Are you a bacon lover who’s trying to watch your calorie intake?
You’re not alone! Bacon is a popular breakfast food, but it’s also known for being high in fat and calories.
However, did you know that you can still enjoy bacon without all the added calories from fat?
By simply trimming off the visible fat, you can significantly reduce the calorie count while still indulging in this delicious treat.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how many calories are in bacon with the fat cut off and explore some tips for making healthier choices when it comes to your breakfast plate.
So, let’s get started!
How Many Calories In Bacon With Fat Cut Off?
When it comes to bacon, the calorie count can vary depending on how it’s prepared and whether or not the fat has been trimmed off.
A single slice of pan-fried pork bacon typically contains about 54 calories, with approximately 65 percent of those calories coming from fat. However, by trimming off the visible fat, you can reduce the calorie count to around 35-40 calories per slice.
While this may not seem like a significant difference, it can add up if you’re someone who enjoys multiple slices of bacon with your breakfast.
It’s important to note that while trimming the fat can reduce the calorie count, it doesn’t necessarily make bacon a healthy food choice. Bacon is still high in sodium and saturated fat, which can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Understanding The Calorie Count Of Bacon
To fully understand the calorie count of bacon, it’s important to look at serving sizes and the breakdown of calories from fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
For example, three slices of bacon contain about 161 calories, with 108 calories coming from fat, 2.4 from carbs, and 48 from protein. One slice of cooked bacon has about 46 calories, with 65% of those calories coming from fat and 30% coming from protein. Additionally, bacon is low in carbohydrates, which provide fuel for our cells.
It’s also important to consider the type and cut of bacon you’re consuming. Some bacon may be sweeter and contain more sugar, which in turn means more calories. Thicker cuts of bacon may also have more calories due to their higher fat content.
To reduce the calorie count of bacon, it’s recommended to choose leaner cuts or alternatives like turkey bacon or Canadian bacon. When preparing bacon at home, removing visible fat before cooking can also help reduce the calorie count. And opting for oven-cooked bacon instead of pan-fried can also cut down on calories.
While bacon can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, it’s important to monitor your intake and keep an eye on your overall calorie and fat intake. By understanding the calorie count of bacon and making mindful choices, you can still enjoy this tasty breakfast staple without compromising your health goals.
The Benefits Of Cutting Off Bacon Fat
Trimming off the visible fat from bacon can provide some benefits beyond just reducing the calorie count. For one, it can help to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat is known to increase levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood, which can contribute to heart disease.
Additionally, trimming off the fat can help to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. Bacon is a notoriously high-sodium food, with just four slices of thick-cut bacon containing about 880 mg of sodium – almost half of the recommended daily intake. By trimming off the fat, you can reduce the overall sodium content of your bacon.
Finally, trimming off the fat can help to reduce your risk of certain types of cancer. When bacon is cooked at high temperatures, it can produce carcinogenic compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs). By trimming off the fat and cooking your bacon until crispy, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful compounds.
How To Trim Bacon Fat Correctly
Trimming the fat off bacon can be a simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure you’re getting the most benefit.
First, start by selecting a sharp knife that is comfortable to hold. Lay the bacon flat on a cutting board and use the knife to carefully cut off the visible fat on the edges of the slice. It’s important to be precise and avoid cutting off too much meat along with the fat.
If you prefer, you can also use kitchen shears to trim the fat. Simply snip off the excess fat around the edges of the bacon slice.
Once you’ve trimmed off the visible fat, you can cook the bacon as you normally would. Keep in mind that even if you’ve trimmed off some of the fat, bacon still contains a significant amount of fat and should be consumed in moderation.
Comparing Calorie Counts Of Bacon With And Without Fat
The calorie count of bacon can vary greatly depending on whether or not the fat has been trimmed off. Three slices of pan-fried bacon contain approximately 161 calories, with 108 of those calories coming from fat. However, if you trim off the visible fat, the calorie count can be reduced to around 105-120 calories per three slices.
Comparing bacon with and without fat, raw bacon contains 407 calories per 100 grams, while cooked bacon has 898 calories per 100 grams. This means that cooked bacon has 121% more calories than raw bacon. Additionally, bacon is heavier in fat and lighter in protein compared to raw bacon.
Canadian bacon, on the other hand, is a leaner alternative to pork bacon. It contains only 2.6 grams of fat per serving compared to pork bacon’s 40 grams of fat per serving. This significant difference in fat content makes Canadian bacon a healthier choice for those who want to reduce their calorie intake.
It’s important to keep in mind that even if you trim off the visible fat from your bacon, it still contains sodium and saturated fat, which can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume bacon in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Tips For Making Healthier Breakfast Choices
If you’re looking to make healthier breakfast choices, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to bacon and other breakfast meats.
1. Choose leaner options: As mentioned earlier, turkey bacon is a great alternative to pork bacon as it contains less fat and calories. Other lean breakfast meat options include Canadian bacon and ham.
2. Watch your portions: Even with leaner options, it’s important to watch your portions. Stick to one or two slices of bacon or a few slices of Canadian bacon to keep your calorie and sodium intake in check.
3. Pair with veggies: Adding veggies to your breakfast can help balance out the high fat and sodium content of bacon. Try adding spinach, tomatoes, or peppers to your eggs or serving a side of roasted vegetables.
4. Opt for healthier cooking methods: Pan-frying bacon until crispy is the healthiest cooking method as it allows most of the fat to melt off. Avoid deep frying or using excessive amounts of oil.
5. Read food labels: When buying packaged breakfast meats, be sure to read the food labels and pay attention to serving sizes and carb content. Look for options with lower sodium and saturated fat levels.
By following these tips, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of bacon while making healthier breakfast choices. Remember, moderation is key!
Delicious Recipes Using Trimmed Bacon
If you’re looking to enjoy the flavor of bacon while keeping the calorie count in check, here are some delicious recipes that use trimmed bacon:
1. Bacon-wrapped asparagus: Trim the fat off of several slices of bacon and wrap each slice around a spear of asparagus. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
2. Bacon and egg breakfast muffins: In a muffin tin, layer chopped veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and onions with pieces of trimmed bacon. Crack an egg on top of each muffin and bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
3. Bacon-wrapped chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and wrap each one in a slice of trimmed bacon. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
4. Bacon and Brussels sprouts salad: Trim the fat off of several slices of bacon and cook them in a frying pan until crispy. Set aside and use the same pan to sauté halved Brussels sprouts until tender. Toss the Brussels sprouts with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, then top with crumbled bacon.
By using trimmed bacon in these recipes, you can enjoy the flavor of this beloved food without consuming excessive amounts of calories. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.