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Bad News Bacon

Jessica Dance

The buzz kill of the day is a report issued by the World Health Organization indicating that eating processed meats like hot dogs and bacon put you more at risk for cancer. The same could be true for red meat. Though my diet is awash with fruits and vegetables, just yesterday, I dined on a delicious beef stew (one of my go-to recipes from Marcella Hazan) and the night before, I inhaled a carnitas burrito. After reading the WHO report, I opened my freezer door and for a brief moment, considered dumping the bacon I’d stowed there. Nay, I don’t think so.

Knitted Dog by Jessica Dance

Discussion

10 comments for “Bad News Bacon”

  1. Leyla says:

    Don’t worry too much about it. Your diet sounds balanced. Moderation is key, right?

    • Robin says:

      I agree, moderation is the best strategy. With every health and diet-related issue it seems like all the ‘experts’ jump on the bandwagon with the latest ‘findings’ and a few years later all jump off again. Sometimes I feel that it is all about keeping themselves in business so to speak.

      It is a truth universally acknowledged that the smell of bacon cooking is the best smell ever. And Wendy, don’t throw out your bacon, then the poor pig would have died in vain!

    • wendy says:

      Yes. Moderation is my philosophy when it comes to eating.

  2. Anne Roy says:

    I have eaten a vegan diet since 1997 … BUT there is nothing on earth like the smell of bacon cooking … ah … bliss

    • wendy says:

      I grew up in a Kosher home, and when I used to sleep over friends’ homes and smell bacon frying in the morning, I’d be drooling.

  3. Kathy says:

    +1 for moderation, and I agree with Robin.

    A friend did a bit more digging, and even though the chance of cancer was “18% higher”, it’s still very low compared to smoking.

    I will continue to mindfully consume.

    • wendy says:

      From what I understand, the WHO doesn’t submit these types of recommendations lightly, but it still seems like you have to eat a fair amount of processed foods for it to have considerable impact.

  4. Claire says:

    I eat mostly vegan now, vegetarian for 6 years. Bacon smell thank goodness doesn’t get me or I’d be in trouble. My dad cooks it often. Your diet sounds healthy Wendy, the guidelines are probably directed at people eating an average american diet which is chock full of meats and processed meats.

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