As someone who loves breakfast, bacon has always been one of my staples. But when I started the 21 Day Fix program, I had to find an approved substitute for regular pork bacon. That’s when turkey bacon became my new best friend!
But I still had questions around how much I could actually eat. With portion control being so key for the 21 Day Fix, I needed to nail down the specifics on turkey bacon. Through trial and error (and eating lots of turkey bacon!), I now have the full scoop to share with you.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating turkey bacon on the 21 Day Fix
- Why turkey bacon is approved
- Serving size guidelines
- Incorporating it into your meal plan
- Other approved proteins
- Tips for 21 Day Fix success
Let’s dive in and talk turkey bacon!
Why Is Turkey Bacon Approved for the 21 Day Fix?
The 21 Day Fix is centered around controlling portions and getting the right balance of nutrients. That’s why the diet uses a color-coded container system. Each container represents a certain food group and portion size.
The red container is for protein sources Pork products like bacon and sausage are not on the approved food list. However, nitrate-free turkey bacon is permitted in moderation Here’s why it makes the cut
- It’s lower in fat and calories than pork bacon.
- Turkey provides lean protein to help build muscle.
- Going nitrate-free avoids unhealthy preservatives.
Overall, turkey bacon can be part of a balanced fix-friendly diet. As long as you control portions, it can fit into your daily red container allowance.
What Is the Serving Size for Turkey Bacon on 21 Day Fix?
According to the official 21 Day Fix food list, the recommended portion for turkey bacon is:
- 4 slices of nitrate-free turkey bacon = 1 red container
However, pay close attention to the thickness of your bacon. If you have extra wide, thick-cut turkey bacon, 2-3 slices may be a more appropriate single serving.
I like to weigh or measure my turkey bacon when starting out. That gives me a feel for what 4 oz or 3/4 cup of cooked turkey bacon looks like.
You can also lay strips side by side in your red container. If you can fit 4 average-sized slices comfortably within the red container, that’s your portion.
Getting the serving size right is crucial for staying within your red container quota. But you can always make turkey bacon fit your macros by adjusting portions as needed.
How Can I Incorporate Turkey Bacon Into My 21 Day Fix Meals?
There are so many ways to enjoy turkey bacon while sticking to the 21 Day Fix plan. Here are some of my favorite recipes and ideas:
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Breakfast sandwiches: Add turkey bacon to egg sandwiches on whole grain toast for a complete red + yellow combo meal.
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Salads: Crumble turkey bacon over a greens-based salad for a protein boost.
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Loaded baked potatoes: Top cooked sweet or russet potatoes with turkey bacon, chicken, and fix-approved toppings.
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Soups: Add some crumbled turkey bacon to bean- or veggie-based soups.
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Pizza: Use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative to pork on homemade thin crust pizzas.
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Pasta: Toss crumbled or chopped turkey bacon into fix-approved pasta dishes.
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Burgers: Top your turkey or veggie burgers with an extra slice of turkey bacon.
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Snacks: Enjoy a few turkey bacon pieces as a high-protein snack paired with fruit or veggies.
With some creativity, you can easily work turkey bacon into your 21 Day Fix meal plan while keeping portions in check.
Other Approved Proteins to Eat on the 21 Day Fix
While turkey bacon can add nice variety to your diet, it shouldn’t be your only protein source when following the 21 Day Fix. For the best results, aim to eat a diverse range of lean, nutritious proteins.
Here are some other great options that fit into the red container:
- Chicken and turkey breast
- Fish like salmon, tuna, and tilapia
- Shellfish such as shrimp and crab
- Eggs and 100% egg whites
- Lean red meat in moderation
- Tofu and tempeh
- Beans, lentils, edamame
- 0% Greek yogurt
- Protein powder
Mix up your protein choices to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients. Portioning out 6 oz at each meal makes hitting your red container goal simple.
Tips for 21 Day Fix Success with Turkey Bacon
To stay on track with your 21 Day Fix goals while enjoying turkey bacon, keep these tips in mind:
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Stick to nitrate-free, reduced-fat turkey bacon to align with diet guidelines.
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Weigh or measure portions to get the right serving size.
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Rotate it with other lean proteins for nutritional variety.
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Avoid going over your red container allotment each day.
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Pair it with veggies and complex carbs to make it a balanced meal.
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Use it in moderation since it’s still a processed meat.
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Read labels carefully and count it in your meal plan.
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Cook it in a skillet or oven instead of oils to reduce fat.
With some mindful eating practices, turkey bacon can absolutely have a place in your 21 Day Fix diet.
Now you’ve got the full scoop on enjoying turkey bacon with the 21 Day Fix program. Just stay within the recommended serving guidelines, get creative with recipes, and mix up your protein sources. A few times per week, savor a few crispy slices of turkey bacon while staying true to your fitness goals. Your tastebuds and your red containers will thank you!
