Bagels are a staple breakfast and lunch food, especially in New York.  In Port Washington and Manhasset alone, Boychiks, Manhasset Bagels, Let There Be Bagels, and countless others, sell the most delicious bagels and sandwiches.  However, this food is overrated and not as healthy as many think.

Bagels supply a person’s daily carbohydrate portion in one sitting without including much fiber.  Without this little amount of fiber, a bagel is mostly empty calories.  Its nutritional content is lacking considering the amount of carbohydrates it contains.  

“I love eating bagels, but they’re so unhealthy and they don’t make me feel good at all.  I am usually full for an hour or two after eating them, but they don’t give me enough energy to get through the day,” said junior Jae Longaro.  

Bagels provide little amounts of energy throughout the day.  Unless a person exercises during the day, bagels will be converted straight to fat.  They are so low in nutrients, that people who eat bagels daily may end up having to consume extra food, take vitamins or  supplements, or increased portions of fruits and vegetables.

One may try and make their bagels healthier by choosing the whole wheat option, but this still does not meet daily nutritional requirements.  Many whole wheat bagels have the same amount of calories as a regular bagel, so there is not a great improvement.  

Although there are other “healthier” options, like a sesame or sunflower seed bagel, there are also bagels that are less healthy than plain ones.  This includes ones that have unnecessary calories and fats like a rainbow bagel with its artificial food dyes. 

“I generally do like bagels, but I wish there weren’t so many unhealthy options like the asiago bagels and the blueberry bagels,” said junior Sadie Mandel. 

These different kinds of bagel perpetuate unhealthy eating disguised as healthy alternatives. 

Even if people still enjoy eating bagels, they can probably relate to the lack of politeness that people exhibit while consuming bagels.  The loud “bagel-chewing” combined with fingers covered in cream cheese and slimy lox creates an unpleasant environment for anyone watching.

“I hate how messy bagels are and how I can hear people chew it so loudly when they eat it. It might just be me, but that is absolutely disgusting,” said junior Danielle Seidman. 

Topping the bagels with vegetables or protein is a great way to turn them into a healthy meal.  With a normal amount of exercise, it is  fine to occasionally enjoy a bagel without ramifications.

“When I crave a bagel, I usually go for a mini bagel or a bagel higher in whole grains and then pair it with something more high in protein like eggs.  This satisfies my craving while still giving me enough energy to get me through the day,” said junior Ellie Shapiro. 

Overall, there are still ways for you to enjoy your favorite breakfast food, but they are not always the best choice.