You can make your next batch of waffles much healthier if you just substitute some ingredients. This article will show you how to make a healthy waffle by swapping some ingredients in your classic thin waffle iron recipe. This will work for the batter that you use for either an American waffle maker or Belgian waffle maker.
A couple of ways to make your waffles healthier is by swapping the dairy milk for unsweetened almond milk and the processed white flour for whole wheat or buckwheat flour. These are rich in fiber, which helps keep the digestive system healthy and maintains a feeling of satiety, and protein, which helps promote muscle and bone growth. You should also use healthier versions of the oil, eggs, and refined sugar you normally use which means you should be using olive oil, organic eggs, and unrefined sugar instead.
Depending on the type of waffles you want to make, you should use either a non-Belgian waffle maker if you are making Eggo-style waffles or a Belgian style waffle iron with interchangeable plates if you are making thick Belgian waffles because you can detach the waffle plates and soak them in some warm water or clean them in a dishwasher.
Why use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
The two most popular types of flour used for making waffles are all-purpose (white) and whole wheat. Many people prefer all-purpose flour because it is more affordable and versatile. However, whole wheat flour is worth the extra cost because it has a lot more protein, calcium, and fiber.
White or refined flour is made from wheat that has been ground into a fine powder. The main problem with this process is that the bran and the germ are removed, leaving behind only the endosperm and stripping a lot of nutrients from the white flour.
Whole wheat flour, on the other hand, is made from wheat that has been ground into a coarser powder. It includes the bran, germ, and endosperm, which means that it is an unrefined flour and much more nutritious.
Whole wheat contains more fiber and protein than white flour, making it a healthier option because the additional fiber will give you a healthier digestive system and the additional protein will help you build stronger muscles.
Health benefits of olive oil
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also a good source of antioxidants, including polyphenols and vitamin E, which help protect against chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Unsweetened almond milk
If you are looking for a dairy-free milk alternative that is lower in sugar and calories than cow’s milk, unsweetened almond milk is a good choice for you because it is made from almonds and water, and contains no added sugar, which lowers calorie levels. Almond milk has just 30 calories in an 8-ounce serving and it is cholesterol-free.
Unsweetened almond milk is a good source of calcium because a cup of almond milk provides about 30% of the recommended daily intake of calcium, which is important for strong bones.
It is also a good source of vitamin D because a cup of almond milk provides about 40% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, which plays an important role in bone health and helps the body to absorb calcium.
Unsweetened almond milk also has a high concentration of vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
Organic eggs
Eggs have numerous health benefits because they are a complete source of protein, containing all the essential amino acids, and they also contain choline, which is important for fetal brain development and cognitive function. Choline is also important for liver function and lipid metabolism.
Organic eggs also contain more omega-3 fatty acids than conventional eggs. These fatty acids are beneficial for heart health and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Compared to conventionally raised eggs, organic eggs come from hens that are fed a diet of organic feed, which is free of pesticides and herbicides. This means that the eggs themselves contain fewer toxins and less cholesterol. They are not exposed to the harmful chemicals that can be found in conventional eggs. This means that they are safer to eat and have a higher nutritional value.
They also have more vitamins and minerals, including important antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E.
Unrefined sugar
When most people think of sugar, they think of the highly processed refined white, granulated stuff that’s added to coffee, baked goods, and other sweet treats and is a major contributor to obesity and heart disease. It can help you gain weight because it causes the release of dopamine in the brain, which creates a feeling of pleasure and more cravings, and it can damage blood vessels and make your heart stiffer because it is a simple carbohydrate that is quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
Refined sugar is made by extracting sugar from sugar cane or sugar beets, which is then purified, bleached, and processed with additives so that it does not have any nutritional value and only provides empty calories.
Unrefined sugar is a healthier alternative to refined sugar because it is less processed, which means it contains a lot more nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, zinc, antioxidants, and B vitamins.
Another benefit of unrefined sugar is that it has a lower glycemic index, which means it does not cause as much of a blood sugar spike as refined sugar does and should be the sugar of choice for people with diabetes or prediabetes.