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No More Bacon? High Costs Of Feed Means Move Over Bacon, There's Something Leaner

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If you are following the markets and the news, you know that with the shortage of grain crops, which plump up our animals, feed prices are on the rise as is the frenzy over the possible decrease in bacon on home tables. From Twitter to world news (a Twitter headline reads 'Unavoidable' Bacon Shortage Leads to Twitter Hysteria), folks are freaking out. In a recent press release, the U.K.'s National Pig Association is warning that a "world shortage of pork and bacon next year is now unavoidable." Many studies report that bacon increases heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, stroke, cancer and a host of other unpleasant illnesses. Rather than mourn this potential loss (mourning the economy is fine), let this be an opportunity to expand your diet and save your life.

Bacon lovers, it is time to think about other foods that can satiate your appetite and replace one of the riskiest foods you can consume; bacon is one of the fattiest foods out there and is a processed meat. Who cares about whether meat is processed or not? WebMD does: “…here's the bad news: When it comes to increasing the risk for certain cancers, things get downright scary for bacon lovers. Not only is bacon considered a red meat, it’s also a member of the dreaded "processed meat" group (even turkey bacon falls into this category. And NO amount of processed meat is considered safe to eat, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.”

The statistics of health issues associated with processed meat are staggering. Research on why you should limit consumption of meat such as bacon is endless. According to The New York Times, “…the research, published this week in the journal Circulation, is not so much a celebration of red meat as it is an indictment of processed meats like bacon, sausage and deli meats. Eating one serving of those foods a day was associated with a 42 percent higher risk of heart disease and 19 percent increased risk of diabetes.”

Did you know that 68% of bacon's calories come from fat, almost half of which is saturated? Each ounce of bacon comes with 30 milligrams of cholesterol.

Below are some alternatives to bacon you can eat that are actually healthy for your heart and overall well-being. You might not like them at first, but you will find that the palate adjusts over time to enjoy what you serve it. And with a healthier lifestyle, you will likely feel a million times better in body, mind, and spirit.

Breakfast

Replace bacon with:

  • Oatmeal with 100% pure maple syrup (Or farro or any other pure warm grain cereal)
  • Berries and fruits (as a side or part of meal)
  • Yogurt (with granola and or berries)
  • Whole Wheat Crepes
  • Egg Whites (yolks in moderation are fine too) With Sliced Avocado Or Guacamole On The Side
  • Turkey Bacon
  • Smoothies (keep them light berries, banana, a bit of juice)
  • Healthy Granola

Lunch

Love a BLT? Try the following substitutes:

  • Tempeh Or Seitan (thinly sliced) With Lettuce And Tomato
  • Lettuce Tomato Avocado Sandwich On Whole Wheat Or Grain Bread
  • Bacon Bits In Soup Or Salads?
  • Throw a chopped vegetable or lentils in soup rather than bacon or dice some egg whites. Try the same on salads. Tofu, Tempeh, and Seitan are also wonderful alternatives and you can find some that are flavored to taste like bacon.

Dinner

  • Wrap your meats in vegetable carpaccio rather than in bacon. Zucchini and eggplant hold together well and are delicious.

Dessert

  • Chocolatiers are putting bacon bits chocolate rather than nuts. Keep the nuts please!

Click here if you are curious to read more about health and meat.