How to Make Homemade Popcorn More Healthy & Delicious!!
Popcorn is one of those snacks that is irresistible to include in a family movie night or just to create a quick snack for you or your kids!
I love to make a big batch on the weekend or before the kids get home from school, when they are always so HANGRY!
Who doesn't love popcorn? There are actually some health benefits to this snack, but beware many varieties and packaged options are not healthy!
First let's talk about the pros....
Popcorn:
Is high in fiber, protein, AND carbs. 
High in polyphenols (super antioxidants) that make it relatively healthy.Has many nutrients like manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, vitamins B3 & B6 and potassium. While 90% of corn in the US is GMO, popcorn is not (at least for now)!Now the cons...
There are some downfalls to previously popped packaged popcorn (say that 5 times fast!) which can contain chemicals and toxins that we really don't want in our our our kid's bodies.
Just like:
Inflammatory oils like partially hydrogenated soybean oil (highly toxic and GMO), sunflower, canola, trans-fats, and other processed vegetable oils that create havoc in our body. "Buttery Flavoring" - Actually contains no butter just chemicals to taste like butter Neurotoxic insecticides - popcorn crops are often sprayed with chemicals that leave residues in the finished product. Popular "toppings" like cheese and/or butter can contain gluten, corn, soy, and other allergens. MSG is often an additive to keep you eating after you're full! TBHQ or Tertiary butylhydroquinone - a preservative also found in paints, varnishes, and skin care products. This has neurotoxic effects and can cause liver enlargement. WTF? Polydimethylsiloxane - referred to as a silicone chemical used as an anti-foaming agent. This is in many processed foods.
SO GROSS!
So instead, I suggest to just make your very own! It's SO easy... here are my top recommendations to create this snack not only healthier but with more nutrients!
4. Don't pop in nonstick pans! I highly suggest using a large stainless steel stock pop for popping to avoid any unnecessary chemicals. In fact, throw those nonstick pans away! They are extremely harmful and there are much better options out there!
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp. of your preferred cooking oil (see above for my recommendations)
- 1 cup popcorn kernels
Directions:
- Heat a large stock pot on the stovetop on high.
- Place the oil in the pot and allow to heat up
- Pour the kernels into the pot
- Cover the pot with a lid.
- Continuously shake the pot back and forth on the burner until popping slows down
- Remove from heat once the pops are about 2-3 seconds apart.
- Place into a serving bowl and top with your favorite toppings! See my suggestions above!
- Enjoy!
- If you have extra, put into to a sealed container, will keep fresh for a few days!
That's it! So super simple and without all the shit you don't want in you body. Boom.
Do you like popcorn? What are your favorite toppings? I'd love to know!
If you love learning about how to make food healthier and more nutrient dense, check out my new program How to Detoxify Your Food and Eat Real! You get SO much value, videos, resources, and information to clean up your food and eat the way Mother Nature intended... I call it the anti-chemical diet :) check it out!
Thanks for popping by! LOL
In gratitude,
Becky Wells
Founder, Hippie Moms
NTP, Clean Living Educator & Advocate
www.thehippiemoms.com
