Title: Yesterday's "Diet" Today’s Lifestyle
Recipe: Light Yummy Yogurt Popcorn
Author: The Popcorn Board (no credit needed)
Suggested Feature Month: Any
Word Count: 636, including recipe
Supporting Photo: Stovetop Popcorn and Light Yummy Yogurt Popcorn
A high-resolution copy may be obtained by downloading directly from the About Us>Media>Popcorn Photos section of this Web site. This copyrighted photo is available for editorial use only, and may not be used in advertisements or for resale. If photo credit is given, please credit The Popcorn Board.

By now you’ve heard the hefty news that nearly two-thirds of Americans are either overweight or obese. And while you might be OK with those extra pounds that round out your form, the deeper concern is how those extra pounds shape your health. It’s estimated that more than 90 million Americans are affected by chronic diseases and conditions that compromise their quality of life and well-being. That’s nearly one out of every three people! Now more than ever we need to change our eating and lifestyle attitudes and think healthy again. But how?

For the most part, diets don't work as a long-term solution so let's start by removing the notion of a short-term phase of eating bland, boring or fad foods. We need to approach each day by making smarter eating choices, getting the most nutrition by consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods. The general rule is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and dairy products, and lower-fat protein sources.

It's tempting to skip meals, but studies have shown that eating smaller, healthful portions throughout the day can help boost metabolism and aid weight loss efforts. So, if you're hungry mid-morning or mid-afternoon, grab a smart snack that can help fuel your metabolism while satisfying hunger pangs, like popcorn.

Popcorn is a whole grain food which makes it a high-quality carbohydrate source that is not only low in calories, but a good source of fiber. This means it takes longer to chew and makes you feel full longer. Compared to many snack foods, popcorn is low in calories. Air-popped popcorn provides only 30 calories per cup. When oil-popped, it contains only 55 calories. Even drizzled lightly with butter, it's only 90 to 120 calories per cup.

If you're at home when hunger strikes, try popping popcorn on the stovetop. It's an economical and versatile treat the whole family will enjoy which makes it easy on your wallet and your waistline!

2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn (air popped)
1 cup plain non-fat yogurt
6 oz. light pancake syrup
2 teaspoons maple or caramel extract

• Put popped popcorn in a large bowl and keep warm.
• In a 2 1/2 quart saucepan, combine yogurt and light pancake syrup.
• Bring to 225° on a candy thermometer and remove immediately from heat. Add maple or caramel extract.
• Pour over popped popcorn, stirring to coat.

Full Recipe: 2 1/2 quarts
Serving Size: 3 cups

Nutritional Information
(based on 3-cup serving)
Total Calories 190; Fat - A Trace; Carbohydrate 38g;
Sugar 3g; Fiber 1g; Protein 7g; Sodium 72mg.

Perfect Popcorn Poppin' Tips

The first step to popcorn snacking is popping perfection. And here's how to pop it right:

• Warm the heavy pan or heavy skillet. Be sure the lid of the pan is loose enough to allow steam to escape.
• Add 1/4 cup of cooking oil to the pan. Vegetable oils are low in saturated fat. Allow the oil to heat. The best popping temperature is between 400-460 degrees Fahrenheit. Note: Oil burns at 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your oil starts to smoke, it's too hot.
• Test the heat of the oil by dropping in one or two kernels. When the kernel spins in the oil, you're ready to add the remaining popcorn. Pour just enough kernels to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Cover and shake the pan to be certain the oil coats each kernel. When you hear the last few pops, remove the pan from the heat and empty the popped popcorn into a large bowl.

For added flavor, sprinkle warm popcorn with herbs (such as marjoram, thyme, summer savory, basil, rosemary or sage) or spices (such as garlic, dry mustard, curry or chili powder).

For great popcorn recipes, visit www.popcorn.org.