Is Fresh Really the Best?

There are a lot of consumers out there who ask this question to themselves daily. Why? Because, maybe they have decided to change their diet and they don’t see the benefits. It is particularly difficult to change ones diet and stick to it when the cravings hit. Soon you are dragged back by that invisible force, kicking and screaming until you satisfy the urge. Later, of course you feel dejected. Well, I’m here to tell you that fresh can be just as satisfying as the quick processed snacks and meals you grab…they can even be much better.

I personally understand the innate urge to snack, frankly I enjoy a salty or sweet treat. I used to consume quite a bit of junk food in my younger years, not thinking of it. It was when I went to culinary school where I saw a whole different side of food. It was that time where my creative mind really began to work and I decided to minimize my snack food isle intake and construct my own treats.

I know most of you don’t want to slave away in the kitchen for hours trying to achieve the perfect potato chip and you don’t have to. Here is one fun way to integrate healthier snacks into your diet.

Popcorn

Popcorn is the most versatile and delicious way to trick yourself into thinking you’re being naughty. I will give you four easy ways to tame that munchie craving. Avoid buying any microwavable bags and get a container of white or yellow corn kernels. This way you control the amount of fat and salt that goes into your food, avoiding unhealthy preservatives and additives.

Movie Popcorn- I suggest popping your kernels in a tablespoon of margarine or a ½

tablespoon of butter and ½ tablespoon of oil (this prevents your butter from burning). After popping transfer you buttery popcorn to a bowl and add a pinch of salt. Yum! Movie Popcorn in an instant.

But we can make this so much better.

Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn- If you’re a chocoholic, melt a ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate. Allow your chocolate to cool to room temp and pour over

your popcorn. Add peanuts, raisins or any kind of nut or dried berry, I promise it will be a healthier and far more delicious treat.

Nutty Popcorn-If you love peanuts then this will make you simple go nuts! Take about ¾ cup of peanut butter and melt in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time. Once melted enough for a nice drizzle, cover your

popcorn. Add crushed peanuts, sunflower seeds or some of your other favorite nuts for a tantalizing treat.

Spicy Cheese Popcorn-If you’re looking for a savory kind of treat to deter your from your chips try this! Mix together in a bowl 1 teaspoon of each seasoning: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, dried chives. Grate in a ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Transfer hot popcorn into another bowl and toss the season mixture in.

Coat thoroughly. You will notice the cheese will begin to melt, once melted, it’s time to enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed these fun ways to gain a healthier snacking habit using popcorn. I’ll be back for even more ways to make your healthy transition, the best choice you’ve ever had! In the meantime, enjoy!

Tip: Use the Movie Popcorn recipe as a base for all the versions below. Never walk away from pan while popping popcorn. Use an oven mit while securing the top to the pan and shake periodically.