Bagels Aren't As Nutritious As You Might Think

It's no secret that bagels are insanely delicious and extremely versatile. Bacon, egg, and cheese, avocado, cream cheese, or even just butter can be paired with this breakfast item. That is why so many people turn to a bagel as a morning alternative. Little do they realize it is packed with carbs and calories.

Although a bagel is often thought of as a breakfast food, it is not unusual to choose it as a lunch or dinner meal. Depending on the type of bagel you consume (sesame, asiago, wheat, etc.), the carbs are inherently high. According to Eat This, Not That, the food can contain anywhere from 250 to 300 calories and 50 grams of carbs. This estimate is based upon a medium-sized, plain bagel and does not include all the extra add-ons.

In order for a bagel to be worthwhile health-wise, you would have to run for two to three hours. We don't know about you, but that's a hefty commitment for just two slices of bread. This is definitely a carb-eating habit that does not help your nutrition efforts.

According to Healthline, the food only contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. In certain countries, including the United States, nutrients are added to bagels. However, most of the nutrients (B vitamins and iron) are lost during the bagel-making process.

Due to the high caloric value, it is hard to place the food product in a healthy diet. Overeating has become a huge issue in America, and bagels are no stranger to that. Healthline explains that the serving size for a bagel has almost doubled within the last 20 years. This leads to unhealthy weight from overconsumption, so moderation is key.

In addition to calories, bagels are rich in refined carbs. According to Help Guide, these carbs flood your bloodstream with sugar, which makes you hungrier after finishing a meal. Craving more carbs can cause a plethora of weight problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Now, we aren't saying that you shouldn't ever eat a bagel again. Just be aware of the intake and figure out how it fits into your eating goals. After all, bagels are hard to resist!