A cup of plain popcorn, with no butter or added sugar, is only about 30 kcal and may even help you lose weight, as it contains fibers that give you more satiety and improve bowel function.
However, when popcorn is prepared with oil, butter or condensed milk, it really does put on weight because these additives have a lot of calories, making it easier to gain weight. In addition, microwave popcorn is also usually prepared with oil, butter, salt and other additives that can harm the diet. Meet other 10 foods that help you lose weight.
How to make popcorn so you don't get fat
Popcorn can be extremely healthy if it is prepared in the pan with just a drizzle of olive oil or coconut oil to pop the corn, or when the corn is placed to pop in the microwave, in a paper bag with its mouth closed, without having to add any kind of fat. Another option is to buy a homemade popcorn maker, which is a small machine for popping corn without the need for oil.
In addition, it is important not to add oil, sugar, chocolate or condensed milk to the popcorn, as it will become very caloric. For seasoning, herbs such as oregano, basil, garlic and pinch of salt should be preferred, and a small drizzle of olive oil or a little butter can also be used.
Watch the video below and see an easy, quick and healthy way to make popcorn at home:
Popcorn calories
Popcorn calories vary according to the recipe that is prepared:
- 1 cup of simple ready-made popcorn: 31 calories; 1 cup of popcorn made with oil: 55 calories; 1 cup of popcorn made with butter: 78 calories; 1 package of microwave popcorn: on average 400 calories; 1 large popcorn of cinema: about 500 calories.
It is important to remember that making popcorn in the pan, in the microwave or with water does not change its composition or its calories, as the caloric increase is due to the addition of butter, oils or sweets in the preparation. To make chewing easier for children, see how to make sago popcorn.
