If you live in a major city, there’s a good chance you can walk to a local bagel shop near your home or office. Bagels are so popular that there are even “bagel experiences” popping up around the country. These unique establishments combine the best parts of eating a bagel by offering patrons an interactive experience while they enjoy their favorite breakfast treat. The popularity of bagels doesn’t appear to be waning anytime soon, which means we have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this tasty treat. But is a bagel with cream cheese healthy? Are there any cons associated with this widely-loved food? Should you avoid them altogether? Let’s take a closer look.
Is A Bagel With Cream Cheese Healthy?
A bagel with cream cheese is not a healthy meal choice. A bagel has a high glycemic index, which means that it raises your blood sugar levels more than other foods. A bagel also contains refined carbohydrates, which are digested quickly, causing your blood sugar to spike. Additionally, a bagel is often paired with cream cheese, which is high in saturated fat. Together, a bagel and cream cheese make for a high-calorie and high-fat meal that your body processes quickly.
Why Bagel With Cream Cheese Is Not Healthy?
A bagel with Cream Cheese is high in calories
Bagels are made from refined flour, which is high in calories. A single bagel can have up to 350 calories. Bagels with Cream Cheese, on the other hand, can have as many as 400 calories, which is equivalent to a meal! Hence, if you decide to go for a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast, you might end up eating more than your daily calorie requirement. Consequently, you will gain weight, which will be detrimental to your health. Additionally, excess weight can lead to several health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. To avoid these unhealthy outcomes, make sure to stick to a single bagel and a small amount of cream cheese. You can also try other healthier alternatives such as Whole Wheat Bagels with Almond Butter or Flax Bagels with Hummus.
Bagels with Cream Cheese are bad for your digestion
Bagels are made from refined flour which can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Unfortunately, this means that bagels can create a significant amount of gas in your stomach. For those who are unaware, excess gas can lead to bloating, stomach cramps, and intense discomfort. If the gas is not expelled from your body, it can move upwards and impact the rest of your body causing issues such as headaches, toothaches, and even chest pains. You can avoid these issues by substituting Bagels with Cream Cheese with a variety of other foods that are not bad for your digestion. For instance, you can try eating Oatmeal with Almonds or Banana and Peanut Butter Muffins. These wholesome alternatives will not only keep your digestive system healthy but will also help you stay energized throughout the day.
Bagels with Cream Cheese might be made with unhealthy ingredients
One of the reasons why Bagels with Cream Cheese are not healthy is that they might be made with unhealthy ingredients such as artificial coloring, preservatives, and food coloring. Bagels are usually treated with bleach which makes them appear whiter. In addition to that, they are often injected with food coloring to enhance their colour. Fortunately, you can avoid these hazards by going for organic bagels or by making your own bagels at home. Alternatively, you can also try a healthier alternative such as a Banana Nut Muffin. The best part is that you can include these ingredients in your recipe and make them at home without any addition of harmful substances.
A regular serving of Bagel with Cream Cheese can be detrimental to your skin
Apart from being unhealthy, Bagels with Cream Cheese are also known to affect your skin in a negative manner. Research has shown that excessive consumption of foods such as cheese, cream, butter, and bagels can increase your skin’s pH level and change your skin’s normal pH level from 5.5 to 7. And, as you might already know, having a high pH level can increase the risk of developing acne. This can lead to the formation of pimples and acne. Bagels with Cream Cheese can also cause an increase in oil production, which can lead to breakouts and clogged pores. Fortunately, you can avoid these issues by going for wholesome alternatives such as Whole Wheat Bagels with Almond Butter or Flax Bagels with Hummus. These alternatives will not only keep you healthier but will also keep your skin nourished and healthy without affecting its pH level.
How Many Calories Are in a Bagel With Cream Cheese?
- Bagels are typically enjoyed with a spread of cream cheese, so let’s talk about how many calories are in that first. Cream cheese is a dairy product made from the milk of cows, sheep, or goats.
- It’s made by combining milk with either microbial or bacterial cultures, which then break down the proteins in the milk. The byproducts of this breakdown are butterfat, protein, and some minerals and vitamins.
- Cream cheese is often flavored with ingredients like salt, sugar, or artificial flavoring. It can also be colored with artificial dyes. Cream cheese will set you back about 70 calories per serving. Now, let’s talk about how many calories are in a bagel with cream cheese.
- The average bagel is about 100 calories. Bagels vary in calorie count, so it’s important to read the nutrition information on the packaging before purchasing.
The Pros Of Eating A Bagel With Cream Cheese
- Bagels are a delicious breakfast staple.
- Bagels can be enjoyed with cream cheese, which is a dairy product.
- Bagels are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a great choice for those on diets or watching their weight.
- Bagels can be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dessert after dinner, so you don’t have to skip out on your favorite meal just to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Bagels are easy to make at home and don’t require a lot of specialized ingredients.
- Bagels are made with a lot of carbs, which means they’re a good source of energy and can be enjoyed as a meal or as a snack.
- Bagels have the ability to absorb excess water while they’re being baked, which can make them extra chewy and soft after being boiled in water before eating!
- The unique taste of bagels is hard to imitate with other bread, so if you like your bagel with cream cheese, you can always enjoy it!
The Cons of Eating A Bagel With Cream Cheese
- A bagel with cream cheese is indeed a tasty treat. However, eating this meal every day will lead to a large number of calories, fat, and sugar. Bagels are bread, which means they are high in carbohydrates. Although carbohydrates are essential for energy and health, consuming too many can increase your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
- Your daily caloric needs vary based on your age, sex, weight, and activity level. The average adult needs between 2,000 and 2,400 calories per day. Although a bagel alone won’t break your caloric bank, eating one every day will.
- Bagels are high in carbs and calories. If you’re trying to lose weight and want to cut back on carbs, then you should avoid bagels with cream cheese altogether!
- Bagels aren’t very filling, so you may find yourself hungry after eating them. This makes them a poor choice for those who have breakfast for dinner or as a snack.
- Bagels are generally enjoyed with cream cheese, which is a dairy product that contains fat and calories. This can be hard to resist if you’re trying to eat healthy, especially when the cream cheese is flavored with artificial flavors!
- The high amount of carbs in bagels can make them an unhealthy choice if they’re consumed at night as a snack or dessert rather than during the day as part of your regular meal plan.
- Bagels are often enjoyed with cream cheese, which contains fat and calories. This can make them a poor choice if you’re trying to eat healthily.
- Bagels contain a lot of carbs and calories, which can make them an unhealthy choice if you’re trying to eat healthily and lose weight.
- Bagels are high in carbohydrates, making them a great source of energy but also causing them to be a poor choice if you’re trying to control your weight.
Final Thoughts
A bagel with cream cheese is a delicious breakfast option. It’s high in fiber, provides 4 grams of protein, and is a source of iron and calcium. It’s also easy to modify to meet your dietary needs. If you’re watching your calorie intake, simply choose a smaller bagel and fewer toppings. If you’re watching your fat intake, try spreading your bagel with avocado or nut butter instead of cream cheese.