Movie popcorn packs more calories and fat
that many realize.
(Photo: Pichunter | Dreamstine.com)
For many, the best part of going to the movies is the popcorn. However in a study just released by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), it was found that a medium popcorn and soda, sold at one of the country’s largest movie chains, contains the equivalent amount of calories and fat as “three McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with 12 pats of butter.” This adds up to 1,610 calories (one day's worth of calories for many people) and 60 grams of saturated fat.
Why did the popcorn and soda add up to so much? The big issue is the fact that in some of the theaters studied, popcorn is popped in coconut oil which is one of the highest sources of saturated fat. Coconut oil contains about 90% saturated fat. One theater did utilize canola oil. However, while the use of canola reduced the amount of saturated fat, it did little to decrease the calories in the popcorn.
Instead of movie popcorn, consider the following alternatives:
- Eat before you go to the movies. If you’re satisfied when you arrive, you are less likely to visit the concession stand.
- Bring a healthier option with you. Consider a protein bar, a small bag of nuts or fruit, or bring your own small bag of air-popped popcorn.
Before you indulge, read how small indulgences can impact your overall willpower to stay on track to reach your goals.
For healthier popcorn options, visit Vic’s Corn Popper or Clary’s Old Fashioned Gourmet Popcorn both are located on State Street in Madison’s downtown area.
Comments
Nyra,crawl out from under that rock. Its not that simple. "Hydrogenated" coconut oil studies were misinterpreted. .Coconut oil is one healthy oil.Let the old science die.The villian is hydrogenated. Canola is bad and has a low smoke point.Saturated fat is stable(no free readicals) and protects against cancer.Don`t assume the person buying the popcorn is not gonna share or spill most of either.
Steven thanks for taking the time to read the article. My point in sharing this information was not to vilify or praise any one oil or fat over the other. It was to share the interesting findings of this research. However, as a fitness writer, my overall goal is to make people that have weight loss goals aware of what they are getting as well as offer alternative solutions. If folks make the decision to get the medium popcorn over the large (which I myself have done on many occasions) they should know that a lot of calories and fat are still being consumed that will run counter to their fitness goals.
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