THE | DIET DETECTIVE^®

Jolly Time Yellow Pop Corn/Smart Balance Low Fat Low Sodium Microwave Popcorn

I'm still amazed at how few calories there are in popcorn. I'd always assumed it was a no-no, but that was probably because of all the oil and butter in movie popcorn.  

But popcorn is a perfect snack whether you're watching your favorite TV show or just looking for something to munch on -- it gives the appearance of loads of food yet is still low in calories. And if you use yellow corn, it has plenty of fiber, which also has health benefits. 

Jolly Time Yellow Pop Corn is simply a bag of unpopped kernels you can make in a hot air-popper. Or if, like me, you don't love air-popped corn and don't mind the hassle (or occasionally burnt popcorn), pop yours on the stovetop. Put the kernels in a deep pot, coat them with Pam or cooking spray, cover, and pop. "Make sure to occasionally release the steam by slightly opening the cover, and be careful not to burn yourself," advises Tom Elsen, vice president of marketing for Jolly Time. He also recommends shaking the pot throughout the process -- the shaking spreads the heat and allows the unpopped corn to pop. 

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS PER SERVING - 5 CUPS (POPPED)
100 calories
1g fat
24g carbs
6g fiber
0mg sodium
4g protein

Smart Balance tastes great, is low in sodium, has absolutely no trans fat (which is important because almost all microwave popcorn does), and offers a microwave-friendly, fast and easy solution for late night munchies that will leave you satiated -- five cups is more than enough for any individual, no matter how much you love popcorn. But if you do eat the entire bag, assume you're eating about 260 calories (because of the unpopped kernels).

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS PER SERVING - 5 CUPS (POPPED)
120 calories
2g fat
24g carbs
5g fiber
80mg sodium
4g protein