I Want to Save Your Life


Love the salty, crunchy taste of your favorite potato chip? So do most of the people I counsel. In fact, the snack foods most dieters crave can derail their best efforts. Ever heard the slogan “Betcha can't eat just one”? It's right! Sure, chips taste good, but if you’re trying to get healthy, you don't need the extra fat, sodium, and calories they’re packing. Next time you reach for a snack, consider popcorn — you get the same crunchy goodness and a little bit more. A look at the Nutrition Facts panel on your favorite bag reveals why popcorn is a true calorie bargain: Potato chips: 227 calories (8 oz.) popcorn: 187 calories (8 oz.) Calories saved: 40 Why it’s a bargain: Popcorn beats potato chips any day because you get more for less, and that’s less of the bad stuff — calories and fat. Air-popped popcorn has 14 more grams of protein than chips and 22 more grams of fiber, making it an easy way to sneak more whole grains into your diet. What to look out for: Microwave popcorn is a quick-and-easy treat, but steer clear of butter-flavored varieties, which are full of bad fats and questionable chemicals. Look for plain or low-fat varieties like Newman’s Own All Natural or labels that read 94% fat free.