Our dietician gives the amount we can afford to eat in January.
It’s a January delight that there’s no question of removing. On the other hand, it is better to remain moderate on the galette des rois because it is very high in calories. For dietician-nutritionist Alexandra Murcier “we can eat it but not every day, rather ideally 2 to 3 times a week as the pancake is quite sweet, and if possible without combining it with other very rich foods within the same meal, to promote better digestion”. This nutrition specialist also advises to prefer it in its classic version with frangipane rather than in its variations with chocolate, apple, pistachio, pralines or even caramel because the calorie counter will be that much higher.
Traditionally composed of almond powder, egg, butter, sugar and puff pastry, the pancake is more caloric than we think reveals Alexandra Murcier. “The energy intake of the galette des rois depends on the size of the slice and its exact composition, but the two main ingredients, namely the puff pastry and the frangipane, are both very caloric, because they are rich in carbohydrates and lipids. A classic slice of galette des rois provides between 400 and 500 calories, which makes it a food with a high energy density and rich in sugar”informs the dietitian.
What do you think of the brioche galette des rois popular in the south of France? This comes in the form of a crown, plain or decorated with candied fruit and sugar pearls or chocolate chips. With around 200 calories per portion, the brioche des rois is almost half as caloric as the traditional galette des rois with frangipane. To limit the calorie bill, it is preferable to opt for a plain brioche pancake because the added elements increase the total number of calories.
However, even if the galette des rois with frangipane is a real “calorie bomb”, there is no question of depriving yourself of it. Because it remains an occasional pleasure that we can only enjoy at one time of the year and that we do not gain weight in a single meal. It’s the repetition of bad eating habits that causes weight gain, not a single slice of king cake.
Thanks to Alexandra Murcier, dietician-nutritionist in Paris.
