (2024)

FAQs

Which type of bagel is healthiest? ›

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.

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.

Bread has fewer carbohydrates and calories, and portions tend to be smaller. A slice of bread is usually 30 grams. If you eat two slices in a meal or snack, you've only consumed about 125 calories and 26 grams of carbohydrates. But bread has much less protein than bagels, which is important when trying to lose weight.

Peanut butter is a healthy option, 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's much smarter to stick to half a bagel and just enjoy the other half for another breakfast. 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.

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.

To take advantage of these benefits, look for bagels that are made from whole grains like oats, rye, spelt, or whole wheat — but remember to keep your portion size in check. Bagels made from whole grains may help balance blood sugar, support healthy digestion, and prevent disease.

The Correct Way to Eat a Bagel Is Open-Faced | Bon Appétit.

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.

"If you love bagels and want to lose weight, you're in luck because how many calories you eat matters more than where you get those calories from, when you are first beginning to lose weight. While bagels pack a lot of carbs and are more 'refined,' they can fit a balanced plate when paired with protein and fat."

Why eat bagels instead of 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.

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.

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.

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.”

Pumpernickel has no crust, and is dense and hearty. It's a healthy choice, too—rye flour packs less carbs than wheat, and supplies a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals as well. It goes well with ingredients that benefit from an extra element of nuttiness.

The healthiest types of both bread and bagel are ones made with whole grains, as well as options with limited added sweeteners, sugar, or artificial ingredients. For both bread and bagels, whole wheat, rye, and sourdough bread varieties are the healthiest choice compared to regular white flour alternatives.

Cream cheese is healthier than butter; at 2 Tablespoons, the calorie count is just 98, there are only 10 grams of fat, and you do get a tiny bit of protein (less than 2 grams). The real trick here is not guesstimating – it's easy to smear 2 Tablespoons on each half and then you've made it just as bad for you as butter.