How Many Calories in an Everything Bagel with Butter?
For those who love the crispy, chewy texture of bagels, it can be hard to resist the temptation of slathering them with butter. But if you’re watching your diet, you might be wondering exactly how many calories you’re consuming with each delicious bite. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how many calories are in an everything bagel with butter and what you can do to keep your calorie intake in check.
The Basics of Bagels
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a brief look at the basics of bagels. A classic bagel is a hand-rolled, yeast-risen bread that is often topped with seeds, poppy seeds, or dried fruit. They are often baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives them their distinctive crispy crust. Everything bagels, in particular, are often topped with a mixture of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion, and salt.
The Calories in an Unbuttered Everything Bagel
According to The Nutrition Source, an everything bagel typically has around 350-400 calories. This depends on the size and thickness of the bagel, as well as the specific ingredients used. Here are the approximate nutritional values of an unbuttered everything bagel:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Fat | 2-3g |
| Carbohydrates | 70-75g |
| Protein | 8-10g |
| Fiber | 4-5g |
The Calories Added by Butter
Now let’s talk about the extra calories added by butter. A tablespoon of unsalted butter contains around 100 calories. According to the American Heart Association, it’s recommended that women consume no more than 20-30 grams of saturated fat per day, which is equivalent to 7-10 tablespoons of butter.
The Average Amount of Butter Used on a Bagel
How much butter do people typically use on their bagel? According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, the average American uses around 1-2 tablespoons of butter or spread on their bagel. This adds 100-200 calories to the total calorie count of the bagel.
The Total Calories in an Everything Bagel with Butter
So, taking into account the average amount of butter used on an everything bagel, how many calories are we actually consuming? Let’s crunch the numbers:
- An unbuttered everything bagel has around 350-400 calories
- Adding 1-2 tablespoons of butter adds an extra 100-200 calories
- Total calorie count: 450-600 calories
Cutting Calories with Healthy Toppings
While the combination of an everything bagel and butter may seem indulgent, there are ways to cut calories and make it a healthier choice. Here are some suggestions for healthy toppings you can use on your bagel:
• Avocado: Slice up an avocado and use it as a topping to add healthy fats and creamy texture.
• Sprouts: Add some nutritional boost to your bagel with sprouts, which are high in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Seeds: Use sesame seeds or poppy seeds to add crunch and flavor, and skip the butter or use a small amount of healthier spread like almond butter.
• Veggies: Top your bagel with sliced veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra fiber and nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an everything bagel with butter can range from around 450-600 calories depending on the size of the bagel and the amount of butter used. While it may seem like a lot, there are ways to make it a healthier choice by using healthier toppings and portion control. With a little creativity and discipline, you can enjoy the delicious taste of an everything bagel without sacrificing your diet goals.