Waffles are known for their buttery, sugary deliciousness.
They’re served with fruit, whipped cream, and even fried chicken. They’re often considered to be a decadent treat.
However, did you know that you can enjoy a healthy waffle?
Here are a few tips, tricks, and ideas to make waffles healthier so you can enjoy them more often.
#1 Go Half and Half
Waffles are traditionally made with all-purpose white flour. Instead of using just white flour, only use half of what the recipe calls for and substitute the other half with whole wheat flour.
You can also experiment by adding a tablespoon of flax seeds or wheat bran to your batter.
#2 Spice it Up
Many spices are super healthy for you. For example,
cinnamon
helps boost your metabolism.
Ginger
aids digestion. And if you want a stimulating and savory waffle, consider adding
cayenne
pepper.
#3 Add Fruit
There are actually quite a few ways you can add fruit to your waffles. For example, you might dice up strawberries, apples, or bananas into small pieces and add them to your waffle mixture. Or you can add a fruit puree like pumpkin puree, or even a squash puree like acorn or butternut.
#4 Replace the Oil with Applesauce
Applesauce works quite well as an oil replacement in baked goods. While you won’t want to get rid of the oil altogether, you can reduce it and substitute some applesauce.
Keep in mind that reducing the oil might make your waffles stick to the iron so be sure to properly prepare your iron.
As you reduce oil in your waffles, you’re reducing the fat content.
#5 Ditch the Sugary Toppings
Who says you have to top your waffles with syrup, honey, or powdered sugar?
Why not top them with Greek yogurt and some fresh fruit and nuts?
Or what about a simple sprinkling of
cinnamon
? Get creative with your low sugar, or no sugar, toppings and have fun.
#6 Milk Replacement
Many people are sensitive to
milk proteins
or have milk allergies.
You can replace the milk and cut down on the fat and lactose by using rice milk, soy milk, or coconut milk instead.
#7 Go Gluten Free
Starchy carbs are known to raise blood sugar and let’s face it; white flour is the definition of a starchy carbohydrate.
Use toasted quinoa flour instead of standard white flour and keep your blood sugar levels in balance.
Finally, remember that waffles can be frozen. You can make a double, or triple, batch of waffles on the weekend.
Pop them in the toaster in the morning for a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast or snack.
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