Will eating popcorn derail your diet?

Some people believe that popcorn is loaded in fat and bad for you, while others are under the impression that it’s actually quite healthy. Let’s take a closer look…

One of the best things about going to the movies is munching on that delicious flavoured popcorn and slurping a cool drink. The same goes for plopping on your couch at home and getting all comfy with a big bowl filled with popcorn.

There’s just one problem: that bucket of movie popcorn or a packet of salt and vinegar popcorn is simply no good for you.

Consider that a large bucket of popcorn at the movies contains a total of about 1 200 calories - which is equal to what an average woman on a diet would eat for threemeals. Then it’s easy to see what all the fuss is about.

So does that mean that we should shelve eating this yummy snack altogether then?

Absolutely not!

Make your own popcorn

If you want to stick to a healthy eating plan or if you’re trying to lose weight, simply cut out the ready-made popcorn. This means movie popcorn and the popcorn you find prepackaged in the supermarkets. You can have popcorn, simply make your own.

Did you know that popcorn is in actual fact very high in fibre? This makes it a low-calorie food that can help to control hunger. 

The trick is to not overdo it as a snack. If you can, invest in an air popper to make the popcorn as this drastically cuts down on calories. 

Another way to make a healthier version of popcorn is to pop half a cup of kernels on the stove in a little olive oil. Just be careful with the oil as this tends to quickly up the amount of calories. 

Some popcorn brands in supermarkets such as the WeighLess brand have less sodium and fat than their competition, so if you don’t want to cook your own make sure to check the labels for the lowest fat and sodium option available.

Popcorn can be good for you or it can be bad for you. It all depends on how you prepare or make it, what other ingredients are included (sodium, butter, etc.), and how much - and how often - you consume it. So sit back and enjoy a movie night at home with some home-made popcorn or a low-fat brand and you’ll have nothing to feel guilty about!

Recommended reading: Go big on breakfast for easy weight loss

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