Is Popcorn Good for Weight Loss?
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Unhealthy snacking is one of the primary reasons for weight gain. So, most people trying to lose weight often look for healthy snacks to include in their diet.
If this is you, you may have definitely come across popcorn. Yes, that aromatic and tempting snack that fills theatres and birthday parties the moment you step foot.
In the recent past, there have been several flavours of popcorn that are available. From butter to caramel and masala, popcorn is a crowd favourite.
The question, however, remains- Is popcorn good for weight loss? Let’s find out in this blog!
080468 07733What is Popcorn?
Popcorn is prepared from a corn variety that has the tendency to pop when heated to high temperatures. And Voila! You have your popcorn.
Some variants of corn, like sweet corn, are high in carbohydrates and, therefore, calories. Others, like white corn, are rich in nutrients and lower in calories.
Nutritional Content of Popcorn
Popcorn is considered a complete cereal, and 100 g of it contains the following nutrients [As per IFCT 2017]:
Does Popcorn Have Health Benefits?
Looking at the wide array of nutrients in popcorn, one is bound to wonder- is popcorn good for weight loss, or is popcorn even healthy? The answer is a straight NO!
Popcorn is very high in calories and, therefore, can contribute to weight gain, obesity and chronic conditions that stem from these conditions.
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Is Popcorn Good for Weight Loss?
100 g Popcorn is said to give 387 calories. Yet, it is considered a good weight loss diet snack.
Confusing, right? Compared to other snacks like potato and banana chips, bhel, farsan, muthiya, and other fried snacks, popcorn is relatively low in calories. However, it is not recommended for a weight-loss diet.
If you want to include popcorn in your weight loss diet, it is best to consult your dietician to understand if it is helpful and the right quantity you should consume.
Flavours of Popcorns & Weight Loss
There are several different varieties or flavours of popcorn available. But are they healthy?
For example- is the nutritional value of buttered popcorn the same as the nutritional value of plain popcorn? The answer is a resounding No! A high-calorie snack like popcorn contributes to weight gain regardless of how you prepare it.
But still, wondering how to make popcorn for weight loss. The acceptable way to prepare popcorn is by using a microwave and adding little or no oil while cooking it. Consult with your dietician to understand the permissible amount of oil/butter you can use while preparing your popcorn.
Does the microwave popcorn nutrition vary from those cooked in a pressure cooker? Most popcorns meant to be prepared in the microwave have butter in them, making them high in calories and, therefore, causing weight gain.
FitterTake
Popcorn is considered a healthy snack. However, it is still a high-calorie food that contributes to weight gain. How you prepare popcorn also impacts its caloric value, making it unsuitable for weight loss.
It is always recommended to consult with your dietician to understand popcorn’s weight loss benefits.
Need help to manage your weight or achieve weight loss? Consult a dietician today. To learn more, speak to us or simply give us a missed call at 08046807733, and we will reach out to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best popcorn for weight loss?
Plain microwave-cooked popcorn may be the best way to prepare your snack. However, always consult your dietician before adding new food to your weight loss diet.
Is popcorn good for weight loss at night?
Consuming any food post-bedtime, including popcorn, can result in weight gain. Therefore, avoid eating popcorn at night if you are aiming to lose weight.
What is the best time to eat popcorn for weight loss?
Popcorn makes for an excellent snack and, therefore, can be eaten between meals to prevent unhealthy snacking and binge eating.
Is butter popcorn good for weight loss?
Adding butter to popcorn increases the caloric value of the snack. For this reason, it is not recommended to be added to a weight loss diet.
Is caramel popcorn good for weight loss?
Caramel popcorn is sweet and prepared by tossing popcorn in caramel. Doing so increases the caloric value of the snack, making it unsuitable for weight loss.
Is puffed corn good for weight loss?
Corn is high in calories, so anything prepared from it can contribute to weight gain.
Is microwave popcorn good for weight loss?
Microwave popcorn usually needs less oil/butter to prepare. This makes it a better option for weight loss than those cooked in a pressure cooker.
