Bacon is a delicious and versatile food that is often enjoyed as part of a healthy low carb diet. With its high fat and protein content, bacon can be the perfect addition to low carb breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. But with so much conflicting information out there, many low carb dieters wonder – can I really eat bacon on a low carb diet?
The short answer is yes! Bacon can absolutely be included as part of a healthy low carb eating plan, Here’s what you need to know about eating bacon on a low carb diet,
An Overview of Low Carb Diets
Low carb diets like the ketogenic diet Atkins diet and paleo diet focus on reducing carbohydrate intake in order to reach a state of ketosis. This is when your body switches from burning carbohydrates for energy to burning stored body fat and dietary fat instead. To reach ketosis, strict low carb diets limit daily net carb intake to around 20-50 grams. Foods that are restricted include grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, fruit, and added sugars.
While low carb diets do restrict certain foods, they leave room for incorporating healthy high fat foods These foods help provide energy and nutrition while keeping carb intake low Bacon is one such healthy high fat food that can be enjoyed on low carb diets.
Why Bacon is Compatible with Low Carb Diets
There are a few key reasons why bacon can be part of low carb eating:
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High in fat – With about 9 grams of fat per slice, bacon provides the healthy fats needed to meet your daily macronutrient goals on low carb diets. The monounsaturated fats in bacon may also help reduce inflammation.
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Low in net carbs – A typical slice of bacon contains about 0.6 grams of carbohydrates and 0.4 grams of fiber. This makes the net carb content very low at just 0.2 grams per slice. Such a small amount of carbs makes bacon easy to fit into low carb meal plans.
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Good source of protein – With 5-6 grams of protein per slice, bacon contributes useful amounts of satiating protein on low carb diets. Protein takes longer to digest keeping you feeling fuller.
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Nutrient dense – In addition to its macronutrient profile, bacon contains B vitamins, zinc, selenium and other micronutrients. So its a good way to get extra nutrition.
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Easy to add to meals – Crispy bacon bits, slices, or chopped bacon can instantly elevate low carb breakfasts, salads, wraps, veggie sides and more with its signature taste.
Healthy Ways to Eat Bacon on a Low Carb Diet
Here are some of the most delicious ways to enjoy bacon while sticking to your low carb eating plan:
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Chopped bacon as a topping for leafy green salads provides crunch and salty flavor.
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Bacon wrapped chicken or steak makes for an easy protein-packed low carb dinner.
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Crumble crispy cooked bacon over roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
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Add crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese to scrambled eggs or an omelette.
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Bacon wrapped shrimp or scallops offer a quick and fancy low carb appetizer.
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For breakfast, top a low carb yogurt with chopped bacon and avocado.
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Mix crumbled bacon into egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad or dip.
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Bacon, lettuce and tomato wrapped in a low carb tortilla or lettuce leaf makes a tasty low carb BLT.
Healthy Bacon Choices for Low Carb Dieters
While most standard pork bacon options can fit into low carb diets, there are some varieties that are healthier than others:
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Uncured bacon has no added nitrates or nitrites like cured bacon. Nitrates have been linked to cancer.
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Pasture raised pork provides more omega-3s than conventional pork. Look for humanely raised brands.
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Turkey bacon is slightly leaner than pork bacon if you want to limit saturated fat intake.
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Prosciutto is salt-cured Italian ham that offers very thin slices with big flavor.
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Beef bacon like bison bacon offers a lean red meat alternative.
No matter which type you enjoy, stick to 2-3 bacon servings daily and check labels for sneaky carb additives like sugar. This will help you reap the benefits of bacon on a low carb diet.
Potential Downsides of Eating Too Much Bacon on a Low Carb Diet
While bacon can absolutely be part of low carb diet plans, eating too much may lead to:
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Weight stalls if you go overboard on calories
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GI issues like constipation from too much saturated fat
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Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer (controversial)
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Higher sodium intake which may negatively affect blood pressure
To prevent these potential issues, keep your bacon intake moderate. Have no more than 2-4 slices daily as part of low carb breakfasts, salads, sides or other recipes. Also be sure to stay well hydrated and eat plenty of low carb vegetables for fiber.
The Takeaway on Low Carb Diets and Bacon
Bacon can be included on healthy low carb diets like keto when consumed in moderation. A few slices of bacon deliver high-quality fats, protein, nutrients and signature flavor that complements low carb eating. Just be mindful of your serving size, choose high quality bacon, and incorporate it into a balanced diet of meat, vegetables and healthy fats. This approach allows you to enjoy crispy, savory bacon as part of your low carb lifestyle.
Bacon and keto: a match made in heaven?
Bacon and keto make a delicious combination. The high-fat content of bacon makes it an ideal food for people following a low-carb diet.
Bacon is also very flavorful and can add pizzazz to many dishes. Since bacon is usually pre-cooked, its easy to prepare and requires minimal effort.
Regarding the keto diet, it is essential to remember that not all bacon is the same. Look for nitrate-free bacon with minimal additives or preservatives for maximum health benefits.
Plus, keep in mind that some bacon brands might have sugars or carbs that aren’t obvious, so read the nutrition label before you eat.
If youre searching for an excellent way to spice up your keto dishes, try adding bacon!
There are no hard and fast rules about how much you can eat, but it’s important to be moderate: don’t eat more than two servings (about 2 ounces) a day.
You can stay on track with your weight-loss goals and still feel great if you eat this tasty treat with healthy foods like eggs or bananas.
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In recent years, the keto diet has become more famous as a healthy way to lose weight. But did you know you can eat bacon while on the keto diet?.
The many people who love this tasty, high-fat food also love that it goes well with a low-carb lifestyle.
If you’re on the keto diet and want to know how much bacon you can eat, keep reading!
What If You Eat BACON Every Day For 30 Days?
Can you eat cured bacon on a keto diet?
Conventionally cured bacon contains sugar and preservatives like sodium nitrates and nitrites. On keto, you want to avoid sugars and limit nitrates/nitrites. That’s why uncured bacon is a popular choice for a healthy diet.
Can black beans be part of a low-carb diet?
Black beans have a high amount of carbohydrates in their composition, which is why they are not recommended for a low-carb diet. However, they are rich in fiber and protein.
Should you add bacon to a keto diet?
Here’s are some more reasons why you should add bacon to your keto diet! Bacon is an excellent source of protein and fat, both of which are essential on the keto diet. Protein helps to build and repair tissues, while fat provides energy and helps to keep you satiated.
Can you eat bacon if you’re sluggish on keto?
So, if you’re feeling sluggish on keto, try eating some bacon! It just might give you the boost you need. The best part about bacon is that it contains antioxidants that can help protect you from diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Can you eat smoked bacon on a keto diet?
Smoked bacon imparts a rich, smoky flavor and pairs well with many keto dishes. And the good news is that it fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle as long as you choose the right kind. Look for naturally smoked produce without any artificial smoke flavoring.
What is the best way to eat bacon?
With options like traditional pan-fried bacon, oven-baked, air fried, or microwaved, it can be confusing to know which method is best. Always check labels for ingredients to see which bacon packages have the lowest amounts of sugar and check the number of carbohydrates.