Bacon is one of the most popular foods available, with 96% of people in America claiming they love bacon, and 16% saying they couldn’t live without it. This delicious crispy and salty treat can be served in countless ways and is an inspiration to anyone looking to try new things: yet many aren’t sure how bacon fits into a modern diet. But, of course, we all want to eat better, so is it a good idea to include bacon in that diet?
Here are the facts.
Positive Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The same ‘healthy fats’ that are found in avocados are also found in bacon! Positive Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that our bodies need to be able to work. Incorporating it into our diets allows our bodies to fight against blood clots, reduce our cancer risks, and fight against heart disease. Not all types of fat are evil; we need some of it to survive and thrive.
Comfort Foods Are Emotionally Healing
Comfort foods are ‘good for the soul’ has been a thought many have had for hundreds of years, and it’s true! The mix of salt and savory releases serotonin and helps us relive sensory memories that can calm us when we’re upset. Although you shouldn’t eat only bacon to try and trigger these memories, having some amount can help with emotional health.
Choosing Cuts of Bacon Carefully
If you’re still concerned about the fat levels, then choose your bacon carefully! Picking out your bacon in a store, whether you’re at the deli or you’re perusing packs in a grocery store, can help you cut down on how much fat you’re taking in. Approach bacon buying as an act of hunting for lean center-cut pieces that you can eat with a little less guilt.
Eating It In Creative Ways
Whole bacon slices aren’t the only way to enjoy bacon! If you mix it up with bacon jam or bacon-flavored items, you can still get some of that great flavor and nostalgia without as much fat or calories. This is a great idea, also, for anyone on the move who doesn’t have the time to dry up a couple of slices of bacon every few days. Sliding some tangy jam onto a bagel or slice of toast can give you the boost you need to get through even the roughest of days.
In Moderation, Anything Can Be Good
Although nobody should have bacon at every meal, everything can be good in moderation. The Omega-3 fatty acids have countless benefits, so they should be a part of any well-rounded diet, but they shouldn’t be the main star of everything you eat. If you can plan your meals around having some bacon, do it! A quick and easy healthy breakfast would be bacon jam on some toast with an orange and a boiled egg on the side! This combo will give you the energy to make it through the day and the flavor to keep you excited to wake up every morning.