Popcorn Pleasure By Leslie Fink, MS, RD | 6/8/2006
Popcorn is probably America's favorite snack food. Just walk by a movie theater concession stand, inhale deeply and you'll understand why: Its aroma is incredibly appetite-whetting. But just because movie theater popcorn is drenched in butter and oil doesn't mean popcorn itself is off-limits to those trying to lose weight.
In fact, there are lots of healthy microwave popcorn options available at your supermarket (see our chart below). And if you're looking for ways to jazz up plain popcorn, look no farther than your spice rack.
* For a hot and spicy flavour, try a sprinkle of paprika, onion powder and/or cayenne powder.
* For salty, try some seasoning salt. * For a taste of Asia, splash with low-sodium soy sauce. * For cheesy, toss with grated Parmesan or a commercial popcorn cheese topping. * For savory, spray with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and then add a dash of Old Bay Seasoning.
Ready, Set, Munch Before you mindlessly crunch on a bag of popcorn, make sure to check the number of cups per serving. Confused by the Nutrition Facts label? You're not alone! Lots of people are stumped by these labels since nutritional information is sometimes given for unpopped, not popped, cups. So we went straight to the top for the answer to the much-debated question: How many cups of popped corn do two tablespoons of kernels yield?
Maria Walls, RD, Senior Nutritionist at Weight Watchers International, says, "Two tablespoons of unpopped corn can yield anywhere from 3 1/2 cups to 5 cups popped depending on the popcorn chosen. The more butter and flavoring used, the less yield you'll get, whereas plain popcorn — with nothing added — yields more."
The bottom line? "On average, two tablespoons light unpopped popcorn kernels will yield about 4 cups popped per serving."
Last week at my meeting, one of the ladies who is on Core said someone told her about a way to do your own popcorn and get your oil in as well. She said put the 2 tbsp of oil in a paper bag (like the lunch kind) with your popcorn and put it in the microwave. She said it is better than any popcorn she has bought...and cheaper! She uses olive oil. One of the others who also does this says she uses canola and Splenda on hers and it taste like Kettle Corn! I'm gonna have to try that and those above!!!!
for sharing!!!!
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The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
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