One of the hardest things about being a teacher is adjusting to having very little control over your schedule and “free time.” At other jobs, when I was at a desk, it was no big deal if I forgot breakfast or wanted a snack at my desk. I could run to the restroom whenever I needed to and didn’t ever stress about drinking too much water or coffee and being stuck, unable to step away. As a teacher, I’m not able to leave my classroom whenever I want for a quick break, and since I ask my students not to snack in class, I feel pretty strongly that I should set the example and not eat in front of them. Also, I’m usually so busy that a quick snack isn’t an option.
For a long time, I relied on things like granola bars, and if I’m being honest, way too much of the candy I use as rewards. It was quick, got my blood sugar up and I could shove it in my mouth pretty quickly. As I’ve tried to eat more healthfully, I’ve transitioned to snacking on either almonds or pistachios.
Can we just keep it real for a second? I am counting calories, so I measure my food. When I measure out a serving of nuts, my heart gets sad. I get all of 10 almonds for a reasonable calorie count, and pistachios are delicious, but when I’m done, I’m usually still hungry.
Enter popcorn. I’ll admit that I was hesitant at first. It seemed like a lot of effort, and since there’s a lot of butter involved in usual popcorn, I was afraid I’d feel really heavy when I finished my snack. I’ve been eating Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop, which still tastes delicious, but isn’t super heavy in calories. I’m full again. Before trying this snack and learning more about it, I didn’t realize that popcorn was fat free and has a ton of fiber, which makes you feel full without adding a ton of calories. Plus, for the same calories in 14 almonds, you can have SIX cups of popcorn. Not that I need that many, BUT I AM JUST SAYING.
It’s pretty awesome. I am definitely a fan of my new snacking routine, and I think it’s safe to say my students are, too, since I’m no longer grumpy and starving when they come to class.
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{Disclosure: Orville Redenbacher is compensating me for my time and effort on these posts, HOWEVER, you all know that I wouldn’t blog anything I didn’t believe in. These opinions and the GENUINE excitement behind this partnership is all mine, guys.}
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New Blog Post: Smart Snacking While Teaching:
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I love popcorn as a snack! I mean, I’m addicted to it in general, but I really love that it fits into a healthy diet. I used to get those 100 cal bags when I was doing weight watchers, and now that I’m having to do low-carb for gestational diabetes, a little popcorn feels like a treat.
I recently heard about popping popcorn on the stove with olive oil. I’d never thought of that. I need to try it!
I love popcorn, but I’ve heard horrible things about the chemicals used in microwave popcorn bags. We received an air pop machine for our wedding, and it is awesome! My parents had one when I was a kid. You might be able to pre-pop some popcorn in the morning and then bring it with you to work. I don’t think the machines are that expensive.
You know, I think snacking on popcorn is a great idea. Your blog is the second one I’ve read this week that talks about snacking on popcorn but it’s something I NEVER thought of before because I always associated popcorn with being unhealthy (like chips!) but you’re right, it would be a great, filling snack to have. And that’s good to know about the fat and fibre content. I will have to add popcorn to my list the next time we go grocery shopping!
Yesterday, I went and subbed at the school where I did my student teaching. It was absolutely my unhealthiest day since the new year. I bought a box of Girl Scout cookies in the first class, ate several of them before lunch, was given peanut brittle at lunch… and then finally gave away the cookies in my last period to hungry 14-year-old boys and girls so that I would eat them all of the way home…
Did you know I eat popcorn every night? I have a giant bowl with fresh grated parmesan cheese before bed. When I’m feeling skinny, I oil-pop it on the stove. When I’m feeling fat, I air pop it. The cheese is a must but no butter. It has been a staple in my life for 15 years I think. I lurve it!
ICYMI: My new favorite snack while teaching: http://t.co/X4zoyhLH
Marks and Spencers (in the UK) were doing cinnamon dusted popcorn at Christmastime and it was GORGEOUS. Having worked in many, many cinemas I’ve never been a fan of popcorn (“It smells like work!”) but this stuff converted me.
Popcorn is a GREAT snack, I agree!! I love almonds too, I usually eat a handful dipped in laughing cow cheese & by the time one little cheese is done I’m super happy at don’t need any more (think about 10 almonds anyway!)… But yeah. Popcorn. Definitely the healthier choice when I’m needing something salty. I’m going to look into the one you mentioned above!
Love popcorn and it’s such a great way to fill up and still feel like you are treating yourself. As a kid we always air popped popcorn so that’s how I’ve always done it (not a fan of the microwave stuff) but I must admit, I do love to add butter. My favourite right now is butter with black truffle salt – so good!!
I <3 popcorn. It's become my replacement for all salty snacks (here's looking at you, Nacho cheese Doritos). I usually just air pop it and toss it with some tamari. Salty and satisfying
popcorn is so delicious! I love to pop the plain kind in a paper bag then spray it with Pam and sprinkle sea salt on top. yum.
Hey I gave your blog an award, you can see it here: http://melaniekristy.com/2012/02/02/awarded-a-giveaway/
I pop popcorn kernels on my stove at least twice a week for a bedtime snack. I’ll add some olive oil, a little salt, some pepper and it’s good to go. I’m obsessed, really. Popcorn is my favorite.
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