Is Popcorn Healthy?
If you live anywhere that has brutal cold winters like me then being cozy on the couch for a movie night in is a must! One of the challenging things about winter though is staying home, being bored and the snack cabinet calling your name.
If you struggle with boredom eating or want warm and cozy snacks to fill up your winter days stock your pantry with that are mostly healthy items you can reach for alongside that 1 really favorite snack (like oreos) so you have options.
Popcorn is perfect to stock the pantry for the winter and for movie night in. And the good news— YES it can be healthy! Enjoy 3 cups of popcorn and get a nice little fiber boost- 3 grams! Keep in mind that butter, salt and even sugar can be used in large amounts for many popcorns on the shelf, so opt for low butter/salt/low sugar options or start from scratch to make your own at home to add your own flavorings/seasonings.
Looking at added sugar on foods: aim for 5% DV (daily value) or less per serving on the food label
Women should aim to consume <25 grams of added sugar per day
Men should aim to consume <36 grams of added sugar per day
Looking at sodium content on foods: daily recommended amount is 2,300mg per day
With this daily recommended amount in mind notice how your packaged and processed foods can contribute to your daily sodium amount very quickly. With the Standard American Diet we get plenty of sodium in our diet and most Americans are significantly exceed recommendations. Eating too much sodium can raise your blood pressure or cause swelling.
If you have been advised by your doctor to reduce your sodium intake then you’ll want to pay even closer attention to your food labels.
My favorite way to enjoy popcorn is preparing a mini microwaveable bag, add it to a bowl and top with chocolate chips or m&m’s when I really want something salty & sweet.
Explore your options next time you’re at the grocery store to keep popcorn stocked in your pantry for a crunch snack that can be salty, sweet or both!
Happy Snacking,
Lauren