Snacking is a real threat to weight gain and loss. The right snack can be the difference between gaining and losing weight. Plain popcorn with sea salt can be a game changer.
Popcorn helps you lose weight
Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories,” says Caroline West Passerrello, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For example, 3 cups of air-popped popcorn total just 110 calories and 1 gram of fat, Passerrello says. Don’t overdo popcorn by adding sugars, fats and bad salt. Keep it simple and plain.
It can keep your blood sugar in check
Unhealthy snacks can cause a sharp rise in your levels of blood sugar. Popcorn scores well in the category of snack, especially in comparison to other snacks. Air-popped popcorn has a glycemic index score of 55.
It’s a whole grain
Popcorn is a whole grain. This means each kernel contains the bran, germ and endosperm. When dieting, the body needs whole grain. Popcorn is a perfect whole grain. “At least half of our grains each day should be whole grains,” Passerrello says. A single serving of popcorn has about 70 percent of the recommended daily intake of whole grain, according to the USDA.
It’s full of vitamins and minerals
Surprisingly, that little kernel of popcorn contains a wealth of hidden nutrition. Popcorn contains about 8 percent of your daily value of iron, according to the USDA.
Other minerals found in popcorn include:
- Calcium
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
Popcorn also contains many vitamins, including:
- Vitamins B6, A, E and K
- Folate
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Pantothenic acid
- It may prevent disease, and boost your eyesight.
Eating popcorn has been linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease, according to the USDA. That’s because the hull contains polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Popcorn hulls also contain beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, all of which can boost the health of your eyes. The battle against weight gain is endless. Unhealthy snacking is one of the leading causes of weight gain. Popcorn, in its natural state, help prevent weight gain. You can win “The Battle of the Bulge!” Healthy snacking is just one tool that can set you on the path to massive weight loss. Learn more by enrolling in our Six Week Weight loss program. Lose weight without starving! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
