Are you a bacon lover, but worried about consuming too many calories? Look no further than 2 fried slices (17 g) of hardwood smoked maple bacon, which only contains 80 calories. This delicious breakfast staple can fit into your diet without guilt.
Not only is hardwood smoked maple bacon low in calories, it also contains essential nutrients. Each serving provides 4 grams of protein and 6% of the recommended daily intake of iron.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value of hardwood smoked maple bacon, as well as some tips for preparing and using it in a variety of dishes.
Calorie Count of Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
As mentioned earlier, 2 fried slices (17 g) of hardwood smoked maple bacon contain only 80 calories. This makes it a great option for those watching their weight, or trying to maintain a healthy diet. For comparison, traditional pork bacon typically contains around 150 calories per serving. By switching to hardwood smoked maple bacon, you can enjoy the same great taste with fewer calories. Remember to keep portion sizes in mind when adding hardwood smoked maple bacon to your meals, as consuming too much can still lead to weight gain.
Serving Size of Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
The serving size for hardwood smoked maple bacon is 2 fried slices, or 17 g. This equates to approximately 3-4 slices of bacon, depending on the thickness. It's important to stick to the recommended serving size to avoid consuming too much sodium and saturated fat. While hardwood smoked maple bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, it is still a processed meat and should be consumed in moderation. If you're looking to incorporate more bacon into your diet, consider using it as a garnish or flavoring instead of the main focus of your dish.
Nutritional Value of Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
In addition to being low in calories, hardwood smoked maple bacon also contains a range of essential nutrients. Each serving provides 4 grams of protein, which is necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue. It also contains 6% of the recommended daily intake of iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells. However, hardwood smoked maple bacon is also high in sodium and saturated fat. It's important to balance your intake of this tasty treat with other lean protein sources and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Fat Content in Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
While hardwood smoked maple bacon is lower in fat than traditional bacon, it still contains a significant amount of saturated fat. Each serving contains 5 grams of fat, with 2 grams of saturated fat. Saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease and should be consumed in moderation. To reduce your intake of saturated fat, consider using hardwood smoked maple bacon as a seasoning instead of the main component of your dish.
Protein Content in Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
Hardwood smoked maple bacon is a good source of protein, with each serving containing 4 grams. Protein is necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue, and can also help you feel full for longer periods of time. If you're looking to boost your protein intake, consider incorporating hardwood smoked maple bacon into your breakfast or lunch.
Carbohydrate Content in Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
Hardwood smoked maple bacon is a very low-carb food, with only trace amounts of carbohydrates per serving. If you're following a low-carb diet, this makes it a great option for adding flavor and protein to your meals without going over your daily carb intake. However, it's still important to balance your intake of fat and protein to ensure optimal health.
Daily Recommended Intake of Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
While hardwood smoked maple bacon can be a healthy addition to your diet, it's important to consume it in moderation. According to the American Heart Association, the recommended daily intake of saturated fat for the average person is less than 13 grams per day. Each serving of hardwood smoked maple bacon contains 2 grams of saturated fat, so it's important to keep your portion sizes in check. If you're at risk for heart disease or have high cholesterol, you may need to limit your intake of hardwood smoked maple bacon even further. Be sure to check with your doctor or a registered dietitian for individualized advice.
Health Benefits of Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
While hardwood smoked maple bacon is a processed meat and should be consumed in moderation, it does offer some health benefits. Bacon contains niacin, which can help lower your risk of heart disease, and choline, which is important for brain function. It's also a good source of protein, which is necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue. To maximize the health benefits of hardwood smoked maple bacon, aim to combine it with other lean protein sources and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Ways to Prepare Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
Hardwood smoked maple bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Top a breakfast sandwich or avocado toast with a few slices of bacon. - Crumble crispy bacon over a salad for added crunch and flavor.
Alternative Uses of Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
While hardwood smoked maple bacon is delicious on its own, it can also be used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to try: - Wrap chicken breasts or pork tenderloin in bacon before baking for added flavor and moisture. - Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it up and use it as a topping for mac and cheese or baked potatoes.
Everything is better with bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon
What is Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon?
Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon is a type of bacon that is cured with a blend of salt, sugar, and maple flavoring. It is then smoked over hardwood for a rich, smoky flavor.
How many calories are in 2 fried slices of Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon?
There are 80 calories in 2 fried slices (17 g) of Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon.
Is Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon healthy?
Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon is high in calories, fat, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How is Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon usually served?
Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon is a popular breakfast food and is often served alongside eggs, pancakes, or waffles. It can also be used as an ingredient in sandwiches or salads.
Can Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon be cooked in the oven?
Yes, Hardwood Smoked Maple Bacon can be cooked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F degrees and lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.