HEALTH
good for you, bad for you // BAGELS sometimes it's hard to tell.
Photo by Kirsten Hudson
Think that bagel's a smart breakfast choice? You may have to think again. Bagels — and their toppings — can be high in calories, among other not-so-great ways to start off your day.
Does your breakfast consist of a cinnamonraisin 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 a topping, 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.
VERDICT: OK, if you keep calories and fats in mind and try to use healthier options
If you can give up bagels,try English muffins for breakfast instead. English muffins often have fewer calories and carbohydrates than bagels.
// KIRSTEN HUDSON