As snack foods go, popcorn is a prime pick! Surprisingly, popcorn has several health-promoting benefits including curbing your appetite and supplying antioxidants, all for only 30 calories per cup air-popped.

• Compared to chips, eating popcorn was shown to help curb appetite much better before meals, leading to fewer calories consumed at a subsequent meal.
• As a whole grain, popcorn supplies antioxidants shown to help squelch cancer-causing agents. And as a whole grain, popcorn counts towards you daily goal of at least three servings daily of whole grain oats, rice, corn, quinoa and wheat.
• “Naked” popcorn (without added butter or cheese) is virtually fat free and low in sodium. This is great news for folks watching sodium intake due to high blood pressure.

Keep your popcorn healthy by using fat-free or low-fat cheese sprinkles rather than melted butter. Also top with sodium-reduced herb seasonings, seasoned salt and onion or garlic powder. And try topping your freshly made popcorn with dried or fresh dill for a “dill pickle” experience!