Few people realize that popcorn is 100% whole grain and a good source of fiber. Air-popped, microwaved and traditionally popped versions are the best. Go easy, adding salt and melted butter.
Movie theater popcorn can turn a healthy choice into a calorie, sodium and fat tsunami. An extra-large bucket, topped with salt and butter can have over 1,000 calories with enough saturated fat for a day. In addition to the melted butter, many theaters use coconut oil, high in saturated fat, as their popping oil.
Most brands of ready-to-eat popcorn are low in fat. Three cups of plain popcorn has less than 100 calories. If you buy cheese on candy coated varieties, check the nutrition label to see how much extra fat or sugar these additions add. Oil popped has about 50 calories a cup. Add caramel coating and one cup can have over 150 calories.
