by Lauren Bongiorno

In light of National Popcorn Day that recently passed on January 19^th, I thought I would share one of my favorite snack recipes. A few years ago I read that popcorn is actually a really great snack for diabetics because of the high fiber content and low glycemic index. I always found however, that when I went to the movies and got the popcorn they sold there or made popular brands of microwave popcorn at home, my numbers would skyrocket to the 300’s hours later.

When I started becoming more passionate about nutrition and looking deeper into what was really in our food, I learned that even though popcorn in it’s natural state is healthy for diabetics, the one sold at the movie theatre and most ones you pop in the microwave at home are extremely processed. They are filled with hydrogenated oils, artificial flavoring, sodium, TBQ (toxic chemical), and loaded with butter. It’s actually a diabetic nightmare (and really a nightmare for anyone)!

If you prefer pre-packaged popcorn, I recommend going with these healthier alternatives: Skinny Pop, LesserEvil Buddha Bowl Popcorn, or Tree of Life (yes, a healthy microwavable brand). And if you’re looking to take it a step higher, see one of my favorite recipes for popcorn below! Since popcorn and movies go together, like peanut butter and jelly, I recommend portioning out 3-6 cups of popcorn for yourself in a small bowl. That is equivalent to about 15-30 carbs, and that way the movie doesn’t distract you and lead you to overeat.

Recipe: Homemade Popcorn

Yields about 8 cups (1 large bowl)

What You Will Need:

• ½ cup organic popping corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Celtic sea salt (unrefined)
• Dark chocolate

Directions:

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Add coconut oil and let it completely melt. Once melted, put a few kernels into the pan and wait from them to pop.
3. Once kernels pop, place the rest of the popcorn kernels into the pan and cover.
4. After kernels begin popping, begin to shake every 10 seconds or until you hear popping slow down. When popping slows down, remove the pot from heat and continuously shake for 15 seconds.
5. Pour it into a bowl and top with sea salt and melted dark chocolate and enjoy!

I also wanted to share the brands of ingredients I use.  Click the links below to find them easily and enjoy:

Popcorn kernels: Arrowhead Mills Organic Popcorn — 28 oz

Coconut oil: Spectrum Unrefined Organic Virgin Coconut Oil — 14 fl oz

Celtic sea salt: Selina Naturally Celtic Sea Salt Fine Ground — 1 lb

Dark chocolate: Pascha 85% Cacao Organic Bitter-Sweet Dark Chocolate Chips — 8.8 oz

Are you a diabetic who loves to eat popcorn? If so, try this recipe and let us know by clicking here how you like it!

Lauren Bongiorno is a Type 1 Diabetic, Diabetic holistic health coach, qualified yoga instructor, and motivational speaker. Lauren has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2000 and has proven that no matter what your challenge in life is, taking control of it starts from the inside out with a healthy mind and body. With a background in holistic health, personal training, division 1 collegiate soccer, and yoga, Lauren is the Brand Ambassador for Gluco Perfect. You can connect with Lauren on her website at laurenbongiorno.com and follow her Instagram and Facebook pages for daily inspiration.