On the coat tails of all this hype regarding the latest studies on processed meat, we at Total Nutrition Technology wanted to remind you of a few time-tested tips to staying healthy and enjoying your favorite "bad" foods:

1. Everything in moderation. An old wives' tale? Maybe, but there is a lot of truth to these types of cliches. Abstaining from specific foods or food groups is often a recipe for disaster (think cravings, irritability, and binge eating). We find allowances, moderation, and portion control to be much better controls on foods deemed "unhealthy." Check out these easy-to-use PortionMates to help you moderate your food choices.

2. Try making simple swaps. The Eat This, Not That team began their popular book series with simple suggestions that would help readers make safer swaps for foods that were less than ideal. This concept is still very applicable, though the swap might depend on your ultimate goal. If you are trying to reduce meat from your diet, consider making swaps in moderation (see above). Start with one or two meatless meals per week to see how you fare, but be cautious that your swaps don't overdo it in fat or simple carbohydrates.

3. Eat the rainbow. No, not Skittles. Fruits and veggies come in a wide variety of colors for a reason. Their color is actually a certain chemical compound (called an antioxidant) that reflects light. The compounds help clean out the free radicals created by carcinogens, heat, stress, and lack of sleep. Eating these goodies also (by proxy) increases your fiber intake, your water intake, and your vitamin and mineral intake! A win all around: Check out this post for more info and for some colorful ideas!

4. Sweat it out. There's no hiding the fact that our bodies are amazing organisms and one of our most powerful pieces of equipment: our skin. This nifty organ allows you to sweat out toxins, and keep them out! Though there has been a lot of controversy about whether this is true, a study conducted by the NIH has undoubtedly determined that, "many toxic elements appeared to be preferentially excreted through sweat," Read the abstract here then go for a quick jog!

5. You already cleanse. In addition to number four, your body has a wonderful orchestra of organs instrumental in keeping toxins at bay, including, but not limited to, your kidneys, liver, and intestines. There are certainly ways to keep these players in tip-top shape, but note that their major function is to cleanse your blood and other tissues of harmful chemicals. Let them do their job and try not to fall victim to marketing ploys that claim otherwise.

So bacon now has a bad rap - hasn't it always? It's a high-saturated-fat, high-sodium, often high-nitrite food. Whether it causes cancer or not, it should be a once-in-a-while treat. Learn how to incorporate bacon, and other less-than-healthy foods into a very healthy plan with your FREE consultation!