Among the little pleasures of the morning, the pastries occupy a place of choice. Golden, crisp, comforting, they accompany cafes and hot chocolates with a difficult delicacy to match. However, behind their sweetness often hides a well hidden caloric bomb. If the idea is not to ban them, it is better to know what you eat. And according to dietician Alexandra Murcier, not all of them are created for a nutrition.
The almond crescent, champion all categories
If you thought the chocolate bread held the top of the pavement, think again. The winner of the most calorie pastries classification is the almond crescent. A mixture of puff pastry rich in butter, whole almonds and sweet cream, which quickly increases the counter.
According to Alexandra Murcier, the almond crescent concentrates several sources of calories in a single product: “Like all other pastries, it has a dough rich in butter and sugar, but also almonds. The problem ? This dry fruit itself has a very high energy density, therefore very quickly increasing the total calorie density of the crescent in question“She explains.
And the trap does not stop there. When garnished with frangipane, based on almond paste, the sugar level explodes even more. “”Contrary to what many people think, although almonds are a healthy food, the almond crescent is not, due to the too high sugar levels“, Specifies the nutritionist.
And the other pastries in all of this?
Just behind the almond crescent, we find the chocolate bread, which displays an average of 414 calories per 100 grams. The croissant nature revolves around 410 calories, slightly less, but always substantial for a unique portion.
In other words, the calorie differences between the main pastries are real but relatively limited. It is therefore often the garnish or sweet additions (like almonds or chocolate chips) that tip the scale. Breads with grapes, twists, apple slippers and other morning sweets also remain in the same energy range.
How to have fun without feeling guilty?
Faced with these figures, should we give up the slightest pastry? Not necessarily. For Alexandra Murcier, the main thing is to make enlightened choices, without falling into frustration: “Leaving you to grant you guilty pleasure, you might as well opt for those who tempt you the most and avoid frustration“.
However, the expert recommends limiting this consumption to once a week maximum. And above all, to avoid pastries in the morning, on an empty stomach. “”Consumed on an empty stomach, sugar induces glycemic peaks in the blood. Result ? You are hungry throughout the day“, she warned. Her advice for a balanced breakfast? Building on salty. Eggs, wholemeal bread, fresh cheese or avocado allow you to start the day on a more stable basis, which stalls better and avoids morning cravings.
Viennoiseries are not prohibited, but they deserve to be chosen with a minimum of consciousness. The almond crescent, as tasty as it is, is undoubtedly the one that your scale will not forget. To be consumed sparingly… and lots of pleasure.