RAQ's

Bacon is indeed considered to be unhealthy due to its high content of saturated fat and salt. It is also classified as processed meat, which has been linked to an increased risk of certain diseases such as cancer. Thick slab bacon from a small, local butcher may be slightly healthier than mass-produced, chemically treated bacon, but it is still not a healthy choice.

If you are looking to add flavor to your lentil soup without the added health risks of bacon, there are several alternatives you could try. Some options include:

1. Vegetarian bacon: There are several brands that offer vegetarian bacon made from plant-based proteins such as soy or tempeh. These options can provide a similar smoky flavor without the added fat and salt.

2. Mushroom bacon: You can make your own "bacon" by thinly slicing mushrooms and roasting them in the oven with a little bit of oil and your favorite spices. This will provide a rich, smoky flavor that is much healthier than traditional bacon.

3. Smoked paprika: This spice can add a smoky flavor to your lentil soup without the added saturated fat and salt of bacon. Simply sprinkle a little bit over your soup before serving.

4. Liquid smoke: While liquid smoke is not considered to be healthy, it can be used in small amounts to add a smoky flavor to your soup. Just be sure to use it sparingly, as it can be quite strong.

Overall, it is best to avoid processed meats such as bacon and opt for healthier alternatives whenever possible. 

Whey protein isolate is a purer form of whey protein, containing 90% or more protein with minimal amounts of fat, lactose, and other ingredients. It is processed to remove most of the non-protein components, making it a good option for people with lactose intolerance or those looking for a higher protein content per serving.

Whey protein blend, on the other hand, is a combination of whey protein isolate, concentrate, and other forms of whey protein. It typically contains around 70-80% protein, and the remaining 20-30% is made up of other ingredients such as fat, lactose, and other nutrients. Because of the mix of different types of whey, it can be a more cost-effective option than whey isolate but it will not be as pure as isolate

Some vegetables that are well-suited for meal prepping include:

• Broccoli

• Bell peppers

• Cauliflower

• Carrots

• Zucchini

• Eggplant

• Sweet potatoes

• Spinach

• Kale

• Brussels sprouts

These vegetables can be prepped in advance and used in a variety of dishes throughout the week, such as stir-fries, salads, soups, and roasted dishes.

The amount of sugar alcohol that is considered low varies depending on the specific sugar alcohol and the individual's tolerance. In general, sugar alcohols are less sweet than regular sugar, so they are used in larger amounts to achieve the same level of sweetness. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for most sugar alcohols is expressed as milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and it varies depending on the sugar alcohol.

As a general guideline, the following amounts of sugar alcohols are considered low:

• Erythritol: Up to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day is generally well-tolerated.

• Xylitol: Up to 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight per day is generally well-tolerated.

• Isomalt: Up to 50 grams per day is generally well-tolerated.

• Mannitol: Up to 20 grams per day is generally well-tolerated.

• Sorbitol: Up to 10 grams per day is generally well-tolerated.

It's worth noting that some people may be more sensitive to sugar alcohol than others, so it's always a good idea to monitor your tolerance and adjust your intake accordingly.