Email This Article
Popcorn: don’t we love it?
I hope your popcorn passion isn’t inspired by its rep as a good “diet” food, because – sorry – it really isn’t. Corn is not a vegetable, but a high glycemic grain. Essentially, most popcorn is a lot of starchy carbs and unhealthy fat. And if it’s from a microwave bag or a movie theatre concession, it’s definitely not healthy.
But we luurrvve! popcorn. So how can we make it a healthy, balanced treat?
Why, just follow my recipe, of course! I’m all about modifying what we enjoy to make it work as part of a healthy diet. The secret with popcorn is to make it yourself with an air popper, adding healthy fat and some protein to keep it more balanced nutritionally. And of course I recommend using organic popcorn.
Pumpkin or sunflower seeds mix well with popcorn, and add the protein you need to make it more balanced. Use healthy fats and an air popper and you’ve got a snack that meets my “virtuous indulgence” criteria.
Recipe:
Use raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds, about a half cup, and heat them in a small dry saute pan on low for a few minutes.
Add spices. My favorite combination is cumin seeds, curry powder, red pepper, and Himalyan salt, but there are many mixes that work: Italian seasonings like oregano, thyme and basil; cinnamon or fennel if you like a slightly sweeter flavor; or use packaged dry herb mixes like Mexican, Indian or Thai. When the mix is aromatic, and the seeds are slightly crunchy, add some healthy oil: coconut, walnut, grapeseed, or olive are great. You can also add in a little ghee, or butter from pasture fed cows. Just let everything melt and mix together, then remove from heat.
Air poppers are easy, simple, and cheap. I’ve had mine for at least 15 years and it’s still going strong. It’s a lot like this one.
Let it run for a minute to heat up, then add your popcorn and a big bowl under the chute. Spoon in the seed and oil mix as the bowl fills up. Stir. Enjoy!
Fran Sussman has been in holistic care since 1988 and in private practice since 1993. Apart from one-on-one consulting, Fran is sought after as a speaker, workshop leader and meditation teacher. She writes a column on Holistic Health for The Times Herald Record, and has been featured frequently in Natural Awakenings magazine. Read more »
