How unhealthy can popcorn be?

Fluxfan

Hi guys,

I generally try to eat healthily 6 days a week and give myself a bit of a cheat day on a Sunday generally. I exercise 3 days a week (strength training). I'm looking for a leaner body basically. I have recently got into the habit however of having a bag of popcorn after my lunch every day. I'm wondering is this really bad for me, is it setting me back? Should I feel guilty any maybe leave it to 1 day a week? I know that unsalted popcorn can be quite healthy but this is a packet, similar to crisps.

This is the nutritional information on the pack:

Nutrition Facts per 1 wrap (30 g)
Energy 577 kj 138 kcal
Protein 1.9 g
Carbohydrate 19.3 g
Sugar 4.9 g
Fat 5.8 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Fibre 2 g
Sodium 200 mg

Would greatly appreciate some advice on this!

Mink

Not terribly healthy no. What about getting an air popper and doing some in the morning before work and seal it well in a Ziploc bag.

That way it's literally just the corn you're eating and not the added pretend butter or huge amount of salt.

Alf Veedersane

Alternatively, get out of the habit and if you're hungry after your lunch, sort out your lunch

Fluxfan

Mink wrote: »

Not terribly healthy no. What about getting an air popper and doing some in the morning before work and seal it well in a Ziploc bag.

That way it's literally just the corn you're eating and not the added pretend butter or huge amount of salt.

This is a nice idea. Thanks!

And @ Alf I secretly am really getting a lot of enjoyment out of the habit and not sure Im ready to go cold turkey *shame*

Alf Veedersane

ppcperson wrote: »

And @ Alf I secretly am really getting a lot of enjoyment out of the habit and not sure Im ready to go cold turkey *shame*

Don't get me wrong, I've been there.

But I realised it was just a habit so knocked it on the head and improved my 'breakfast'.

Balmed Out

Another think to consider is to buy the multi packs so each pack is half the size compared to the ones they sell in singles

guile4582

I had a crisps and choc habit at lunch ...thanks to a poster from here (cant remember sorry) he/she suggested a spoon of peanut butter should help deal with that habit. i don't need the peanut butter every day "to finish off lunch" but i havent touched crisps since Feb
and a bar of choc is a rare thing.

generic2012

138 calories a day isn't much at all, especially if you're training 3 times a week, what's your current aim for the day? Nothing wrong with popcorn, it's high in fibre which can be hard got if you're not fond of veg andactually quite satiating, which is the most important aspect of a long term diet. If a small bag of mostly air is your biggest obstacle on your journey you're on for a smooth ride, hombre!

Wood

It's an extra stone a year. Seriously, put down the bag, would you rather a bag of popcorn and have to burn off 50000 calories extra or just not eat it?

generic2012

Wood wrote: »

It's an extra stone a year. Seriously, put down the bag, would you rather a bag of popcorn and have to burn off 50000 calories extra or just not eat it?

You can't say that when you don't know how many calories they're consuming otherwise. What difference does it make if they're at a deficit while eating a 30g pack of popcorn?

Fluxfan

Thanks for the replies! I really dont think it will equate to a stone a year though....

But anyway really I was just wondering is doing this putting my other efforts to detriment as I am aware of the 80/20 rule! I used to be someone who'd exercise a lot, eat sh1t, and see no results. I've changed this and started eating well as mentioned, am seeing the results and dont want to ruin it

Anyway I am going to look into another snack to finish off the lunch with. And maybe keep the popcorn as a treat!

Wood

Yes, I can say that.

138 kcals x 1 a day = 50370

Divided by amount of kcal required to burn 1lb of fat = 14.39lbs

So if the OP was in a deficit, they would be down an additional 14lbs of fat per year. So to answer your question, it makes a difference of 14 pounds.

Doug Cartel

Wood wrote: »

Yes, I can say that.

138 kcals x 1 a day = 50370

Divided by amount of kcal required to burn 1lb of fat = 14.39lbs

So if the OP was in a deficit, they would be down an additional 14lbs of fat per year. So to answer your question, it makes a difference of 14 pounds.

That is far too simplistic to be applicable to real life with any great accuracy.

rubadub

I use coconut oil to cook popcorn in, I use an excess and pour it over the top instead of butter after. This is upping the calroies obviously but its delicious, and some might want more coconut oil in their diet.

Lots of cinema popcorn is meant to be done in coconut oil. The melting point of coconut oil means it has a very good mouth feel to it.

generic2012

Wood wrote: »

Yes, I can say that.

138 kcals x 1 a day = 50370

Divided by amount of kcal required to burn 1lb of fat = 14.39lbs

So if the OP was in a deficit, they would be down an additional 14lbs of fat per year. So to answer your question, it makes a difference of 14 pounds.

If that was the way it worked, which it isn't, if they were at a deficit of 50 calories it and added in the popcorn it wouldn't end up at 14lbs. Not that it matters or anything, just saying.

kevpants

Crap. Read the title as a challenge.

If anyone's interested the answer to that question is:

With butter and multiple bags of peanut M&Ms mixed in.

Thank you and good night.

Rough Sleeper

30g of anything that doesn't come with a skull and bones on the packaging isn't really going to be make-or-break stuff.