Somewhere during the fat-free craze of the late 1980s, popcorn was granted “healthy food” status because it’s naturally fat-free and low-calorie. Big mistake!
We feed corn to pigs and cattle to fatten them up quickly and cheaply. And yet, we eat the same food and call it a healthy snack. Something just doesn't add up…
Strike One
Since the 80s, research has proven that eating plenty of healthy fats actually helps with weight loss, as well as lowering your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.1 Popcorn definitely isn’t a win there.
Strike Two
Then comes the fact that corn is all starch – it's a grain, not a vegetable! Corn has been linked to increased chances of digestive issues, insulin resistance, and some types of cancer. None for me, thanks!
Strike Three
Finally, popcorn is one of those snacks that seems so innocent, it’s easy to down a whole bowl in one sitting. A few minutes of absent-minded munching, and you’ve suddenly eaten all three servings from the bag and sent your body a serious message.
Remember, food is information. When you snack on popcorn, you’re telling your body to store more fat and send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride.
Popcorn is out!
Three strikes against popcorn, and it’s officially out! However, there are still plenty of yummy alternatives that only take minutes to make and will fill you up with healthy, energizing nutrients. Recipes for five of my favorites:
1. Kale Chips with Cumin and Sea Salt – They taste so good, you won’t even notice you’re eating your greens!
2. Garlic Hummus with Lentil Chips – If you’ve never tasted homemade hummus, you’re in for a treat. It has a depth and richness all its own, and it’s so quick and easy to make.
3. Freeze-Dried Fruit, Nut, and Seed Mix – Meet trail mix done right, with freeze-dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. You’ll get plenty of vitamins, protein, and nutrients without all the sugar.
4. Fresh Fruit with Cinnamon Almond Butter – Almond butter is my weakness, and this homemade version with cinnamon and rich coconut butter is scrumptious.
5. Cacao Nib Protein Cookie Bites – These little nuggets of goodness satisfy all your cravings – sweet, chocolatey, nutty, with a bit of crunch – with all-natural ingredients and fantastic nutrition.
With so many delicious alternatives, there’s really no reason to fall into the popcorn trap. So what’s your ideal popcorn alternative? Share them with me and the rest of the community on Facebook!
*If you’re in Cycle 2 of the Sugar Impact Diet, hold off on recipes containing fruit until Cycle 3.
Article Sources:
1 http://www.dssimon.com/MM/ACP-mediteranian-diet/Mediterranean_Diet_with_No_Fat_Restrictions.pdf
