The hustle and bustle at Alpine Bagels every morning says it all—we love our bagels.
My personal favorite is the toasted cinnamon raisin bagel with enough “not-so-plain-cream cheese” that it oozes out with every bite. It’s the perfect combination of crispy, soft, sweet and savory. It’s awesome—actually.
However, it would be a lot more awesome if my everyday breakfasts were less than 500 calories and 20 grams of fat.
It’s no secret that cream cheese bagels are not number one on the list for healthy and nutritious breakfasts. Compared to what were once popular breakfast options—Krispy Kreme donuts, for example—bagels appear to be the healthier, non-fried choice.
In reality, however, bagels have four times more carbohydrates than regular slices of bread. Slather on that cream cheese—that’s 10 more grams of fat you don’t need.
So tips? Here are some things that you probably should avoid eating everyday at Alpine:
- Good Morning Camper with sausage and cheese: 598 calories, 29.3g fat
- Bagel with cream cheese: 530 calories, 20g fat
- Bagel with Honey Cinnamon Butter: 490 calories, 12g fat
Thankfully, I don’t have to compromise my fondness for bagels in exchange for a healthier and more balanced meal. Although I may need to bid my everyday relationship with cream cheese (and probably PB&J and honey cinnamon butter) goodbye, Alpine offers plenty of different healthier options other than your average cream cheese bagel.
Try these healthy options instead:
- Bagel with Creamy Seasoned Hummus: 411.5 calories, 9g fat
- Bagel with Avocado Spread: 340 calories, 6g fat
- Rise-n-shine: 358 calories, 8.7g fat
For those still seeking a low-carb alternative, Alpine also offers flatbread for their menu choices. Other changes this year include wheat options for everything.
Darnetta McCray, Alpine’s supervisor and “health-nut,” recommends the Western Omelet, Rise-n-shine, and Get Yo’ Veggies for an everyday meal choice.
“Get Yo’ Veggies comes with all the veggies—hummus or avocado choice spread,” McCray said. "You get to choose between the two. That’s what I would recommend."
I may have to say goodbye to oozing cream cheese for now, but at least I don't have to part with Alpine.
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