Popcorn

Cheesy popcorn, buttery popcorn, salty popcorn.... all of the above please! Do you crave popcorn when you go to the movies or watch a movie at home or just hungry at the office and need a snack? I do. Like really do. When I started to be conscious of what I eat, my gut sank thinking I had to cut this out all together. 

As it turns out, popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks. YES, you heard me right!! HEALTHY! Do you know why? 

1. Polyphenols, which have numerous health benefits, including the prevention of degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. 
2. Whole grains, which contains healthy oils, vitamin E, protein, and many B vitamins and minerals.
3. Fiber. Popcorn has about 4 grams of dietary fiber for every 4 cups of popcorn! A good fiber intake helps you stay regular, lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce blood cholesterol, and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar.

Although I keep saying, "popcorn is healthy so eat it!," you have to be careful of all the extras that are known to be on popcorn: butter, caramel, cheese, kettle corn, microwaves, oils, etc. 

The healthy alternatives: make it yourself! Stay away from the microwave boxes. Use an air popper, or pop with oil and season with sea salt or a very SMALL amount of butter, if you don't like it plain. 

Autumn Calabrese's 21 Day Fix popcorn hack: 

1. Drizzle extra virgin coconut oil on air popped popcorn. 
2. Mix.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Mix again. 

21 Day Fix containers: 1 yellow.

Enjoy!

- SY