What's your favorite alternative to popcorn?

hughjazz74
hughjazz74 Posts: 64 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Just looking for some new ideas :) Thanks and good luck to you all!
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Replies

  • glassyo
    glassyo Posts: 7,736 Member
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    Is there such a thing as an alternative to popcorn? LOL!

    I was just gonna say! But more incredulously. :)
  • hughjazz74
    hughjazz74 Posts: 64 Member
    haha, yes, I know...it's a tough one! I love my popcorn and can't stop eating it. I try portion control, package it up, etc..but I always seem to find the second container...or third. :)
  • sosteach
    sosteach Posts: 260 Member
    Popcorn is low calorie. You can air pop it and spray some I can't believe its not butter spray or get some 100 calorie microwave bags
  • EliseTK1
    EliseTK1 Posts: 483 Member
    I refuse to give up popcorn. It's my favorite food! It's a whole grain anyway, high in fiber and whatnot. I just get the Orville Redenbacher Naturals Light - Simply Salted or Sea Salt & Butter; an entire bag is about 288 kcal, so I save room for it in my daily calorie allotment.

    On the days I do reeeeeally long runs and burn like 1000+ kcal, I make the Tiny but Mighty Ancient Heirloom Popcorn in my popcorn machine, and I season it with real butter and salt. It's heavenly.
  • Lizakabibbis
    Lizakabibbis Posts: 370 Member
    I pop it on the stove top w/a tiny amount of coconut oil. I'm popcorn obsessed and I don't think there's an alternative.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    If you’re looking for prepackaged popcorn, I like Smartfood Delight. The caramel flavor is pretty good. But I really don’t think it beats freshly popped popcorn.
  • sksk1026
    sksk1026 Posts: 215 Member
    Good Thins crackers - dill flavour. About 80 calories for 15 crackers. Satisfied need for something salty and crisp. I still eat popcorn though!
  • neldabg
    neldabg Posts: 1,452 Member
    If calories are an issue, Pop Weaver's Light Butter Microwave Popcorn is only 220 calories per popped bag.
  • hughjazz74
    hughjazz74 Posts: 64 Member
    Thanks all... I try not to eat any "light" food. Only full fat, non-artificial, but I appreciate all the ideas. I also have this issue with cashews :) Why are some foods so extra addicting!? Maybe I should've titled this how to stop me from busting into pre-packaged portions that are supposed to be saved for another day. It's my biggest issue, portion control... If you all have any thoughts on that, too, please bring it on. Thank you! :)
  • sksk1026
    sksk1026 Posts: 215 Member
    You also get some tasty flavor sprinkles for popcorn that are low calorie e.g. white cheddar. Good substitute for sour cream and onion potato chips.
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    hughjazz74 wrote: »
    Thanks all... I try not to eat any "light" food. Only full fat, non-artificial, but I appreciate all the ideas. I also have this issue with cashews :) Why are some foods so extra addicting!? Maybe I should've titled this how to stop me from busting into pre-packaged portions that are supposed to be saved for another day. It's my biggest issue, portion control... If you all have any thoughts on that, too, please bring it on. Thank you! :)

    Can't help you there .. Unless you can find a nearby bodega that sells the 100-calorie bags individually.
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    ritzvin wrote: »
    hughjazz74 wrote: »
    Thanks all... I try not to eat any "light" food. Only full fat, non-artificial, but I appreciate all the ideas. I also have this issue with cashews :) Why are some foods so extra addicting!? Maybe I should've titled this how to stop me from busting into pre-packaged portions that are supposed to be saved for another day. It's my biggest issue, portion control... If you all have any thoughts on that, too, please bring it on. Thank you! :)

    Can't help you there .. Unless you can find a nearby bodega that sells the 100-calorie bags individually.

    or a time-locked lockbox?
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    ritzvin wrote: »
    ritzvin wrote: »
    hughjazz74 wrote: »
    Thanks all... I try not to eat any "light" food. Only full fat, non-artificial, but I appreciate all the ideas. I also have this issue with cashews :) Why are some foods so extra addicting!? Maybe I should've titled this how to stop me from busting into pre-packaged portions that are supposed to be saved for another day. It's my biggest issue, portion control... If you all have any thoughts on that, too, please bring it on. Thank you! :)

    Can't help you there .. Unless you can find a nearby bodega that sells the 100-calorie bags individually.

    or a time-locked lockbox?

    bwahaha- https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Safe-Locking-Container-Height/dp/B00E92JXHG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509048315&sr=8-1&keywords=timer+lock (I knew someone somewhere had to make 1 and market it as a diet tool).
  • Sunnybrooke99
    Sunnybrooke99 Posts: 369 Member
    I have an air popper. That way we can make it how we want it each time. I buy those popcorn flavor powders for the kids. It will last a few days in baggies, if you want.
  • ladyhusker39
    ladyhusker39 Posts: 1,406 Member
    My "favorite" alternative to popcorn is Cheetos, but I sense that's not what you're looking for.

  • cmtigger
    cmtigger Posts: 1,450 Member
    I just air pop it every time, and I adjust the toppings according to my calorie and sodium goals that day. Today it was a little butter, a packet of true lime, and hot sauce.
  • shaumom
    shaumom Posts: 1,003 Member
    Check out popped sorghum - it's like super tiny popcorn, LOL. Seriously tastes about the same, but smaller and cuter, you can purchase whole grain sorghum online and you just pop it like popcorn. Different nutrients in it.
  • Lillymoo01
    Lillymoo01 Posts: 2,865 Member
    I have airpopped popcorn all the time. I just sprinkle some cinnamon on it and presto. A yummy snack that easily fits my calorie goals. If you don't like cinnamon there are so many other options that are calorie free.
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    blondie_mfp wrote: »
    hughjazz74 wrote: »
    Thanks all... I try not to eat any "light" food. Only full fat, non-artificial, but I appreciate all the ideas. I also have this issue with cashews :) Why are some foods so extra addicting!? Maybe I should've titled this how to stop me from busting into pre-packaged portions that are supposed to be saved for another day. It's my biggest issue, portion control... If you all have any thoughts on that, too, please bring it on. Thank you! :)

    I store some things in the freezer in an attempt to not eat the whole thing at once. but then I found out that I actually like eating frozen oreos... whoops :blush:

    That "trick" doesn't work for me either. I pretty much like most things frozen. Frozen brownie.. Frozen cookies/cookie dough... Frozen cake. All amazeballs!

    OP, I'm no help. I don't generally eat popcorn as I would want to eat too much of it to feel satisfied. It's just do light and airy! (weird, because I generally like volume eating). What about rice cakes with topping? It may feel a bit more substantial but the same popped texture?
  • slessofme
    slessofme Posts: 7,740 Member
    shaumom wrote: »
    Check out popped sorghum - it's like super tiny popcorn, LOL. Seriously tastes about the same, but smaller and cuter, you can purchase whole grain sorghum online and you just pop it like popcorn. Different nutrients in it.

    I might have to try this. Are there hulls? I have no issues eating popcorn, but I hate getting hulls in my teeth. Anymore, I only get popcorn at the theater, it seems to have fewer hulls.
  • NoxeemaJackson
    NoxeemaJackson Posts: 102 Member
    Do you eat stove popped popcorn? My husband makes it on the stove only. now I'm a brat abotu it and will only eat popcorn from the stove - no more microwave for me!
    He'll use different oils - walnut, truffle, pistachio, but I think peanut is the best.
    But even stove popped with oil, it's 50 calories per cup.
    Also, there's Mrs. Dash toamto-garlic-basil seasoning - that's good on air popped and oil popped.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    I don't have alternatives. I love popcorn.
    I only pop mine on the stove. I started using a smaller pan and measuring out amounts. It isn't the same as throwing a bag in the microwave. I have a pan to wash.
    Popcorn is pretty low calorie until you start adding oil/butter to it. Get an air popper.
  • hughjazz74
    hughjazz74 Posts: 64 Member
    love all the posts, thank you! yes I eat store bought...never thought of making it on stove! i need to try that and only make exactly what I'm allowed to eat that day. and seriously I'm about one step away from a food lock box :) it's all such a mind game for me. Keep the thoughts coming, thx!
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    edited October 2017
    hughjazz74 wrote: »
    haha, yes, I know...it's a tough one! I love my popcorn and can't stop eating it. I try portion control, package it up, etc..but I always seem to find the second container...or third. :)

    This became a problem for me too, so now I make what I eat. I love my microwave popper (Presto). A little bit of oil ......even 1/2 teaspoon helps the salt stick. Kernel Seasons Popcorn salt comes in lots of flavors.
  • perriwinklejones
    perriwinklejones Posts: 11 Member
    roasted chick peas maybe but they are higher calorie.

    I have read that you can use just a tiny bit of butter, and then a bit of soya sauce and I guess its amazing and a lot less calories than more butter?
  • Will_Run_for_Food
    Will_Run_for_Food Posts: 561 Member
    Popcorn IS my alternative to things like chips and other snacks. It's healthy (unless you're talking about the kind smothered in butter/salt/caramel,etc.) so why give it up?

    Popcorn is the best because it takes so long to eat but it's not a million calories.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    Unless you have problems with your teeth.... what's the problem.

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