Bagels are a favorite breakfast food for many people around the world, but unfortunately, they are often full of calories and carbohydrates. However, with the rise of health-conscious eating habits, low calorie bagels have become increasingly popular. In this article, you will learn what low calorie bagels are, what benefits they have, and what delicious low calorie bagel recipes you can try.

What are Low Calorie Bagels?

Low-calorie bagels are simply bagels that have fewer calories and carbohydrates than regular bagels. They are made with alternative ingredients that contain fewer calories and more fiber, such as whole wheat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. Some low-calorie bagels also use stevia or other natural sweeteners to reduce sugar content.

The Anatomy of a Low Calorie Bagel

To understand what makes a low-calorie bagel, it is important to know the factors that contribute to its caloric content. The main ingredients of a traditional bagel are flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt. The type and amount of flour, as well as additional ingredients such as sweeteners, fats, and toppings, play an important role in determining the calorie content.

Flour and Alternatives

The basis of any bagel is its flour. To reduce the calorie content, use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour such as whole wheat, spelt, or oat flour. These alternatives provide additional nutritional value, including more fiber and protein, which will keep you fuller longer.

Sugar and Sweeteners

Traditional bagel recipes use sugar to activate the yeast and add a touch of sweetness. To cut calories, you can replace sugar with low-calorie sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit extract.

Fats and Additions

Bagels can be high in fat due to ingredients such as oil, butter or cream cheese. To prepare a low-calorie bagel, use healthier fats such as olive or avocado oil and opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or yoghurt-based spreads.

Also Read: Calories in a Costco Chicken Bake: A Nutritional Breakdown

Benefits of Low Calorie Bagels

There are many advantages to choosing low-calorie bagels over regular bagels. First, they are a good choice for anyone who wants to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. By reducing the calorie and carbohydrate content, low-calorie bagels can help you reach your weight loss goal without having to give up your favorite breakfast.

In addition, low-calorie bagels often contain more fiber than their traditional counterparts. Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in promoting gastrointestinal well-being and satiety. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with mid-morning cravings or overeating.

Low-calorie bagels also tend to contain less sugar than traditional bagels. This is important for those who are watching their sugar intake, as excessive sugar consumption can lead to a number of health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Delicious Low Calorie Bagel Recipes

Discover your inner baker and try baking delicious, low-calorie bagels at home. The following recipes offer healthier alternatives without compromising on taste.

Whole Wheat Bagels

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm water and honey until the honey is dissolved.
3. Include the combination of water and honey into the flour mixture and agitate until a dough is achieved.
4. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, then cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
6. The dough should be split into eight uniform portions and molded into a bagel shape for each piece.
7. Arrange the bagels onto a baking sheet that has been covered with parchment paper and proceed to bake them for a duration of 20-25 minutes, or until they have attained a golden brown coloration.

Gluten-Free Oat Bagels

Ingredients:

• 3 cups gluten-free oat flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar substitute
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Follow the same procedure as for the whole wheat bagel recipe, substituting gluten-free oat flour for the whole wheat flour.

Almond Flour Bagels

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a sizable mixing bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, eggs, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each piece into a bagel.
6. Arrange the bagels onto a baking sheet that has been covered with parchment paper and proceed to bake them for a duration of 20-25 minutes, or until they have attained a golden brown coloration.

Everything Bagels

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm water and honey until the honey is dissolved.
3. Add the water and honey mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, then cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
6. The dough should be split into eight uniform portions and molded into a bagel shape for each piece.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried chopped onion, dried chopped garlic, and coarse sea salt.
8. Brush the bagels with the beaten egg and then sprinkle with the seed mixture.
9. Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Make Your Delicious Low Calorie Bagel

Low calorie bagels are a great option for those who love bagels but want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By choosing alternative ingredients and reducing the calorie and carbohydrate content, low calorie bagels offer a range of health benefits without sacrificing taste. Try out these delicious low calorie bagel recipes at home and enjoy a guilt-free breakfast!