Diets consist of a collection of food, and numerous diets use bacon in different recipes. Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to traditional bacon that is prepared with smoked or chopped turkey. Following a turkey bacon diet adds a variety of nutrients, but there are also several considerations to ensure a balanced diet that supplies essential vitamins and minerals.
Features
Turkey bacon can be made from various ingredients, but most brands will consist of the same basic ingredients. The main ingredient includes mechanically separated turkey followed with water, sugar and salt. Other ingredients are used to add flavor, texture and color while preserving the bacon. These ingredients include oils, natural flavorings and additional salts.
Size
Most turkey bacon flavors are low in calories per serving. More than 50 percent of the calories come from fat with a small percentage from protein. Butterball turkey bacon, for example, contains 25 calories per slice including 1.5 g of total fat, 0 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of protein. One serving contains 80 mg to 135 mg of sodium, 10 mg of cholesterol and no additional vitamins or minerals. Traditional bacon, however, contains 80 calories per serving, including 7 g of total fat and 15 mg of cholesterol.
Recommendations
Turkey bacon supplies a significant amount of fat, cholesterol and sodium according to the daily requirements from the American Heart Association and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA. The American Heart Association recommends a daily fat intake for average adults between 25 to 35 percent of the total calories with cholesterol intake less than 300 mg per day. The FDA says a healthy diet will consist of less than 480 mg of sodium per day. One serving of turkey bacon can supply nearly 20 percent of that recommendation.
Effects
While turkey bacon contains less fat and cholesterol than traditional bacon, the nutrition content can still have negative effects on the body. MayoClinic.com suggests that eating foods high in fat and cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease. Following the daily nutrition recommendations and combining the turkey bacon diet with additional nutritious foods can decrease the risk for heart disease and other illnesses.
Considerations
Several food companies offer regular turkey bacon along with a low-sodium variety. Choose the low-sodium turkey bacon to reduce daily sodium intake and review the nutrition label to see the ingredients. Look for natural or organic ingredients with few preservatives or fillers. Combine the turkey bacon diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet.
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