Air Popping
Why would you bother with air popping when there are so many brands of microwave popcorn on the market? Here is the simplest answer: fat and calories, not to mention salt and other nasty ingredients. People, especially women, who eat foods that are high in sodium, tend to gain weight faster than those who eat less sodium. The problem with sodium laden foods is not only the food itself but the fact that it tends to cause cravings for more and more salty foods. They also tend to make people reach for high calorie beverages as well. Even when people choose diet sodas to quench their thirst, they may be causing serious metabolic problems.
Popcorn has long been considered a staple of the diet, a “safer” snacking choice for virtually any dieting plan. While that is true, there are some serious caveats to keep in mind. Not all popcorn is created equally. Microwave popcorn, while very simple to use and fast to make can be loaded with oil, artificial flavors and worst of all, salt. The more flavors you add in, the higher the calorie count may become. Plain, popcorn with just a small dusting of salt is good, popcorn covered in caramel, cheese or tons to butter is not.
Air popped popcorn is not only low in calories but a beneficial snack. It is filling and high in fiber. Since it is a snack food, it does not feel like you are being deprived at all. Fiber has the advantage of filling you up without filling you out. You eat less without feeling empty all of the time. Fiber is also vital to help keep your system regular, cleaning up some of the cholesterol in the body.
You can also use your own popcorn as a take along snack. You can’t pack a bag of microwave popcorn to the park or out on the bike trail but you can bring a little bag of air popped popcorn with you wherever you are going. You can also pack your own lightly seasoned, air popped popcorn to take along to work so that you can avoid the lure of the vending machine. Let everyone else eat the potato chips and other fattening snacks.
Dieters can quit in disgust simply because they feel so deprived all of the time. They may see everyone else happily snacking along and become frustrated. There are snacks that they can eat, but sometimes you just crave a little bit of salt. Air popping some popcorn can give you that salty taste without all of the calories and unnatural ingredients that can derail all of your dieting progress.
