Popcorn as a snack?

determined2lose89

I've developed a new popcorn snacking habit. I've been buying those 100 calorie microwave bags. *Apparently* the chemicals in them can cause cancer so I've been considering just making my own air-popped popcorn. My main question is, I can have a pretty decent portion of popcorn for 100 calories but is it a wasted 100 calories considering there's little nutritional value? Just looking for thoughts/opinions.

Thanks :flowerforyou:

BCSMama

I think as long as you're eating a pretty decent diet with other healthy foods, popcorn is a great snack. I eat popcorn at least once a week and use the air popper and 1-2 sprays of butter flavored spray, a little salt and pepper.

sarahisme18

I think popcorn is great—especially if you pop bulk kernels instead of those bags with yucky chemicals. I actually put 1/4 cup in a paper bag, fold the top two times, put upright in the microwave for 3 min until it stops, and voila! I don't used butter spray—I just melt a 1/2 tbsp butter and pour it over with a little salt. Last week I used olive oil spray instead and added pepper—tasted just like salt and pepper chips!!!

I think it is a good whole grain snack, and actually has a lot of benefits including antioxidants. Might not be lots of protein, so make sure you're filling that gap with other things. But as far as 100 cal snacks go, it's a good choice!

palmerig88

I don't see popcorn as little nutritional value. It is satisfying and a good source of fiber.

EndlessSacrifice

I've developed a new popcorn snacking habit. I've been buying those 100 calorie microwave bags. *Apparently* the chemicals in them can cause cancer so I've been considering just making my own air-popped popcorn. My main question is, I can have a pretty decent portion of popcorn for 100 calories but is it a wasted 100 calories considering there's little nutritional value? Just looking for thoughts/opinions.

Thanks :flowerforyou:

Popcorn has lots of fiber, and you can eat a lot of it for a small amount of calories. It's a good snack.

MinnieInMaine

The cancer thing is inconclusive from what I've heard and read. Some claim it's still an issue and the FDA needs to crack down, some claim consumer's are fine as long as they're not eating a ton of the stuff and especially not inhaling the fumes from the bags. I would either do some more research or, as you said, air pop your own at home.

As long as it's not slathered in butter and salt, popcorn is a great snack and very nutritious. It's whole grain, low calorie and even has antioxidants!

For more flavor, go with spices - pie spice, italian herb blends or even chipotle if you like hot/smoky. Or even sprinkle on some cheese! Yum!

KeriW626

I think as long as you're eating a pretty decent diet with other healthy foods, popcorn is a great snack. I eat popcorn at least once a week and use the air popper and 1-2 sprays of butter flavored spray, a little salt and pepper.

I think this is a great idea, and recently dug out my hot air popper... who knew we would have a need for those all these years later.. mines been put up for like 10 yrs. lol I use I cannot believe its butter. yum yum

MissNations

Other toppings:

garlic salt + rosemary

taco seasoning mix

Personally I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE to sprinkle on some Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk seasoning mix

DannPM31

Most of the general grocery store is GMO corn. I'd seek an certified organic brand and air-pop it.

gingerveg

I eat popcorn with braggs aminos on it--major yum!

lisaann1061

I'm obsessed with popcorn! Low cal, lots of fiber, and I recently read it has a lot of antioxidants. I bought through Crate and Barrel a 3 minute air popping machine . It is SO great - uses no oil.
For toppings I love Nutritional Yeast. Grapeseed oil is so good ( if I have the calories to spare)

bradphil87

I'm weird and find popcorn tasty with a hot sauce called tapitillo... It's amazing tho lol

ThereOnceWasAUnionMaid

I think popcorn is a great snack! It's filling and fun and feels like a junk food but since it's got so much fiber it can really fill you up. I like to pop mine in a paper bag in the microwave and then add about 1tsp of melted butter, some parmesan cheese, cayenne & chopped garlic to it. Makes it super tasty!

tjham1

I've had 100 calories of popcorn almost every night for the last 8 months and have still lost 47 lbs. I used to buy the bags but then I found an air popper at a thrift store for $499 and started using it! I also use a small amount of real butter if I have the calories to spare and if I don't, I use the ICBINB spray.

How do I get my weight loss ticker to show up here?

NaturallyOlivia

I was actually wondering the same thing.tosay snce its easy for me to grab and take to work for my break; good to know!

lorettaasmith

I couldn't live without popcorn. It is cheap, easy and filling, has lots of fiber and can satisfy the salty, crunchy urges. If I am in my office, I'll throw a bag in the microwave. At home, I air pop it and add a little olive oil spray, fresh ground pepper and sea salt. Yummy!

SideSteel

If you're talking about the effects from diacetyl in the butter flavoring, the studies were showing harmful effects on employees who worked around the fumes for 8 hour shifts. Keeping dosage and context in mind, I really wouldn't worry about the effects of ingesting it in moderation much in the same way that I wouldn't worry about aspartame from my "few cans per week" habit of diet soda.

I would however, suggest not inhaling fake butter for hours on end.

Audiejude

Go for it, just because it's not high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and Iron doesn't mean it isn't high in unlisted nutrients.
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/snacks/5356/2

miracle4me

Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks. The popcorn is popped on top of the stove in 1 Tbls of coconut oil. When served 1 TBLS of Barlean's virgin Coconut oil to sub for butter. I sprinkle lightly with pink himalayan salt. The Coconut oil is a good source of fat and other nutrients and good for the thyroid and speeding up metabolism. Coconut oil never goes to fat it is used as energy going directly to the liver so I do not count the coconut oil in my calories. You can if you chooose to do so, but I have been told it is not necessary to do so.

The Popcorn does not taste like Coconuts it has a rich buttery flavor. I open up 2 capsules of Natures bounty 2000 mgs of cinnamon/chrominum picanate.(Cinnamon is said to help with weight loss, speeds up metabolism, very healthy spice) Lastly I add a small pkg of nunaturals nu-stevia and shake the bowl. I this sweet,spicy,salty combination and it is very healthy for me. I can eat a large bowl that is full of fiber and filling. I worry whether my popcorn is GMO and trying to find a organic brand I can buy from Europe. If anyone has a suggestion of organic popcorn please let us know.

dr2k12

I eat a 100% calorie bag almost every night

ElizaRoche

I'm weird and find popcorn tasty with a hot sauce called tapitillo... It's amazing tho lol

lemon and tapatio!!... mmmmmm

DBiddle69

I eat ACT II Butter Flavor (63 calories per bag)....and sometimes I have been known to have three per day!!!

miadhail

bah, everything causes cancer lately. so, just enjoy your lives, eat what you want (in moderation of course) and make sure to be physically active and you should be alright! I love popcorn too, microwavable or not. somehow popcorn from the cinemas are amazingly delicious.. lol.

judychicken

bump

HawtTamale

I LOVE POPCORN!!

I too make it on the stove with coconut oil (but I count it...the calories in oil aren't cheap, but the oil itself is EXTREMELY healthy for you). The idea of paperbag in the microwave is brilliant and I am definitely going to try it.

Keep on with the popcorn if it helps keep you on track. It's definitely one of the better choices for a savoury snack out there.

/hugs

mamalangz8

I was going to say the exact same thing! Look out for GMO corn... or anything GMO.

amruden

Air popcorn ...so good. Of helps with my mindless must eat feeling.

I like a little powered sugar or parmesan cheese. Even toss mini chocolate chips in when still warm.

Mmm....

Good good.

sweetchildomine

I feel like almost everything causes cancer these days lol. I'm just gonna have to take my chances on this one because I have ZERO self control lol

VelociMama

You can get a container of plain popping kernels and do it in the microwave yourself. Just use a brown paper bag and put about 3 tbsp of kernels in there, fold over the top, and microwave 2:30 to 3:00 until it's done but not burnt. It makes a big bag of it, and it's only 120 calories.

Monami12

good snack but is better plain ..little bit salt

NatashaShen

I love my air popper, though it is a bit loud. I have all those popcorn sprinkle seasoning and they only add 5 calories for my whole bowl. Awesome snack!