Good for you/Bad for you: Bagels

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Does your breakfast consist of a cinnamon-raisin bagel loaded with a mini-mountain of cream cheese? You might want to reconsider before chomping into that concoction.

One bagel is the equivalent of five slices of bread, says Nancy Donahey, a dietician at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. At about 80 calories per average slice of bread, that’s 400 calories in one bagel.

A problem with bagels is their size.

“Bagels at restaurants like Einstein Brothers or Panera are really large,” Donahey says.

If you’re going to eat a bagel, it’s healthier to go for a smaller one. Donahey suggests eating Lender’s or Thomas’ brand bagels because each bagel is only 100 calories. Also try whole-grain bagels as a healthier alternative.

What you schmear on top of your bagel also matters. Cream cheese is high in saturated fats, which gives the body bad cholesterol. If you must have your schmear, use a low-fat cream cheese. Donahey suggests spreading peanut butter, which contains protein and healthier oils, or a thin coating of margarine or jelly on your bagel as better alternatives to cream cheese.

If you can give up bagels, try English muffins for breakfast instead. English muffins often have fewer calories and carbohydrates than bagels.

Next time you want to sink your teeth into a bagel, think about healthier ways to eat this breakfast treat.

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