Training & Nutrition - Microwave popcorn?

What's the bad thing about microwave popcorn? I like the ACT II Butter Lovers, but I know anything that good has got to be bad.
I'm in the obese category and I'm starting to ride again. I have committed to changing my diet but want to keep some things that might not be so bad. The popcorn seems like the lowest in Calories among the "snack" I have come to like over time.
The Nutrition information says its only 30 cals per cup popped?

Most have trans fats, which is the worst kind. "Smart Balance" doesn't.

ACT II Butter Lovers - Costco $6 per case

0 Trans Fats
30 cals per cup popped
15 cals from fat
9g total fat
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 400mg
Potassium 70mg
Total Carbs 19g
Fiber 3g
Protein 2g

If you buy plain popcorn (plain unpopped bulk kernels for example), it's actually not all that bad for you. Just scoop some into a brown paper lunch bag and throw them in the microwave...no need for added oils or anything. It's low in calories and a whole grain.

If you buy plain popcorn (plain unpopped bulk kernels for example), it's actually not all that bad for you. Just scoop some into a brown paper lunch bag and throw them in the microwave...no need for added oils or anything. It's low in calories and a whole grain.

Chuckling... because I know you are right, but I was thinking that I might as well eat the bag! :lol:

My mom just threw out an old air popper. Damn I should have snagged that.

If it's too bland for you, get one of those olive oil non-stick sprays and mist the popcorn (lightly), and then sprinkle some chili powder or something over it. Or throw some natural peanut butter in the microwave to soften it up, and eat it like that. The protein/good fats will help fill you up.

http://www.newmansownorganics.com/food_pops.html#
This is your next best choice. Not as healthy as plain popcorn, but not terrible either. Maybe go with light butter...it's fairly low in saturated fat (though higher in carbs than the normal butter, but it's not like it's sugar carbs, and carbs aren't bad on their own).

it's also not so much the calories per serving you should look at, but the calories per bag. I don't know anyone who eats part of a bag of popcorn. Even so, definitely not the worst snack.

it's also not so much the calories per serving you should look at, but the calories per bag. I don't know anyone who eats part of a bag of popcorn. Even so, definitely not the worst snack.

Just doing a quick Google I found this reference article which states that the ACT II is about 180 Cals per bag. However they don't add up the fat etc. for the whole bag either.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb182/is_1_42/ai_n29286066/?tag=content;col1

As you can see I really want to keep this on my plan, but I may have to relinquish it to something lighter as air-pop.

Just doing a quick Google I found this reference article which states that the ACT II is about 180 Cals per bag. However they don't add up the fat etc. for the whole bag either.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb182/is_1_42/ai_n29286066/?tag=content;col1

As you can see I really want to keep this on my plan, but I may have to relinquish it to something lighter as air-pop.

Instead of essentially empty calories for the popcorn, you may consider switching over to fruits or uncooked vegies (like carrots, celery, etc) for snacks. These have calories but they have nutrition also.

Good luck on the weight loss plan!

If you don't want to do a bag, this works well. I've used this for several years and can definately recommend it. You can also eat our of a bowl instead of a bag. Makes life more refined.

http://www.nordicware.com/store/products/detail/popcorn-popper/2265E7B0-7C89-102A-B382-0002B3267AD7

It works great with no oil, a little oil or drowned. Your preference.

Air popped FTW. My favorite is a 0 calorie spray with splenda and cinnamon.
You can also use olive oil and whatever topping you want.
It is easier to make just a couple cups instead of a whole bag. Toss in a tablespoon into the air popper and away you go.
You can find an air popper for $20-$30 from walmart or target.
One additional interesting thing, I trust my five year old to make air popped popcorn with minimal supervision. Him operating the microwave is not a good idea.

Chemical in microwave popcorn could pose health risk.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3179470

Air popped FTW.

I agree, when at home. (I've never owned a microwave oven) But while at work the microwave is the only way.

Even at work you can improve it.
Something like this:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/plain-brown-popper-recipe/index.html

it's also not so much the calories per serving you should look at, but the calories per bag. I don't know anyone who eats part of a bag of popcorn. Even so, definitely not the worst snack.


Its only 150 calories a bag you can't beat popcorn for a snack + the fiber is high another good + . If your riding a LOT and counting calories normaly you can fit that in nicely IMHO ymmv......:thumb: