Blog - Hey Fatty, why donâ€™t you have Some More Bacon?

No, really. It might help you lose weight.

bacon

Locally raised bacon from pastured pigs

Contrary to the popular opinion of the uninformed masses, the science is overwhelmingly clear - eating fat doesn’t make you fat. Especially if you eat the right kind of fats, and limit your sugar intake.

So how can eating more bacon help if you’re trying to lose weight?

Eating fats and proteins provides you with energy and regulates hunger. And unlike eating sugar which can cause insulin spikes that have you reaching for another helping in an hour, a meal made up of healthy fats and protein will keep you satisfied for hours. Bacon fat is a particularly potent agent for stabilizing blood sugar and killing carb cravings.

But what about the fat in bacon, don’t most people assume it is unhealthy fat? They may, but they’re wrong. Almost half of the fat in bacon is monounsaturated oleic acid. That’s the prized fat in virgin olive oil, renowned for many health benefits.

Bacon is also a great source of a special and powerful antioxidant called phosphatidylcholine, as well as a great source of Vitamin D (only for pasture raised pigs).

Where you get your bacon is the single most important consideration.

The bacon from CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) that you find on supermarket shelves comes from sick pigs. The animals are confined in unhealthy, unsanitary conditions for all or most of their lives. The meat that comes from CAFO animals has a different nutritional profile than meat from pastured pigs. These pigs are also fed a steady diet of pesticide residue, feed additives, and antibiotics which are fat soluble and concentrated and stored in the fat. Not yummy.

pigs

Pigs confined inside in a typical CAFO operation

Make sure you purchase bacon from farmers who pasture their pigs and allow them a more natural mixed diet with plenty of access to plants. Check with your local farmer’s market to find good sources. Bacon freezes well so it’s a great idea to stock up, that way you won’t be tempted to grab some at the supermarket when you run out.