If you're a bacon lover, you may be wondering just how many calories are in 1 slice (12 g) of Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon. Well, fear not, because we've got the answer! One slice of this delicious bacon contains about 70 calories.

But as with any food, it's not just about the calories. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional information of this popular breakfast food.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for incorporating bacon into a healthy diet. Yes, you read that right - bacon can be part of a healthy diet!

Bacon Calories

As mentioned earlier, one slice of Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon contains about 70 calories. However, it's important to note that this can vary depending on the brand and cooking method used. If you're watching your calorie intake, it's still possible to enjoy bacon as part of a balanced diet. Consider pairing one slice with some high-fiber whole grain toast and a serving of fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast that won't sabotage your weight loss goals.

Bacon Serving Size

A serving size of bacon is typically considered to be 3-4 slices (36-48 g). However, this can vary depending on your specific dietary needs and goals. If you're trying to keep your sodium intake in check, it's especially important to pay attention to serving sizes when it comes to bacon. One slice can contain up to 200 mg of sodium, which can add up quickly if you're not careful.

Fat Content of Bacon

Bacon is notorious for its high fat content. In fact, one slice of Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon contains about 6 grams of fat. While it's true that a diet high in saturated fat can increase your risk for heart disease and other health problems, it's important to remember that not all fats are created equal. Bacon contains both saturated and unsaturated fats, with most of the unsaturated fat being oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil.

Trans Fat in Bacon

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that have been chemically altered to make them more shelf-stable. They're often found in processed foods like packaged snacks, fried foods, and some types of margarine. Luckily, bacon doesn't contain any trans fats - at least not in its natural state. However, some brands may add partially hydrogenated oils (which contain trans fats) to their bacon during processing. Be sure to read the label carefully and choose a brand that is free of trans fats.

Cholesterol in Bacon

One slice of Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon contains about 5 mg of cholesterol. This may not seem like a lot, but if you're trying to manage your cholesterol levels, it's still something to be mindful of. It's worth noting that dietary cholesterol (the cholesterol found in food) doesn't have as big of an impact on blood cholesterol levels as was once thought. Still, it's a good idea to limit your intake of high-cholesterol foods like bacon, especially if you have a personal or family history of heart disease.

Protein in Bacon

Believe it or not, bacon is actually a decent source of protein. One slice of Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon contains about 3 grams of protein. Of course, you'll still want to balance your bacon intake with other sources of protein like eggs, nuts, and lean meats. But if you're in a rush and need a quick, protein-packed breakfast, a slice or two of bacon can be a good option.

Sodium in Bacon

Bacon is one of the saltiest meats you can eat, with one slice containing up to 200 mg of sodium. If you're watching your sodium intake (which is important for overall heart health), it's a good idea to limit your bacon consumption. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added bacon at the grocery store, or consider swapping out bacon for another protein source like turkey bacon or tofu scramble.

Carbohydrates in Bacon

Bacon is a nearly carb-free food, with one slice containing less than 1 gram of carbohydrates. If you're following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, bacon can be a great food to include in your meal plan. Just be sure to balance it out with some fiber-rich vegetables to ensure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs.

Sugar in Bacon

Bacon doesn't contain any added sugars (unless it's a sweetened variety like maple bacon), but it does contain a small amount of natural sugars. One slice of Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon contains less than 1 gram of sugar. While this isn't a lot, it's still important to be mindful of your overall sugar intake, especially if you're trying to lose weight or manage a health condition like diabetes.

Vitamins and Minerals in Bacon

Bacon isn't exactly a nutritional powerhouse, but it does contain a few vitamins and minerals. One slice of Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon contains small amounts of potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamin), and vitamin B12. Of course, you'll need to eat more than one slice of bacon to get a significant amount of these nutrients. Still, it's good to know that bacon isn't a totally empty calorie food.