Here at the Zim’s blog we love talking about healthy living and how to live to our ultimate max each day. In previous entries we’ve answered the question- can chocolate, granola, smoothies and more be healthy? Today in honor of National Pancake Day we are tackling our favorite breakfast staple: the pancake. Can it be a healthy part of our diet? Let’s talk about it.
Of course, the truth is anything can be healthy when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, but pancakes being so high in carbs, and then loaded with butter and sugar seem like a pure indulgence. Fortunately, there are little things we can do to satisfy the pancake craving in healthier ways.
One easy trend we can apply to our flapjacks is adding in some protein. Some mixes have the protein already in them, but we can easily add protein powder to a basic pancake recipe. We can also include ingredients like egg whites, plain greek yogurt and cottage cheese that can all make the pancake a protein-dense morning meal.
Another great way to help your pancakes become healthier is to add some nuts to your toppings. Almond butter or peanut butter will add protein and help the pancake being more satiating throughout your morning and into the day. You also will need less syrup when you have other healthier toppings on top. Fruit like raspberries can also be a great way to add sweetness and flavor without going heavy on the syrups.
Finally, we can experiment with international pancakes like crepes or Dutch babies, which are less-carb heavy and very tasty. This helps give some variety to our diets and the more variety we have, the more likely a healthy lifestyle will remain a permanent part of our lives.
So this year for National Pancake Day have a big stack of pancakes and enjoy one of the yummiest parts of our starting the day!
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