Can Waffles Be Healthy?
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Waffles may sound like a not-so-healthy, but delicious breakfast choice, though this is not always the case. Just like with pancakes, waffles can actually be part of a nutritious and filling breakfast! In today’s post, I’ll share what makes waffles not-so-healthy, but also how to make them healthy so you can eat them more often without feeling guilty.
Standard waffle recipe
Most from-scratch waffle recipes contain the following ingredients:
Flour
Salt
Baking powder
Sugar
Eggs
Milk
Butter or oil
Vanilla extract
Less healthy waffles
Homemade waffles contain very few ingredients making them a better option than most packaged waffle mixes which often contain preservatives and more added sugar. Though most homemade waffle batter contains sugar, it is usually just a couple of tablespoons so this isn’t something to be too concerned about.
Topping your waffles with butter and syrup obviously increases the overall calorie content of your meal because of the added fat in the butter and sugar in the syrup. Butter and syrup don’t have to be avoided but keeping your portion size in check is a good idea.
How to make waffles healthier
There are lots of great ways to make your waffles a bit healthier. First, I recommend using half or all whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Whole wheat flour contains more fiber which will fill you up so that you don’t need to eat as much to feel satisfied. Fiber also has benefits such as lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels. Additionally, you can try using oat or buckwheat flour which are gluten-free and also good sources of fiber.
Next, choose your milk carefully. If you’d like a lower fat waffle, try 1% milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of 2% or whole milk. Instead of butter or vegetable oil, try using avocado oil, which is a heart-healthy unsaturated fat.
When it comes to your waffle toppings, think protein and fiber. Using peanut or almond butter instead of butter will add protein, fiber, and heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Instead of syrup, try fruit for natural sweetness, which also contains fiber. Sliced bananas or strawberries are my favorite but any fruit works!
My favorite healthy waffles
Try one of these recipes next time you are craving waffles:
This healthy waffle recipe uses a combination of oats and whole wheat flour; try using avocado oil in place of the coconut oil
Another healthy waffle recipe uses all whole wheat flour
Now that you know how to make your waffles healthier, try adding them to your weekly breakfast rotation! Instead of using packaged varieties, make them from scratch. Instead of topping them with butter and syrup, try nut butter and fruit. What are your favorite ways to make healthier waffles?
