One Healthy Snack...

Can also be a diet disaster!!

So what is it? In the December 2009 issue of Nutrition Action Health Letter, The Center For Science in the Public Interest devotes it's cover article to movie theater popcorn.

Before we get into the jaw-dropping facts, I want to say that I love popcorn. Actually, it can be a very healthy snack that can satisfy any salt craving.

The popcorn board says, "Did you know that popcorn is among the healthiest and tastiest snacks around? It's a whole grain food that's low in calories and fat and it's a complex carbohydrate."

Well...of course they are going to say that! They're the Popcorn Board. But, unlike the Corn Refiner's Association who states that, "High Fructose corn syrup is 'natural' because it's made from corn and like sugar, is fine in moderation." (Um hello...American's don't consume ANYTHING in moderation!!!) - The Popcorn Board has their facts straight.

• Corn IS a whole grain...therefore, it's high in fiber
• Popcorn itself IS low in fat and calories (2 cups is about 80 calories)
• Popcorn IS a healthy and tasty snack

However, all these BENEFITS can be undone if you get your popcorn at the movie theater. Here's why...

• Most theaters pop their corn in coconut oil or other hydrogenated oils. Both, are directly linked to heart disease. Cinemark does use a non-hydrogenated oil, a step in the right direction.
• At Cinemark, 1 TBS of butter topping adds 130 calories, 9 grams of saturated fat, and 0.4 grams of trans fat (the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2 grams of trans fat per day...not very much!)
• At Cinemark, just a small popcorn (which some consume alone) gives you 420 calories and 690 mg of sodium.
• At Cinemark, a large (17 cups) provides 910 calories and 1,500 mg of sodium (thats a days worth for some people.) If a snack should be between 200 and 400 calories, this isn't a good one.

I'm sure you knew that the movie theaters aren't known for providing healthy snacks, but it's always eye-opening to see the info. This isn't even including the oversized sodas and giant candy boxes.

If you have to snack during the movie, do your best to sneak in some snacks. Obviously, your own air-popped popcorn is your best bet, but here are some of my favorite brands of the microwave kind...

If you can get to Trader Joes...yum, do they have a great popcorn. Whole Foods has some good brands too. If you want to make your own air-popped popcorn, try this...it's tasty!

- Drizzle plain popcorn with 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil, 1 TBS freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a dash of salt and pepper.