The Bacon Debate: Pork Bacon vs Turkey Bacon

Ok. It's apparent that bacon shouldn't really be part of my diet.  While this is true, I'm human.  Sometimes I can't resist having a strip or two alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast.  I must say that I'm a tad partial to pork bacon, but I tolerate turkey bacon because of it's "healthier" reputation.  This alone prompted me to do my own investigation on how healthy turkey bacon really is compared to pork bacon.  My finidings may surprise you.

At my local grocery store I grabbed a box of Sugardale pork bacon and a box of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon to compare nutrition facts.  The first item I noticed was that the turkey bacon listed nutrition facts for only one strip of bacon, which made the calorie, cholesterol, fat and sodium counts appear lower.  While the Sugardale pork bacon on the other hand listed nutrition facts for two strips.  That's a tad sneaky on Oscar Mayer's end, right?  Take a look (turkey bacon at left. Pork at right):

At first glance the turkey bacon looks like its 45 calories less than the pork, when really it's only 10 calories less if you do the math for the extra strip of bacon (35 calories x 2).

In addition to this, I found (after doing the math) two strips of turkey bacon had 10 milligrams more cholesterol and 70 milligrams more sodium than two strips of Sugardale pork bacon.  Hmmm?  Yeah, I'm shocked too.  But the biggest shocker was that the fat content for two strips of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon was the same as two strips of pork bacon despite the turkey bacon's misleading packaging which boasts "50% LESS FAT than USDA data for pork bacon". 

After looking at all of this, I'm pretty much convinced that if I ever have a craving for bacon, I might as well roll with the tasty, tender, pork version or avoid both at all costs because one isn't really healthier than the other.

Turkey and pork bacon label comparison 

This goes to show that we have to do our own research when choosing what we place in our diets.  My investigation doesn't cover every side of the bacon spectrum.  Of course you can find turkey bacon that's not treated with excessive amounts of sodium nitrate (the substance that increases sodium milligrams found on the label).  And there's also the organic route.  The choice is yours!

Remember to READ and COMPARE labels on the food you're eating. If a food is popular because it's considered the "healthier" option, that doesn't always mean it's healthy.

Stay fit and fab!

Disclaimer: This comparison includes brands that I typically purchase.  Conduct your own research for details on other brands.  (Remember to calculate serving amounts and grams of each slice when comparing)

I Lost A Car Tire!!

Last Friday, March 4, 2011 marked my seventh weigh in since starting my healthy eating and exercise regimen. I'm proud to say that I've reached one of my short term weight loss goals! I've lost 21 lbs to date!!!! That's 20+ pounds gone! That's the weight of a car tire! Who woulda thunk it! Ha!

Thinking about weight loss in increments of 10's or 20's, even 5's makes the process easier. I've lost my first 20 lbs. Now I've moved on to thinking about my second set of 20 (my second car tire). You have to keep yourself encouraged this way. Pick a weight loss goal for the month and stick with it.

Not watching the scale? Use measuring tape. Whether you're watching pounds or inches it is EXTREMELY important to take note of your progress to remain encouraged!

Here's my progress report since starting in January!

Stay encouraged people! If you fail or eat something that wasn't the healthiest, DO NOT QUIT!

From Fat to Fit.... to Fat Again (My Story)

Accomplishing It All...I Think? O_o

Attending college was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I met new people, learned an overwhelming amount of work ethic and even snagged a promising career before walking across the graduation stage. All of my accomplishments sound amazing. However, during this phase of my life I failed to take notice of something that my academic and career goals depended on the most. That something.....was my health.

In December 2009, I graduated with a degree, a career and 274 pounds of body weight to my name. The weight gain was a result of over indulging in unhealthy foods and failing to workout consistently throughout my college career. I would often times start to workout and eat healthy, but unfortunately stop because I put other things before my well being, such as homework, jobs and my social life. Not being able to incorporate healthy living with these aspects of my life caused me to fail miserably at losing weight and I eventually reached my highest weight EVER. This needed to change fast!

-Graduation Day, Dec. 2009

The Turn Around

Several months after graduating and beginning my career as a business analyst in 2010, I began working out and eating healthier on a consistent basis again. I was determined to get as far away from 274 lbs as possible. During the course of four months I successfully lost 35 lbs. I felt much healthier and dropped two dress sizes. Not to mention, my new body weight of 239 lbs. My weight loss was meaningful, however I still had a long way to go. I continued working out and eating healthy for a little while after my 35 lbs weight loss achievement.

-Me 35 lbs lighter, May 2010

Giving In and Getting Lazy!
In October 2010, my weight loss spree came to a halt when I began working out less and eating more. I was well aware of what this habit would do to my body, yet I felt like I could take a break from what was in essence, taking care of me. By the end of December 2010, I'd gained back 18 lbs. Talk about giving in and getting lazy, SMH.

-18 lbs Heavier, Nov. 2010

The Journey Continues
After the avoidable set back of gaining 18 lbs, I've now taken total control of my weight loss efforts. Since January 15, 2011, I've lost a total of 9 lbs and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Losing weight has been a constant struggle of mine, dating well before my college years. Each time that I've failed, I've learned something new about what it takes to be successful at losing weight and maintaing the results of such. Below is a picture of me after losing weight in 2004. I plan on getting back to that size and staying there (or lose a little extra) using the knowledge I've developed over the years of my fight with weight loss.

This blog will be dedicated to documenting my continued weight loss journey and I hope to inspire others along the way.

-Me at 198 lbs , April 2004 (MY CURRENT SHORT TERM TARGET WEIGHT)

Upcoming Blog: To Carb or Not to Carb