Ready to Change Up Your Basic Cream Cheese Bagel? Check Out These Options

Most people might not consider spreading anything other than a heaping helping of velvety cream cheese on a bagel — and there's nothing wrong with that, for the record — but there are a lot of other creative and delicious options out there. From fresh fruits and healthy vegetables to savory meats and sweet spreads, there are plenty of bagel toppings besides cream cheese (and butter) that are worthy of your time.

Luckily for you, this topping roundup will end your days of boring bagels forever. Read, eat and enjoy.

1. The Smashed Avo Bagel

When you think of avocados, do your thoughts go straight to nachos, burritos and a big bowl of guacamole? While those are all great uses of this friendly little fruit, avocado is also incredibly tasty as a topping on any kind of toasted bread. Avocados provide a source of heart-healthy fats that keep you fuller for longer, making this a great option. A popular snacktime favorite is "smashed avo."

What You'll Need:

• Your favorite bagel
• Half an avocado (the size of which can be determined by your hunger levels); smashed
• 1/4-1 tsp crushed red pepper

What You Do:

1. Slice and toast your bagel.
2. Spread the smashed avocado.
3. Sprinkle on some crushed red pepper.
4. Chow down.

2. The Beefeater Bagel

Meat lovers, rejoice. It's time to change up the same old bagel topping for something a bit different: rare roast beef. This is best eaten thinly-sliced with spicy mustard (if that's your thing).

Beef contains lots of protein that can help you build and repair body tissue, which is vital for recovery from all your hard work in the gym. This bagel features layers of meaty magnificence, with a peppery kick for added oomph!

What You'll Need:

• Your favorite bagel
• 1-5 tsp wholegrain mustard; dependent upon your capacity for spice
• 1-4 thin slices of high quality, rare roast beef
• A small handful of fresh, chopped lettuce

What You Do:

1. Slice and toast your bagel.
2. Spread your desired amount of mustard.
3. Layer on the beef.
4. Garnish with some lettuce.
5. Tuck into this delight with utter enthusiasm.

3. The Chocolate Heaven Bagel

From lawyers to school teachers, students to parents; everybody loves Nutella. What could be better than warm Nutella melting over the edge of your freshly-toasted bagel? Not a thing . . . unless you also happen to have a banana.

Bananas are packed with vitamins and minerals, so feel free to eat this bagel with zero guilt. And because these flavors work together so magically, this snack just might become a part of your regular diet.

What You'll Need:

• Your favorite bagel
• 1-4 tbsp of Nutella
• Half a medium banana; sliced

What You Do:

1. Slice and toast your bagel.
2. Layer on your desired amount of Nutella.
3. Delicately place your banana slices.
4. Try to eat it, rather than inhale it.

And there you have it. Three bagel toppings besides cream cheese to help you mix up your mealtimes and spread some joy.

Speaking of joy, did you know that Planet Fitness regularly hosts free bagel Tuesdays? On the second Tuesday of each month, members have the chance to munch on bagels and mingle with their local fitness community! After breaking a sweat, it's a fitting post-workout reward.