Ah, popcorn. Nothing like that warm bag of buttery popcorn, with its unique aroma enticing us to enjoy the initial crunch, then that slow melting sensation. It’s a movie food, a party food, a fun food, and generally considered light and healthy.

Well, there’s a healthier version of everything, as I like to say. Popcorn purchased at the movies is generally made with cheap vegetable oils, dosed with cheap butter alternatives, and topped with refined salt or sugar. Not healthy at all.

How about microwaveable popcorn? Not much better: in fact, sometimes worse as it can contain partially hydrogenated oils (read ‘trans fats’ – one of the top foods we should all avoid), along with preservatives and artificial flavours.

However, there is a really healthy, economical, easy and fun version you can enjoy – simply pop your own corn kernels at home. Using healthy coconut or olive oil heated in a pot, throw in a generous handful of corn kernels, place the lid on tightly, and watch the little seeds pop into fluffy, healthy, fresh, delicious popcorn! The beauty of this is you control what, and how much, is added to flavour the snack to your liking, and there are many different ways as outlined below.

First, a few popcorn facts:

• Popcorn is high in fibre, and low in fat – not necessarily packed with nutrients, but you can make it so, by topping with healthy spices and condiments.

• A lot of corn is GMO (highest GMO food), so buy organic kernels – they are still cheap at a few dollars a bag, which will last many months; a fraction of what you would pay at the movies.

• Microwaveable popcorn often contains trans-fats, along with other undesirable additives.

• It’s fun, easy and cheap to pop your own, and kids love it.

• To keep it healthy, use an air popper, or pop in a heavy pot with a secure lid, in a little olive or coconut oil.

Here are eight ways to enjoy healthy popcorn:

1. Sweetly Spiced

Popped with coconut oil, add:

• Five Spice powder

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Ground cloves

• Powdered ginger

• Or any mix of the above

2. Salted Chocolate

• Chocolate nibs with a little sea salt

3. Sweet And Sticky

• Toss with a little melted butter and maple syrup or honey

4. Savoury Spiced

Popped with olive oil, add:

• Ground cumin

• Paprika

• Turmeric

• Cardamom

• Cayenne pepper

• Or any mix of the above

5. With Greens

Popped with olive oil, add any combo of:

• Dried oregano

• Dried rosemary

• Basil

• Thyme

• Cilantro

6. Cheesy And Hot

Popped with olive oil:

• Dust with finely grated parmesan and black pepper

7. Omega 3 Boost

Popped with coconut oil, add:

• Ground flax seeds

• Chia seeds

• Chopped walnuts

• Drizzle with a healthy flax seed or walnut oil

8. Simplicity

Enjoy it simply popped with a little Celtic or Himalayan salt.

TIP: Movie popcorn is so unhealthy, expensive and oversized. Make your own instead – let the kids choose and ‘dress’ accordingly, and place in paper lunchbags to grab and go!

Visit the Health & Vitality page to find out more about Liza's business.

_{This article was originally published on Health and Vitality blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author. 
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit: Popcorn in a Bowl from Shutterstock}

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