National Popcorn Day?! Say what?!
Yep, I’m not lying! January 19th is National Popcorn Day, a day where we can pop the pop (no pun intended) to our hearts content!
I love popcorn for so many reasons. Let me count the ways!
? It’s a whole grain!
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans stress the importance of making 50% or more of your daily servings of grains whole. Popcorn provides this for you, in addition to B vitamins and protein.
A study that evaluated data collected over a 3 year period (NHANES) found that those who consumed popcorn had a 250% increase in whole grain consumption in addition to 22% higher fiber intake.
?It’s fiber filled!
I said it before, I’ll say it again. Fiber keeps you full for longer periods of time. Americans do not meet the daily recommended intakes (DRI) for fiber already. Adding popcorn to your snack mix helps you meet your fiber, and just one serving (4 cups) gives you over 4 grams of the goodness.
? It contains antioxidants!
Polyphenols, the type of antioxidant found in the husk of the popcorn, has shown to exhibit cardiovascular properties in those who consume popcorn on a regular basis. Though it was shown to have a higher antioxidant capacity that fruit, let’s make sure we don’t trade in all our fruit for popcorn, we need that balance!
? It’s void of that nasty trans fat!
Microwave popcorn that comes in those prepacked bags are filled with questionable ingredients as well as trans fat despite their claim that states “0 grams of trans fat per serving”.
Studies have found that most microwave bags contain at least .25gm of trans fat per serving, however the Food & Drug Administration has the regulation set at >.5 grams, allowing the product to get away with the labeling of “no trans fat”.
Now that you know why I’m like a kid in a candy story over popcorn, I thought it’d be fun to share a way to enjoy this nutrient packed snack on the fly. This DIY Microwave Popcorn is the perfect way to practice portion control, monitor those added ingredients and keep chemicals out of your system. Store your popcorn kernels in a cool place, like your pantry or cupboard, in a tightly closed jar for up to a year after purchase for best quality. I am currently on the look out for the best popcorn popper so I can try one out, and let you guys know what I think about making it in a machine rather than the microwave.
Plus, these DIY Microwave Popcorn bags make the cutest gifts. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner… hint hint!
DIY Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1 small brown lunch bag
- 2 tablespoons of popcorn kernels
- 1 teaspoon olive oil optional
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt optional
Instructions
- In a small brown lunch bag, pour 2 tablespoons of your favorite popcorn kernels.
- Add salt if desired and give the bag a shake.
- Fold down the top in 1 inch sections, twice.
- Press firmly so the bag is secure and does not open during popping.
- Place bag in the microwave and set timer for 75-90 seconds.
- Don’t leave your microwave! Times will vary depending on the microwaves power, so once popping decreases more than 3 seconds between pops remove popcorn.
- Caution when opening, it will be hot!
- Place in a bowl and spray lightly with olive oil and optional herbs and seasonings.
- Enjoy!
Jennifer @NourishedSimply says
Our family loves popcorn. Of course we love it with chocolate drizzle, but only once in a while.
Elizabeth Shaw says
Hey that just means more antioxidants (dark chocolate?!).
linda says
Love your DIY post! Definitely agree that it would be a cute gifting idea
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Linda! I hope you find it useful in the coming holiday months :)!
Deanna Segrave-Daly says
I love love me some popcorn – such a great snack! I usually make mine stovetop with olive oil 🙂 That Popcornopolis site is making my mouth water 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
Yum! I actually have never tried stove top, but now I’ve seen a few videos with it and it looks fun! I thought I had to buy another type of pot and was like oh no, I have no room for that! 🙂
Jodi @ The Average RD says
I never ate popcorn until I found the brown bag method. I never wanted to invest in an air popper and store that thing. Now it is a go to snack at my house. Love the reminders of how healthy it actually is 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
I love that all of us RDNs are obsessed with this healthy treat!
DeeDee says
I am looking forward to trying the brown paper bag method for popping my own popcorn treat. Thanks, Liz!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Woohoo- I hope you enjoy!
Melanie says
I love popcorn!! Since I don’t have a popcorn maker I just pop it on the stove, but this brown bag method looks perfect! I need to try that today to celebrate National Popcorn Day!
Also, I love the photos in this post!! So pretty!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Melanie! I have always thought about getting a popcorn maker then thought I won’t have the space! LOL- I hope you enjoy this quick swap when you don’t have much time!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Popcorn is the best snack!! I got a hot air popper for christmas and am in LOVE!
Kathryn Lopez says
This is awesome. I am addicted to popcorn
Elizabeth Shaw says
Oh so glad you enjoy it!! I too am #obsessed with popcorn!
Chelsey says
I make DIY popcorn in a brown paper bag probably 4 times a week…I’m obsessed! And when I tell people it’s a whole grain I love the “IT IS?!?!” reaction!
Elizabeth Shaw says
LOL- Love it! See, snacking can be smart, healthy and delicious!
Serena says
This is our fave way to eat popcorn! Love your cool photos! I forget popcorn has polyphenols.
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Serena! I know, it’s like a superfood 🙂