Popcorn is one of my favorite eat better snacks! Especially in the evening when I'm curled up reading a good book or catching up on a Netflix show...
Air popped popcorn makes a great anytime snack that won't sabotage your health and weight loss goals. And you can top it in a fun variety of ways - from sweet to salty, savory and spicy and everything in between!
One of my favorite ways to make popcorn more fun is by using different spices and flavors, like cinnamon, nutritional yeast and a few carob chips.
BONUS: spices are an easy, affordable, and low calorie way to enhance popcorn flavor!
Did you know... 1 C of air popped popcorn has just 31 calories, 1 gram of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 1gram of fiber? That means you can enjoy 3 or 4 cups of popcorn and still come in under 150 calories. Hello healthier snacking!
While I recommend air popping your kernels (or investing in a microwave air popper), there are a few store bought options that keep their ingredients pretty clean too. The key is to read those nutrition labels, noting the fat, salt and even sugar content.
Remember, when looking at pre-packaged options, just because something says "low-fat" or "low-calorie" doesn't mean it's the healthier option.
Here are a few fun recipe ideas to get you started:
Savory Seasonings
The "Italians": oregano, fennel, red pepper flakes, marjoram, and basil tossed with olive oil
"Simon & Garfunkel": parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme tossed with olive oil
Garlic powder tossed with a bit of melted butter or olive oil
Curry powder tossed with coconut oil
Smoked paprika tossed with olive oil
A packet of ranch dressing tossed with or olive oil (you won't need much, just a tsp can go a long way!)
Truffle oils (use sparingly)
Cheesy & Salty Seasonings
Sprinkle on 1 - 2 teaspoons of nutritional yeast for a rich and cheesy flavor
1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese (comes in around 23 calories), tossed with butter or olive oil
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and pesto tossed with olive oil
Japanese furikake seasonings tossed with olive oil
Flavored sea salts tossed with olive oil
The Sweets
Cinnamon & sugar: mix with 1 teaspoon melted unsalted butter or coconut oil and sprinkle on cinnamon and sugar (or sugar substitute) and toss to coat.
Maple drizzle: mix together 1 teaspoon melted butter with 1 teaspoon syrup and toss to coat.
Chocolate lovers: sprinkle 1 Tablespoon carob chips or mini dark chocolate chips while popcorn is hot and toss to coat.
Pro Tip: throw some popped kernels with your favorite spices and seasonings in a paper bag and shake it up to coat well. You can also add a teaspoon or so of olive or coconut oil to help the spices stick.
Happy Snacking!
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