Healthier Alternatives to Regular Bacon
By Genevieve Cunningham
Bacon. Seriously, is there any more complete of a statement than that? Bacon is one of the hottest breakfast items of all time, and it is so easy to see why. Whether you like it crispy, soft, hickory smoked, or thick and salty, bacon is incredibly delicious. Unfortunately, it’s also incredibly unhealthy. It contains massive amounts of fat. It’s high in calories. Did I mention that it’s delicious? If you’re a bacon lover, but you’re tired of the unhealthy aspects of eating this favorite food, check out these healthy alternatives that might be worth a switch.
This alternative is lower in fat and calories, and it tastes similar as well. It’s a great choice for those wanting an almost one-to-one substitution. The only real complaint? It definitely doesn’t taste exactly like bacon and it has a slightly different texture. But if you can get past these minor differences, you may be able to enjoy a healthy bacon choice at every breakfast.
Duck Bacon
This might be hard to find depending on where you are located. If this option is available near you, it might be worth a shot. Duck is low in fat and high in protein. It’s also an exotic way to have your favorite treat. Just remember that it won’t taste quite the same. It often has a gamey flavor
(also known as wild flavor), and the texture might be tougher and much more dry. But, sacrificing the flavor for the healthy aspects might be worth the extra effort.
Beef Bacon
This is another great option for fewer calories and fat. The great thing about this option is that, like turkey bacon, it’s readily accessible in most locations. And with the popularity of this item growing, it's becoming increasingly easier to find. Beef bacon is made from the same part of the meat that makes pastrami, so expect the same type of flavor and texture. To keep it especially healthy, bake your bacon in the oven instead of frying it in a pan, and avoid all of that extra fat and grease.
Luckily, when it comes to bacon, you can have the best of both worlds. Use these alternatives to keep your diet healthy, and eat the real bacon sparingly. Change it up and keep your breakfast both interesting and delicious! With a little experimentation and patience, you might find that there is plenty of bacon (and lots of healthy benefits!) to go around.