How to Enjoy Bacon in a Healthy Lifestyle

Yes, fats and bacon are low carb. Imagine sprinkling some bacon on your salad, even. Or think of the classic bacon and grapes combination. Whether you love it or not, bacon can definitely be included in a healthy diet, provided it is done in moderation. I, for one, love, love, and love bacon. It makes any sandwich better, and what could be better than a classic BLT, or bacon bits on a salad?

However, with health in mind, I enjoy bacon only once every couple of months. How bad can that be? It all comes back to balance: you can enjoy a lot of something, you can eat it every day, or you can indulge occasionally like me. Indeed, it seems there has been a bacon explosion in America, with many foods incorporating this versatile ingredient. In fact, a daily consumption of bacon is equivalent to less than 16 grams of saturated fat in a 2000 calorie diet.

Cooking with bacon can seem simple, but there are endless ways to make your dishes more delicious. Here are a few ideas to incorporate bacon into your meals:

Bacon and Tomato Sandwiches

BLT or Clubhouse Sandwich Burger with Cheese and Bacon

Crispy Bacon on Salads

Why not crumble crispy bacon over your salad? A Caesar salad begs for bacon, and you can cook pieces into an omelette for a delicious start to your day.

Bacon-Covered Roasts

Roasts always benefit from being covered with bacon strips before roasting in the oven. The bacon fat helps to keep the poultry moist and adds a delicious flavor.

Bacon and Stir-Fried Vegetables

Crumbled bacon bits pair wonderfully with stir-fried veggies. Broccoli, in particular, tastes great with bacon.

Bacon in Stuffed Mushrooms

Combine crumbled bacon with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and stuff it into mushrooms for a flavorful dish.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Wrap bacon around scallops before pan-searing or frying for a crispy exterior.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Use small pieces of bacon in your carbonara for a classic Italian pasta dish.

Bacon as a Pizza Topping

While many would argue against pineapple on pizza, bacon makes an excellent pairing. Add small pieces of bacon to your favorite pizza topping for a delicious variety.

Bacon Fried Rice

Incorporate bacon into your fried rice for added flavor and a healthy twist.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

For those who may not enjoy Brussels sprouts, try adding some bacon bits along with a little nutmeg and a splash of cream to finish. It turns a potentially bland vegetable into an awesome dish.

Bacon Brittle

Create a sweet treat by making bacon brittle. Wrap it around sausages or veggies before roasting for a tasty and crunchy snack.

Baked Potatoes with Bacon

Top your baked potatoes with crumbled bacon bits and add cheese, butter, and sour cream for an indulgent side dish.

Bacon Guacamole Bombs for Keto Diets

These are a perfect Keto-friendly snack or appetizer. Combine avocado, bacon, and other desired ingredients to make them.

Bacon Weave Apple Pie

Create a unique twist on apple pie by weaving bacon strips through the pie crust. This adds a smoky flavor and a unique texture.

There are countless other creative ideas out there. The internet is your friend when it comes to finding new and exciting ways to use bacon in your cooking. As long as you do it in moderation, bacon can be a delicious and healthy addition to your diet.