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Popcorn: Friend or Foe?

Posted on October 4, 2010 - 3:20pm by Mary
Mary from Rockville Centre, NY asks...
Is there a list of foods that I should avoid at all costs? I know about processed foods, but what about pop corn? I've been told before that it's good to eat because of the fiber but I don't see it in any of your meal plans.
Yes there is a list to avoid: mainly refined white flour or processed foods such as white rice, pasta, breads, bagels, chips, and high sugar drinks and desserts. Of course on occasion these foods are fine, but limit them for success.

Unhealthy Food to Limit:
- Bagels
- White rice & pasta
- Instant Oatmeal
- Cold Cereal
- Sugar & High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Donuts
- Pretzels
- Cookies/Cakes/Ice Cream
- Bananas
- Dried Fruit
- Alcohol
- Juice
- Non-dairy Creamers
- Diet & Regular Soda
- Honey/Maple Syrup
- Pancakes/Waffles/French Toast
- Fried Foods
- Corn/Popcorn

In regards specifically to popcorn, it does contain fiber but it is considered a high glycemic food, which means it has a tendency to increase your body's fat storage capacity due to its effect on increasing insulin levels. There are other healthy ways to get fiber in without as many carbs. For instance fresh fruit, veggies, beans, oats, soy chips, hummus, protein bars as examples. See below for some suggested healthier options.

About the Author

Jo Tutrani received her B.S. degree in Nutrition at James Madison University, and has over 20 years of experience as a nutritional counselor. Jo has worked in an array of settings, including hospitals, private medical offices, and corporations, and has lectured widely in her community. When she's not helping clients achieve their health goals, Jo can be found reading, weight lifiting, and spending time with her two teenage daughters on the beautiful beaches of East Long Island.