Nostalgia & Popcorn
I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid being able to watch this go from a little pan into a big aluminum foil ball of popcorn was AMAZING and don’t forget about the smell. Once I was old enough for mom to let me stand at the stove and shake it myself… that’s when I knew I was a big girl. LOL. Good ole childhood memories.
Today, while doing my normal grocery shopping I came across Jiffy Pop and immediately thought to myself:
1. Wow they still make this?
2. I’m going to get one just because.
Personally popcorn is one of my favorite snacks and it’s Friday so why not. Eating healthy does not mean you can’t have a “cheat” every now and then. Correction: you are allowed to “indulge” every now and then. The word “cheating” has a negative connotation to our psyche. When eating, thinking about the word cheat may make us feel bad, cause guilt or shame and that defeats the purpose. When we take the time to enjoy a meal, snack, beverage etc. that may be off the normal routine, there should be no shame in your game.
Of course our indulgences should be done in moderation. If you are tracking your meals via points systems like Weight Watchers or Nutrisystem you know even within these programs they promote monitoring to allow for enjoyment. However how much of an indulgence is popcorn, let’s see.
Jiffy Pop Nutritional Facts
About 3.5 servings per container
Serving Size 1 cup = Approximately 140 Calories per serving
Total Fat 7 g. Saturated Fat 3.5 g. Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 220 mg
Total Carbohydrate 20 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Total Sugars 0 g
Added Sugars 0 g
Protein 3 g
Plain Air Popped Nutritional Facts
Serving Size 1 cup = Approximately 31 Calories per serving
Total Fat .4 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 1 mg
Total Carbohydrate 6 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Total Sugars 0 g
Added Sugars 0 g
Protein 1 g
So in comparison the single serving of Jiffy Pop is not bad, however who can eat just 1 cup!? Listen, I can eat that entire thing all by myself and I’m positive I am not alone. Just remember if we are going to indulge in ALL of the servings, give yourself permission to enjoy it! Then plan for that walk, run, bike ride, fitness class etc. Popcorn is a healthy snack, it’s the overeating and the stuff we add to it like butter, salt and cheese, that can blow our tracking system to smithereens.
Bottom line mindful eating is key and indulgence is also about balancing out the entire scale. Which means when I make this Jiffy Pop popcorn, I plan to eat it guilt free. Then I’ll do my part to work it off guilt free. Want more tips on snacks be sure to check out my blog To Snack or Not To Snack? What a good question.
