Air-popped popcorn with the right toppings can be a great, healthy snack. For less calories than a serving of chips (1 ounce, or about 15 chips), you can enjoy 3 whole cups of popcorn! So whether it’s Game Day, movie night, or you’re just satisfying an afternoon salty snack craving, popcorn is the perfect go-to treat.
Popcorn is a whole grain, so it contains B vitamins and antioxidants. It also has a lot of fiber, which is known for keeping your digestive system healthy and your blood sugars stable. It also helps with appetite control, because it takes a little longer to digest. So go ahead and enjoy a serving or two!
Here are a few of our favorite popcorn recipes for a fraction of the calories:
Cinnamon Popcorn
Satisfying your sweet tooth, but without the sugar.
Makes 3 servings
Serving size: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 9 cups air-popped popcorn
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Mix together and enjoy!
Nutrition info
Per Serving: 100 calories (10 from fat), 1g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 0g sugar), 3g protein
Spicy Popcorn
This popcorn will help you spice up any party!
Makes 3 servings
Serving size: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 9 cups air-popped popcorn
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
While popcorn is popping ,mix together the seasonings. Sprinkle over popped popcorn.
Nutrition info
Per Serving: 100 calories (15 from fat), 1.5g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 820 mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 0g sugar), 3g protein
BBQ Popcorn
Just like your favorite potato chips, this flavored popcorn will have you licking your fingers!
Makes 3 servings
Serving size: 3 cup
Ingredients
- 9 cups air-popped popcorn
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons salt
While popcorn is popping, mix together the seasonings in a small bowl. Sprinkle popcorn with 1 teaspoon of seasoning over popcorn. Store leftovers in a ziplock back or other airtight container for later use.
Nutrition info
Per Serving: 110 calories (10 from fat), 1.5g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 3g protein
Cool Ranch Popcorn
This will satisfy any ranch lover’s cravings.
Makes 3 servings
Serving size: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 9 cups air-popped popcorn
- 2 tablespoons Ranch Mix
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
While popcorn is popping, mix together the seasonings in a small bowl. Sprinkle popcorn with 1 teaspoon of seasoning over popcorn. Store leftovers in a ziplock back or other airtight container for later use.
Nutrition info
Per Serving: 110 calories (10 from fat), 1.5g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 115 mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 2g sugar), 4g protein
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
