I LOVE POPCORN

i love popcorn .

Oh my golly, I love popcorn. So far, I said that 3 times before even really starting this post! LOL. Well then, I knew I always loved popcorn, no matter where it came from: Microwave, Movie Theatres, a friend's house at a sleepover, you name it! But to find out that popcorn is actually good for you?! That is music to my ears.

Health Benefits

Why you too, should love popcorn =

• Many vitamins & antioxidants (maybe even more than fruit!)
• Low in calories and good to carb hunger pangs (1 cup of air-popped popcorn is only 16 calories and 0.2g of fat!! ..Although the oil used to pop the popcorn adds to these numbers)
• Enough fiber to make you feel fuller, longer.. unlike diving into a bag of fatty chips which doesn't make you full at all!
• Less than 2min to make and very cheap
• You determine what goes on the popcorn so you can control the salt/fat level

Check out this site for more info!

Popcorn Don'ts

As much as these are good benefits, there are ways you can turn popcorn to an unhealthy snack.

• Don't pour butter over it (too much fat)
• Don't douse in salt (too much sodium)
• Don't buy microwave popcorn (chemicals, fat, AND sodium)
• Don't use popcorn seasoning (too much sodium and artificial flavours/colours) 

How to Cook Your Popcorn

DO NOT USE MICROWAVE POPCORN. Please pop your own popcorn or else this post will have done nothing for you. Trust me, microwave tastes the best sometimes because it comes hot and buttery. But it's the same as buying a McDonald's burger instead of making one on your own. I can guarantee that popping your own popcorn can be as quick as, if not quicker than, throwing a bag in the microwave. Simplest way is to buy an air popper (less effort), but if not.. For the stove top, this is what you need for 1 serving:

• Popcorn pot (I bought my Whirley Pop at Walmart for ~$25)
• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1/4 gourmet popping corn (I use ORVILLE REDENBACHER'S ~$5) 

1. Pour the oil and kernels into the pot
2. Stir around and place the pot on the stove with high heat
3. Turn the crank at a moderate pace and don't stop until you hear the "POPPING" slow down (only takes about 2min.. listen carefully and pay attention as it can burn pretty quick)
4. Pour the popcorn out immediately into a big bowl, add your toppings and enjoy!

How to Top Your Popcorn

Best way to keep popcorn healthy is to steer away from added butter and salt. Instead of adding butter, try melting a tbsp of coconut oil in the microwave for 20sec and pour that over. Instead of adding salt, try flavouring with seasonings like chilli powder, cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, and others that add a healthy value. I personally always top off my popcorn with chilli powder but I look to explore with more flavours like making a better version of sweet kettlecorn microwave popcorn that I used to adore so much. Add whatever toppings you feel like: maybe drizzle some chocolate and add peanuts if you're feeling adventurous. Also look into making popcorn balls by checking out this recipe here.

Go make some popcorn now, like right right now. All pleasure and no guilt.