Diva TalkRadio: Food Aisle Face-Off
Here’s the decision, courtesy of Judi Wilcox, one of Divabetic’s Charlie’s Angels of Diabetes Outreach.
Judi Wilcox, RD, CDE
Comparing bacon is like comparing colas. Remember that calories are coming from fat, and that is saturated fat. Sodium does not make pork or turkey bacon a bargain, but if you are bargaining for taste I choose the turkey bacon. Turkey bacon is generally lower in fat and calories. You can buy nitrate-free lower-fat organic turkey bacon at Whole Foods or grocers that offer organic selections.
Can you enjoy bacon on occasion? Of course. Think of it more as a condiment then as an entrée. Whether or not your choice is turkey or pork, there are costs and benefits. While turkey bacon is lower in fat it may have more sodium and nitrites to enhance the flavors. Center cut pork bacon is cut closer to the bone so it may be leaner. On the other hand, turkey bacon is usually made from dark meat turkey which is higher in fat. Be mindful of the portion size indicated on the label because size matters in this face-off. In most cases, the turkey bacon usually is one strip and pork bacon is 2 strips. Now we cannot forget about taste. Turkey bacon can taste as good as pork bacon depending on the brand.
All in all, this is a close call but I am going to go for the turkey bacon. Turkey bacon can taste as good as pork bacon depending upon the brand. If you really want to mix it up, try chicken sausage without nitrites. There’s less risk of cancer from products that are lower in fat, sodium or cholesterol and higher in protein.
Hands down the choice is moderation when you are talking bacon because what we’re really talking about is portion control. Pork or turkey bacon even a small portion packs a powerful punch of sodium, calories, fat and cholesterol. A small amount of this divalicious food can satisfy your craving.
Listen to Judi’s ringside decision on Diva TalkRadio Diabetes Roundtable here:
http://ow.ly/5gOMQ
Next week, tune in for another rumble in the grocery store jungle between watermelon and corn-on-the-cob!
http://ow.ly/5xMCy
