Popcorn: Healthy Treat or Diet Buster? (From SBD.com)
When you're at the theater to see a movie, it can be tempting to indulge in a bag of popcorn. While popcorn is allowed in small amounts starting in Phase 2, you should be careful to limit your intake. Movie popcorn is often advertised as cholesterol-free; while this is true, the high fat content is not mentioned. (It's usually popped in oil, which increases the amount of fat.) Movie popcorn should therefore be avoided on the South Beach Diet.
Corn, in general, is limited on the diet because of its moderately high glycemic-index value. With a regular serving of popcorn, however, you are usually eating only a small amount of corn and are, therefore, consuming less concentrated starch. If you'd like to eat popcorn at home, though, it's still best to start with a small serving to see if it causes cravings to return. If so, wait until Phase 3 to reintroduce popcorn into your diet. If cravings remain at bay, follow these guidelines for popcorn consumption:
One serving size of popcorn = 3 cups (approximately 1/3 of a bag).
Stay away from microwaveable popcorn with added butter.
When microwaving popcorn, make sure you have someone to share it with, or limit yourself to one serving. Remember that the whole bag is equivalent to about three servings.
Making your own popcorn with an air popper is the best way to control portions and eliminate the extra fat from the cooking oil.
Instead of butter, try the following toppings: low-fat grated Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, or some melted, trans-fat-free margarine.
