Are you familiar with bagels and cream cheese? – a classic breakfast or lunch option. Whether it’s for an early morning boost of energy before work or an afternoon snack to curb those mid-day hunger pangs, it’s important to know exactly “How many calories in bagel with cream cheese?”.
This blog post will provide an insightful guide on calorie intake when enjoying your favorite bagel-cream cheese combo.
What is a Bagel with Cream Cheese?
A bagel with cream cheese is a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack choice. It consists of a sliced bagel covered with cream cheese, which can also contain other ingredients such as smoked salmon and onion.
This combination provides a mix of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and dietary fiber – all important macronutrients that provide energy to the body.
A Bagel with Cream Cheese
Is Bagel With Cream Cheese Good?
Yes, a bagel with cream cheese is a good food choice and can easily fit into any balanced diet. The combination provides a great source of complex carbohydrates for energy, along with plenty of protein for muscle growth and repair.
Additionally, the fat content in the cream cheese helps your body absorb essential vitamins and minerals from other foods.
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Nutritional Content In A Bagels With Cream Cheese
A plain bagel with cream cheese contains:
- 57 grams Carbohydrates
- 9.9 grams Sugar
- 11 grams Fat (6.2 grams Saturated Fat)
- 13 grams Protein
- 534 mg Sodium
- 29 mg Cholesterol
- 1.7 grams Dietary Fiber
- 258 mg Calcium
- 3.8 mg Iron
- 150.6 mg Potassium
How Many Calories In A Plain Bagel?
A plain bagel contains about 280-320 calories. This can vary depending on the size of the bagel and the type of flour used.
How Many Calories in Cream Cheese?
One ounce (2 tablespoons) of cream cheese contains 100-110 calories.
How Many Calories In Bagel With Cream Cheese?
So How many calories are in a bagel with cream cheese? The total calorie count for a bagel with cream cheese is approximately 380 calories. The bagel provides the majority of calories which is about 280 calories and the rest is from the cream cheese.
Although the calorie count for a bagel with cream cheese is relatively high, it can be an important part of a healthy diet. It provides essential macronutrients and can be balanced with other nutrient-dense foods to make an overall healthy meal.
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How to Minimize Calories in a Bagel with Cream Cheese
If you are looking to reduce the total calorie count of your bagel and cream cheese combo there are some things that you can do:
- Use a low-calorie cream cheese such as reduced-fat or vegan cream cheese.
- Choose a whole-grain or multigrain bagel instead of a plain one.
- Add healthy toppings to your bagel such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Bagel with Vegetable Toppings
Low-Calorie Alternatives to a Bagel with Cream Cheese
If you are looking for a lower calorie alternative to your beloved bagel and cream cheese, there are some great options out there. Try having oatmeal with nut butter instead of a bagel or opting for an egg sandwich on whole wheat bread.
You can also try eating yogurt with oats and fresh fruit as a lighter breakfast option.
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How to Make a Delicious and Healthy Bagel with Cream Cheese at Home
Making a bagel with cream cheese at home can be an easy and healthy way to enjoy this classic breakfast or snack.
- Start with a whole-grain or multigrain bagel. They are higher in fiber and provide more nutrients than plain bagel.
- Spread cream cheese on your bagel or opt for a low-calorie version such as reduced-fat or vegan cream cheese
- Add healthy toppings such as fresh fruits and vegetables or nuts and seeds to increase fiber and antioxidants in your meal.
- Enjoy your bagel with cream cheese and other nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, nuts, yogurt, or nut butter for a balanced and healthy meal.
FAQs
Is bagel with cream cheese healthy?
Yes, a bagel with cream cheese can be a healthy option because the sugar and fat content is relatively low. It is a good source of energy, protein, and dietary fiber for muscle growth.
Are bagels a snack or breakfast?
Bagels can be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast, often with toppings like cream cheese, peanut butter, fresh fruits, or vegetables. Enjoying a bagel in the morning can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Why are bagels so high in calories?
Bagels are high in calories due to their dense carbohydrate content. A single bagel contains about 280-320 calories, depending on the type of flour used.
Are bagels healthier than donuts?
Yes, bagels are usually healthier than donuts. Donuts tend to be higher in sugar, cholesterol, and fat while bagels provide more complex carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and other important nutrients.
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Are bagels healthy for weight loss?
Yes, bagels can be a good option for weight loss because they provide complex carbohydrates and protein for energy. By using less-processed flour and spreading low-calorie cream cheese or other healthy toppings, you can make a bagel a nutritious part of your diet.
Multigrain Bagel
Is it OK to eat a bagel every day?
It is generally OK to eat a bagel every day as part of a balanced diet. However, it is important to watch your portion size and choose healthier toppings such as vegetables, fruits, or nut butter instead of high-calorie cream cheese and jams. Additionally, opt for whole grain or multigrain bagels over plain varieties.
Does toasting a bagel reduce calories?
Toasting a bagel does not reduce the calorie count. It may make the bagel easier to digest and can enhance the flavor of the toppings.
Is it better to eat bread or bagels?
It depends on what type of bread and bagel you are comparing. Whole grain or multigrain varieties of both bread and bagels provide similar nutritional benefits and can both be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
However, bagels tend to have more calories than bread so it is important to watch your portion size when eating a bagel.
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Does scooping a bagel save calories?
Scooping out the center of a bagel does not significantly reduce the calorie count, but it may make the bagel easier to digest.
Additionally, topping your scooped-out bagel with nutritious ingredients like fresh fruits and vegetables or nut butter can make it a healthy meal option.
Are bagels better cold or warm?
Bagels are generally enjoyed warm or toasted. This enhances the flavor of the toppings and makes the bagel easier to digest. However, some people also enjoy cold bagels with cream cheese for a quick snack.
Conclusion: How Many Calories In Bagel With Cream Cheese?
A plain bagel with cream cheese contains about 380 calories. It is a great source of complex carbohydrates, protein, fat, and dietary fiber for energy and muscle growth.
You can reduce the calorie count by using low-calorie cream cheese and by adding healthy toppings like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Low-calorie alternatives to a bagel and cream cheese include oatmeal with nut butter or an egg sandwich on whole wheat bread.