One of the biggest challenges to healthy eating is between-meal snacking. Popcorn, a whole grain food that's low in calories and fat, is a great snack food idea that's economical and also fun to eat.
One cup of popped popcorn, eaten plain, contains:
- 24 calories
- 1 gram of protein
- 6 grams carbohydrates
- 1 gram fiber
Keeping healthy snacks on hand is important for the whole family, especially with childhood obesity on the rise.
"Popcorn is one of the best snack foods around. It's low in calories and high in fiber which makes it a healthy, nutritious choice for between-meal snacking for kids and adults," says Elizabeth M. Ward, registered dietitian and author of The Pocket Idiot's Guide to the New Food Pyramids.
Sprinkling popcorn with herbs or other seasonings is a fun way to add flavor without adding extra fat and calories. Children love to mix and match a variety of flavors to create their own healthy popcorn creations.
Ideas include:
- Spray popcorn with low-fat cooking oil such as Kernel Season's Popcorn Spritzer, sprinkle with Kernel Season's toppings such as flavors as White Cheddar, Nacho Chedder, Butter, Ranch and Kettle Corn.
- Add raisins and dried fruits for variation on trail mix.
- Sprinkle popcorn with Kernel Season's Chocolate Marshmallow flavor to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate.li>
- Consider popcorn as a healthy alternative to more fattening desserts by adding Kernel Season's Apple Cinnamon, Caramel or Kettle Corn flavors.
Because popcorn is a good source of fiber it provides many health benefits and is often recommended by health and medical associations including The National Cancer Institute, The American Dietetic Association and The American Dental Association.
Popcorn is healthy for the wallet, too. One cup of plain popcorn costs only pennies. (For example, Kernel Season's popcorn costs between 12-14 cents per cup).
Kick off the new school year with healthy eating habits that are easy and fun.
Kernel Season's makes the number one popcorn seasoning in the country which may be purchased for home use at grocery stores across America, including Wal-Mart, Target, K Mart, Blockbuster Video, Safeway and Food Lion and can be purchased online at www.NoMoreNakedPopcorn.com.
