Just like the icing on cake, toppings on waffles or pancakes can be the finishing touch that makes them special—and even more tasty! But if you’re only thinking about traditional butter and syrup as your topping options, you’re missing out on a whole range of delicious and healthy opportunities.
To help give you plenty of ideas for variety, we’ve rounded up a list of eight tasty toppings (plus a bonus idea) that you might want to consider for your Nutrisystem Buttermilk Wafflesand Homestyle Pancakes. Add some extra crunch, sweetness, flavor and nutrition with these tasty pancake and waffle toppings!:
1. Nuts, Seeds or Nut Butters
2 Tbsp. Nuts = 1 PowerFuel
1 Tbsp. Nut Butter = 1 PowerFuel
2 Tbsp. Seeds = 1 PowerFuel
1 tsp. Seeds = 1 Extra
1 Tbsp. Coconut Flakes = 1 Extra
Nuts, seeds, and nut butters are all hearty additions to pancakes and waffles. Almonds, hazelnuts, pecans or chia seeds can all add some delicious crunch to your pancake or waffle meal. We also love the idea of using nut butters in place of sugary syrups. Almond butter or even peanut butter can be a delicious and filling choice that totally changes the flavor factor, too. Just warm a little up and drizzle it on top. This is a great way to keep a healthy breakfast interesting!
2. Yogurt
²⁄₃ cup or single serving container (about 6 oz.) Low-Fat Yogurt = 1 PowerFuel
2 Tbsp. Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt = 1 Extra
To make your healthy pancakes and waffles creamy and indulgent, add a dollop of low-fat yogurt on top! Personally, we think a scoop of Greek yogurt plus a handful of berries is the ultimate combo. Plus, yogurt happens to be an excellent source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
3. Chocolate Chips
½ Tbsp. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips = 1 Extra
If you’ve got a sweet tooth to satisfy, you might want to consider topping your pancakes or waffles with a sprinkle of chocolate chips. This is another option that pairs well with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Chocolate chips also mix well with various nut butters, adding both sweetness and some crunch.
4. Fresh or Dried Fruit
1 cup Fresh Fruit = 1 SmartCarb
¼ cup Dried Fruit = 1 SmartCarb
The Nutrisystem meal plan is flexible to fit your life. That means that you can easily slide a SmartCarb to breakfast from a different meal occasion. Making this minor adjustment will allow you to enjoy a serving of fresh fruit over your waffles and pancakes. Fresh fruit can add sweetness to your morning meal in a healthy way. We think berries make an excellent fruit topping. Think sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries, raspberries or blackberries—depending on what you like most.You might also consider sliced bananas or coconut flakes. Or get creative and mix and match! Various dried fruits like raisins or dried papaya can mix in well, too.
5. Whipped Topping or Cream
2 Tbsp. Regular or Light Whipped Cream = 1 Extra
Another sweet addition to our healthy pancakes and waffles is whipped cream. You could also consider using Greek yogurt in place of traditional whipped cream as it has that indulgent flavor and creaminess you may be craving.
6. Spices
1 tsp. Cinnamon = Free Food
If you’re someone who loves cinnamon, you might want to consider sprinkling some atop of your pancakes or waffles for a burst of flavor. Cinnamon could also be an interesting addition atop of yogurt or low-fat whipped cream. Nutmeg, allspice and ginger also add a warm flavor profile to foods and could be a fun addition to pancakes and waffles. A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice creates a fall-inspired breakfast that you’ll crave all year!
7. Butter, Light Butter or Butter Spray
1 tsp. Butter= 1 Extra
2 tsp. Light Butter or Butter Substitute = 1 Extra
Butter Spray = Free Food
Of course, we certainly understand that for many people, waffles and pancakes just aren’t the same without butter. Here at Nutrisystem, we believe in moderation. If you’re someone who really loves the flavor of butter on their pancakes, then go for it—just don’t totally overload them. Or perhaps you want to switch to a low-calorie butter spray that provides the buttery taste you know and crave.
8. Syrup, Honey or Chocolate Syrup
1 tsp. Maple Syrup = 1 Extra
1 tsp. Chocolate Syrup = 1 Extra
1 Tbsp. No-Added-Sugar Chocolate Syrup = 1 Extra
1 tsp. Honey = 1 Extra
Just like butter, there are many people who simply won’t enjoy their pancakes or waffles without some syrup. Again, just make smart choices. Instead of completely drenching them, just go light on the syrup and stick to proper portion sizes. And consider potentially switching it up. Honey or chocolate syrup can also be yummy and unique additions. Just a drizzle will do! You can also use sugar-free syrups to help cut down on calories.
Get Creative with Your Waffles and Pancakes
Finally, in addition to topping ideas, we also want to offer a fun bread substitution idea. Instead of an English muffin, bagel or toast, consider using Nutrisystem Buttermilk Waffles or Homestyle Pancakes in place of bread for a fun spin on a breakfast sandwich. You can roll up some egg and cheese in a pancake or sandwich it between two waffles for a heartier and healthier choice!
At the end of the day, we think that variety is the key to continuing to make healthy choices which help keep your diet on track. Simple additions like pancake and waffle toppings can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your meal! And the more satisfied you are with a healthy breakfast, the less likely you will be to take an unhealthy snack detour.
Get started with Nutrisystem today!
