Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating? - PaleoHacks.com

Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-21T16:01:05Z

Don't get me wrong, I love the taste of bacon when it is crisp. But it is also processed, with questionable additives, besides salt of course. My family, because of me, gets back bacon which we slice thinly and cook in coconut oil. But it still has non-paleo additives, some of which (e.g. sodium nitrite and 'smoke') which leave me wondering what I am doing. I've wondered about this for some time...so if anyone can help out with my confusion, I'd be grateful.

Answer by Bread-Eating Beelzebub for Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-21T16:17:56Z

It's a debate that has been had on paleo blogs. Here are some of the pros and cons, others can edit this list if they know of other posts:

Against bacon:

Whole9

For bacon:

Balanced Bites

Cave Girl Eats

Answer by Karen for Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-21T16:19:10Z

It is quite possible to get quality bacon from pastured pigs, without the usual additives. There is great bacon from some of the pastured pig farmers at my farmers market. Applegate Farms also sells some decent bacon in many grocery stores. AFAIK, this kind of bacon is what folks here eat.

I suspect some of the bacon fetish is just because it's been a "forbidden food" for so long. IMO, it's still not ideal, but quality bacon is not bad either. I sure wouldn't make it a major part of my diet, but it's a lovely flavoring. Just be sure to get the good stuff.

Answer by BuzzingAsh for Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-21T16:54:43Z

I get nitrate free bacon without bad additives from trader joe's. A whole foods store is probably great too. Hope this helps! :)

Answer by Rose for Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-21T17:02:29Z

If you love bacon and don't like the additives, make your own. It's easy and fun, and only requires a shelf in your refrigerator for a week or so. Made without smoke flavoring or even without nitrates, if those worry you (they occur naturally in many foods, even supposedly nitrate-free foods).

(I've posted this in so many threads I'm beginning to feel like a shill for my own bacon, lol. Good thing I don't sell it, or I'd be kicked off PaleoHacks for sure.)

Answer by Amberlie for Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-21T17:10:35Z

bacon is basically the only reason I didn't give up paleo ( besides all that other stuff like energy and toning up. I realllllly liked my croissants and ice cream)

Answer by David Csonka for Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-21T17:11:42Z

Well, it tastes really damn good and is incredibly satisfying. I use to eat tons of it.

I don't really eat bacon at all now, but that is mainly because I currently can't afford to source the really high quality, compassionately prepared stuff.

Answer by Jan for Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-21T18:17:36Z

Its convient, but mostly not optimal. I dont eat bacon cause i cant source good bacon. I rather fry some lamb hearts and kidneys for breakfast, with bone marrow or chop up a whole cooconut.

Answer by BaconHealsChic for Why do so many people list bacon as a good food in paleo eating?

2011-08-22T03:46:17Z

I think bacon acts as a bridge for a lot of people starting out on paleo. In my first days I did not reach for organ meats and coconut milk. It took awhile to incorporate other important parts. Bacon is easy and most everybody likes it.