We’ve all been there before.
We’re doing the best we can………counting our macros diligently………..and then it happens.
We purchase a food without a label.
Oh, boy.
So, what do we do? Do we make sure we always purchase foods with labels? Do we take our food into a nutritional lab and have them analyze it? Do we just take a best guess?
A simple Google search of “bacon nutritional information” brings up around 1.5 million page views.
So our first issue? Which set of numbers to use. And the answer is relatively simple.
Just use the label you have. If you purchase your bacon from the butcher (mmmm……….thick, slab-cut bacon), just pick whatever number you wish. Simply be consistent and you’ll be fine.
But that’s only the first issue with our food selection……..because anyone who has ever made bacon will tell you………..there’s a whole lotta fat left over in that pan………..
All Hail Bacon
So, what should we do? The nutritional label says 1.5 grams of fat per slice………..and surely a good chunk of that fat is now sitting in the bottom of that pan……….that’s enough to set anyone’s OCD into overdrive………..
IIFYMers understand………..
that BACON is actually a solid food selection, calorically.
So, what do we do? Attempt to estimate how much is left over? Take a wild guess? Nahhhh………that’s no fun. Let’s figure out a way to optimize our “IIFYM Experience”.
Here are a few simple choices. Choose whichever choice will lead to optimum sanity – and ultimately – optimum compliance.
1. Discard the fat in the pan and enjoy the extra deficit it provides you.
This would certainly be the wisest choice if you haven’t been as consistent as you’d like for the week. Tossing out that grease will lower the fat content of the bacon you’re consuming. Less fat equal less calories, which should help you progress more quickly.
Fat has a very large caloric content. And although it’s important to be sure we are getting adequate fats into our diet, too much fat can easily prohibit our fat loss progress. (Ever wonder why low-carbers eventually stop losing weight? Nuts, cheeses, fatty cuts of meat………LOADS of calories due to the excess fat.)
Just be sure you always are mindful and keep an even keel. Just because you tossed out the fat for your breakfast bacon doesn’t give you a free pass to smash that pint of ice cream later.
It’s supposed to be an additional BUFFER, not a reason to get off track.
2. Use the fat in a delightful culinary concoction.
For your seasoned macro counting veterans, consistency isn’t an issue. Once you’ve been doing this long enough to consider macro counting a skill, there’s really no need to discard the fat in order to hasten progress. Besides, sustainability is your ultimate goal – if you want to be consistent, what you do must be sustainable.
And if you’re not enjoying some mouth-watering deliciousness………..and all of your foods are bland and boring (rice cakes, anyone?)…..your chances of long-term success start to dwindle.
So, let’s have some fun!
Let’s use that fat! After all, it’s accounted for, right? Might as well use it!
Here are some of my favorite choices on what to do with that bacon grease……….
A. Cook your eggs in it.
This seems to be the most obvious. Because of this:
Do you need an explanation as to why this is awesome?
B. Make your bacon for breakfast…..or lunch……and save the grease for dinner.
You’ve got a few options here. This works best when you’re creating a beef-inspired meal to be made in a pan.
Sloppy joes, tacos, and burgers can be easily made in a pan, using the bacon grease as lubrication.
But don’t neglect other dishes as well. Chicken stir-fries, shredded pork tacos, and fajitas can all be improved with some greasy, smoky goodness as well.
C. Put it in your chili or crockpot inspired meal.
This is an excellent choice as well. Ever made a pot of chili with additional bacon grease poured in? Oh my goodness……….your life will never be the same.
D. Be the Dad (or Mom) Of The Year.
What kid doesn’t like grilled cheese? And you know what? Organic butter is a bit pricey.
This is a way to increase your caloric buffer AND earn extra “parenting points”.
Grilled cheese cooked right in the bacon grease will ensure that your child is bragging about you to their friends the next day.
Maybe. After all, they are still kids.
E. Mix it up in a protein shake.
This can be a bit tricky. You can’t use too much, or it’ll start to clump – saturated fat is generally solid at room temperature.
But use just a touch, and you have a salty and sweet combo that’s tough to beat.
Without needing a Sonic drive-through.
F. Drink it.
Just kidding. Never tried this. But have fun if you wish.
What you decide to do with your excess bacon grease is up to you. Everyone has their favorites. But no matter what the case – have some fun with it! There’s no reason to worry about the exact fat content of your food.
As always, just be consistent, hit those macros and reap the benefits.
Happy IIFYMing!
Jason