I recently discovered something truly amazing – how to make my own healthy microwave popcorn using organic kernels and a brown paper lunch bag. Trust me. This is really exciting for all the health-conscious popcorn lovers out there.
I used to buy the light butter microwave popcorn because I thought it was healthy. Unfortunately, the more I learn about nutrition, the more foods I used to buy no longer make the cut.
Packaged microwave popcorn (even the organic type) contains bad fats, butter flavor (chemicals) and a waxy chemical lining in the bag. Did you ever feel like there was a film on the roof of your mouth after eating microwave popcorn? Not good.
I consider popcorn to be a healthy choice when it comes to snacks. It’s perfect when you’re craving a salty snack, but want to avoid all the calories and fat from chips. Popcorn is low in calories, a whole grain, gluten-free, and a great source of fiber, protein and antioxidants. That being said, make sure you always buy organic kernels to ensure that it’s not GMO (genetically modified).
So how do you get all the health benefits of popcorn without all the bad fats and chemicals? It’s simple:
- Buy brown paper bags and organic popcorn kernels. (You can buy a big jar for $5 at Shopper’s Drug Mart.)
- Fill your brown bag with ¼ cup of organic kernels and ½ tsp of grapeseed oil.
- Fold down the top of the paper bag a few times until it’s almost folded to the bottom. (It will unfold a bit in the microwave so you want to make sure it doesn’t unfold completely.)
- Microwave for 2 minutes or until there is a few seconds between pops.
- Pour into bowls, sprinkle with sea salt and ENJOY!
You can now enjoy truly healthy popcorn and you’ll save money!
You’re welcome.
Possible toppings:
Traditional: 1 tsp melted butter and sea salt.
Cheesy: 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for healthy, cheese-flavoured popcorn. Nutritional yeast is also high in B vitamins, protein and fiber!
Sweet and Salty: drizzle with 1 tsp real maple syrup and sprinkle with sea salt.
http://theotherbigo.ca/2012/05/01/gm-foods-another-reason-to-buy-organic/
(GM Foods)
http://theotherbigo.ca/2012/11/18/healthy-mac-and-cheese/ (Nutritional Yeast info)
