By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D.
A flaky, buttery, sweet pastry is a favorite treat of many. You’re not the only one who can’t resist picking up a bakery or grocery store pastry. Read on to learn more about different kinds of pastries, how to select healthier pastry options, and to learn how pastries can fit in with your health goals.
Are pastries a healthy food?
Most pastries are not considered healthy food; however, this completely depends on the specific pastry and the ingredients used to make it. For example, fresh-baked pastries are typically healthier and more nutritious than commercial or preserved pastries. This is because fresh pastries tend to be made from whole-grain flour (instead of refined flour) and contain less sodium.
Fun fact: All Wildgrain pastries, including our Peach Pie Bites and Strawberry Rhubarb Turnovers, are made without preservatives and use non-GMO flour too!
Can you eat pastries and still lose weight or fat? Will I gain weight if I eat pastries every day?
Yes, you absolutely can eat pastries while losing weight or fat. It's a common misconception that if you want to lose weight, you should completely avoid sweet treats like pastries. When someone consumes fewer calories than they burn, they lose weight. Therefore, as long as you are conscious of your calorie intake, you can continue to indulge in pastries and achieve your weight loss goals. This also means you can eat pastries every day without gaining weight so long as you check the pastry’s nutritional profile and consume fewer calories throughout the day than you burn. To help reduce calories consumed from pastries, you can opt for a smaller portion size by cutting your favorite pastry in half.
Can I eat one pastry a day and still be healthy? Can I eat a pastry for breakfast and still be healthy?
It is possible to eat one pastry a day while remaining healthy. To make sure you get enough nutrients throughout the day and sustain a healthy lifestyle, it's important to be mindful of what's in the pastries you eat as well as the portion size. Similarly, you can certainly eat a pastry for breakfast while being healthy. Consider pairing your sweet pastry with fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich food like eggs to ensure your breakfast is well-balanced.
How often is it OK to eat a pastry?
Healthcare professionals recommend limiting consumption of sweets, including pastries, to a couple of times per week. If you find yourself craving sweets more often, try reducing your portion size or eating smaller pastries, such as Wildgrain’s bite-sized Apple Pie Bites and Cherry Pie Bites.
Which pastries are easier to digest? Is pastry hard to digest?
Pastries can be hard for some people to digest if they contain or are sweetened with fructose, causing bloating, diarrhea, and cramping. This can include pastries that contain fruit since fructose occurs naturally in fruits. To minimize any fructose-related digestive issues, try opting for low-sugar pastry options. Pastries that use whole wheat flour will also be easier on your digestive system as whole wheat flour contains more fiber than refined white flour, helping to promote easy digestion.
What's a good pastry for weight loss? Which bakery item is good for weight loss?
Most pastries are not a good source of protein or fiber, making them less-than-ideal choices for weight loss. Both protein and fiber help you feel full for longer, which can help to reduce appetite and promote weight loss. The good news is you can still enjoy pastries while losing weight – just be sure to keep track of your caloric intake.
If you’re craving a baked good, try a slice of whole-grain bread. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Foods made from whole grains have even been shown to help control weight and cholesterol levels!
What are the healthiest pastries? Which pastry is healthier?
Pastries made with whole wheat flour and minimal added sugar are the healthiest pastries. You can find whole wheat pastry dough options for both puff pastry and filo pastry, two of the most common pastry dough types. Whole wheat pastries taste just as delicious as their refined grain counterparts, while providing additional nutritional value.
Filo pastry is the lowest-fat pastry of these two options and contains just a fraction of the fat found in puff pastry. Because of this, filo pastry is frequently used as a healthier alternative to puff pastry.
Where can I buy the best pastries online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh pastries that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastries include Fudge Brownies, Apple Pie Bites and Cherry Pie Bites. We are proud to offer the best pastries online, made with non-GMO flour and without preservatives. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
