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Bacon
Health | March 23, 2015
A few people rang the alarm bells when I shared a recipe that called for some bacon. If you’re vegan or vegetarian I fully understand if this is not your thing :). Otherwise, hear me out. Contrary to what many of us hear or heard growing up, bacon is not bad for you. As with any other red meat, portion control is always your friend. Still, bacon is good source of protein and fat (and deliciousness!), especially when keeping your carbs under control.
Let’s be clear about a few things before I begin discussing bacon. First and foremost, I don’t support and will never promote any kind of meat or animal product that is not organic and grass-fed and, of course, humanely treated. Secondly, I’m talking about premium bacon – the kind that might be bit more expensive, but definitely worth the few extra dollars in terms of overall health (and taste!).
A common issue that is brought up when discussing cured meats including bacon is that the methods of preservation including the use of nitrites and nitrates are an incredible risk to our health. The truth is that such claims are a bit far-fetched. These methods of curing have been around for hundreds of years. Sure, there are cheaper ways to do so just as there are better and worse types of meats to purchase, i.e., grass-fed, organic, etc. As with anything else, quality counts.
Nitrates and nitrites exist in the most unlikely places. Some vegetables are incredibly high in nitrates. For example, check out this study that demonstrates that two servings of beets or celery has more nitrate than close to 500 hot dogs! The same study concluded that consuming nitrate and nitrite are not associated with a higher cancer risk either.
Often the things that we’re told are unhealthy are considered so because people eat them in such huge amounts. Overeating alongside an already poor diet and lack of exercise will obviously lead to disastrous results regarding health and wellbeing.
Moderation seems to have gone the way of the dinosaurs, in my opinion. Of course, anything including bacon is going to be bad for you if you decide to eat it like popcorn 24/7. However, as part of a balanced diet it’s a tasty treat that doesn’t need to be shunned as though it’s the equivalent of shooting up heroine or meth :).
I’m not trying to tell you guys what you must eat, but I hope I’ve explained why I do eat the things I do such as bacon. Again, it’s a good source of protein and a great source of healthy fat.
Any bacon-loving warriorz out there care to share your favorite ways to prepare and use bacon? Do you fry it or throw it in the oven? Any brands you swear by? Let me know!
Private Member |
Mac n’ cheese with chicken beast, bacon pieces, and a drizzle of truffle oil is my favorite dirty dish! 🙂 🙂 If only you could create a low carb version?! 🙂
Private Member |
love bacon,especially smoked kind.one of My favourite food is chicken liver in bacon wrap.Cut the livers to small pieces ,sprinkle them with majoram ,pepper, wrap them in bacon.Put into the oven around 20 minutes ,love with steam veggies .Enjoy.I’ m Hungarian ,I’ m always Hungry;)
Private Member |
I am not a big fan of pork because of it’s flavor but I eat turkey bacon. I chop it up with some onion and bell pepper and add it to my scrambled eggs and use it for BLTs. I definitely agree moderation is key! Enjoy your bacon, people 🙂
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los angeles, ca, usa
Yes I love turkey bacon too!
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<3 <3 <3 BACON! I make a Spinach & Bacon Salad,tastes so good but so does everything with bacon,haha – love some scrambled eggs & bacon too. 😀
Private Member |
I enjoy making sandwiches on my Sundays, especially. I make a Bacon, Avacado, Tomato sandwich on ezekiel, rye, or sourdough
Private Member |
i don’t et it often, but my favorite way is how my mama made it growing up. She would get out her huge cast iron skillet and would start by frying bacon to crisp. Then she would remove from pan and break in pieces and then fry sliced apples and onions in the fat. Remove any extra fat and add in bacon pieces.
Private Member |
astoria, or, usa
Well said Zuzka 🙂 and organic bacon doesn’t have added nitrates. I prefer Organic Prairie…it’s expensive yes, but pasture-raised and obviously organic. But I usually use 1/2 a piece cooked and cut up in my creamed kale and eggs in the morning. Not because I’m afraid of eating too much of it, but it makes it last longer and helps offset the added cost.
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Bacon! Nuff said.
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Bacon rocks !!
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Oven baked bacon is amazing! 20 minutes ate 325-350 degrees makes it so perfect.
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