Are Waffles Good For Your Health? Ways To Make Them Nutritious

Crisp on the edges, fluffy in the middle and doused in maple syrup, waffles are indeed very delicious. These flavourful pancakes are one of the popular options for breakfast, brunch or even a snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients like eggs, all-purpose flour and baking powder, waffles are usually served hot with whipped cream, maple syrup and fresh fruits. 

But are your waffles healthy? They do contain some minerals like iron, calcium and phosphorus as well as a few vitamins, yet they are not a good choice for a healthy meal. The traditional recipe includes refined grains which are low in fibre and the total fat of waffle is very high. It also contains sodium in huge content that can really be bad if you are following a strict diet. But making some simple changes in the recipe can make your waffles a lot healthier. 

Here are three tips to make waffles a healthy meal: 

Choose Unprocessed Flours 

We all know that all-purpose flour is not a healthy option. Therefore, using unprocessed grain flour for batter such as buckwheat, wheat or ragi can make your waffles healthier. These alternatives are rich in fibre and protein. 

Add Sweeteners And Toppings Wisely


Using sweeteners such as added sugar, maple syrup and chocolate chips are one of the main reasons why waffles are considered unhealthy. Instead, you can add honey, brown rice syrup or agave nectar but if you want to add the traditional sweeteners, keep a check on the quantity. For toppings, always use fresh fruits like blueberries, and raspberries. 

Avoid Frozen Waffles 

The frozen waffles available in the market are typically made of all-purpose flour and contain lots of preservatives. Therefore, always prefer homemade waffles made with healthy ingredients. You can also replace vegetable oil with coconut oil to make your dish more nutritious. 

Here is an easy recipe to make healthy waffles at home: 

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs large 
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk 
  • 3 tbsp honey 
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil  
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder 
  • 1/2 tsp salt 
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour 
  • Fruits for topping

Method 

  • In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add milk, honey, oil, vanilla, baking powder and salt; whisk until well combined. Add whole wheat flour, mix well. 
  • Preheat waffle maker. Add about 1/3 cup batter per waffle. Cook till the green indicator and repeat with the remaining batter.  
  • Serve waffles with honey and fruits.