A popular breakfast staple enjoyed by people all around the world is french toast. However, white bread, refined sugar, and unhealthy toppings are common ingredients in traditional French toast dishes, which may not be suitable for everyone’s dietary needs or health objectives. Thankfully, there are lots of nutritious substitutes that taste just as good without compromising on nutrition. In this post, we’ll look at a few of these substitutes and offer advice on how to make delicious and healthy French toast.
Whole Grain Bread:
For a higher-nutrient French toast, use whole grain bread instead of white bread. Compared to refined bread, whole grain bread is a better option because it is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To make sure you’re getting the maximum nutritional value, look for breads branded “whole wheat” or “100% whole grain”.
Egg Whites:
To lower the amount of fat and cholesterol in your French toast, use egg whites instead of whole eggs. Since egg whites retain a lot of protein, they’re a great option for anyone trying to get a good amount of protein for breakfast. For convenience, you can buy cartons of liquid egg whites or split the yolks from entire eggs.
Plant-Based Milk:
Whole milk or heavy cream, which are often heavy in calories and saturated fat, are used in many traditional French toast recipes. As a dairy-free substitute, consider utilizing unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These calorie-free plant-based milks are rich in calcium and vitamin D, two healthy nutrients.
Natural Sweeteners:
Reduce your intake of refined sugar by sweetening your French toast with natural sweeteners like honey, pure maple syrup, or mashed bananas. Without the additional processed sugars present in conventional syrup or powdered sugar, these substitutes offer sweetness. Just remember to use them sparingly so that your meal remains balanced.
Nut Butter Toppings:
For more taste and nutrition, try spreading a spoonful of almond, peanut, or cashew butter on top of your French toast rather than slathering it with butter and syrup. Nut butters are a wholesome complement to any breakfast since they are high in protein, good fats, and vital vitamins and minerals.
Fresh Fruit:
Add some fresh fruit to your French toast, such as sliced bananas, peaches, or berries, to increase its nutritious content. Fruits give your food a naturally sweet taste and vivid hues, but they also include important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote general health. Try a variety of fruit combinations to determine which is your favorite topping.
Greek Yogurt:
For a creamy and tangy variation, try topping your French toast with a dollop of Greek yogurt rather as whipped cream or cream cheese. Probiotics and protein found in Greek yogurt help support digestive health and fullness. For added taste, you can also stir in a sprinkling of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey.
Savory Variations:
Sweet French toast is not necessary! Try adding herbs, spices, and savory toppings like avocado, tomatoes, or smoked salmon to create savory variants. For a satisfyingly flavorful breakfast option, try using whole grain bread that has been seasoned with garlic and herbs. Then, top it with sliced avocado and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.
Baked French Toast:
For a lighter option, try baking your French toast in the oven rather than frying it with butter or oil. Just coat the bread slices with the egg mixture, transfer them to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F, or until they are crispy and golden brown. This technique still produces great results while cutting back on extra fats and calories.
Portion Control:
For a lighter option, try baking your French toast in the oven rather than frying it with butter or oil. Just coat the bread slices with the egg mixture, transfer them to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F, or until they are crispy and golden brown. This technique still produces great results while cutting back on extra fats and calories.
Conclusion
With a few easy substitutions and inventive toppings, french toast can be tasty and nutritious as well. You can have a healthy version of this beloved morning dish without compromising flavor by using whole grain bread, egg whites, plant-based milk, natural sweeteners, and nutrient-rich toppings. There is no shortage of selections to accommodate your dietary requirements and taste preferences, whether you are partial to sweet or savory varieties. So go ahead and make some healthy French toast to get your day started!
