Despite being synonymous with movie theater snacks, popcorn isn’t in the same league as treats like candy and soda—at least when it comes to nutrition. Popcorn can actually be good for you.”Popcorn can be an excellent, nutrient-rich snack food depending on how it is prepared. Popcorn is a whole grain, which is a little-known fact, and therefore an excellent source of fiber and polyphenols, which help fight free radical damage in the body,” says Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements.Although this light and airy snack is high in fiber and low in calories, like Best mentioned, popcorn can easily be made into an unhealthy bite if made improperly. To make sure you can actually reap the benefits of popcorn, you have to make sure you don’t prepare it in the unhealthiest way possible: covered in butter and salt.Why too much butter and salt is the unhealthiest way to prepare popcorn”A common way people may be preparing popcorn that detracts from its health benefits is adding a lot of butter on top,” says Kylie Ivanir, MS, RD, a registered dietitian with Within Nutrition.While being incredibly delicious, butter isn’t going to do your body any favors when it’s poured over popcorn; in fact, it may even encourage fat gain.”Butter is high in saturated fat which, when combined with carbohydrates, creates a ‘sweet fat.’ This highly palatable combination can result in over-consumption, interfering with the body’s ability to regulate appetite and leading to enhanced cravings. This combination of carbohydrates and saturated fat can also put the body in fat-storing mode,” says Ivanir. (Related: 20 Foods Ruining Your Weight Loss Goals.)Just one tablespoon of butter is 100 calories and has 7 grams of saturated fat. And if you’re using a store-bought popcorn topping like Orville Redenbacher’s Popping&Topping Buttery Flavored Oil, you’ll only be consuming 2 grams of saturated fat but 120 calories for every serving.While making your own buttery popcorn at home gives you a little more wiggle room with calories per serving, the same can’t be said with microwave popcorn. Some butter-flavored microwave popcorn bags have 180 calories per serving when the same bag of butter-free popcorn is just 80 calories. So opting for lightly seasoned popcorn over buttered will save you 100 calories per serving.You can make matters even worse if you add some sugar to your recipe to make kettle corn.”Popcorn is easily turned unhealthy with the addition of oil, butter, and white sugar [when making kettle corn]. What was a high fiber, filling snack packed with vitamins and antioxidants is now laden with pro-inflammatory fat calories and white sugar,” says registered dietitian Theresa Gentile, MS, RDN, Owner of Full Plate Nutrition and Media Spokesperson for the NY State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “I’ve even seen the addition of corn syrup and maple syrup, which instantly makes this considered dessert,” says Gentile.How to prepare popcorn in a healthy wayJust because popcorn is commonly prepared in an unhealthy way doesn’t mean it’s difficult to find and eat a better-for-you version.”You can make popcorn at home flavorful and delicious with some simple tweaks,” says Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and Co-Founder of Culina Health.For flavorful, healthy popcorn, you have to start with a solid base, and that involves popping your own:”One of the best ways to make popcorn is to air pop the kernels on the stove, rather than buying pre-packaged microwavable popcorn, which may contain added oils, salt, or artificial flavoring. The lining of microwave bags may also contain harmful chemicals,” says Ivanir. (Related: The #1 Reason Why You Shouldn’t Eat Microwave Popcorn.)Once you make your air-popped corn, it’s time to season it sans butter.”Popping your own popcorn on the stove allows you to control the toppings. People can add fun toppings to their popcorn for a kick, such as cinnamon for some sweetness or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor,” says Ivanir.Rissetto recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil (which is loaded with healthy fats) for 1 cup of kernels and adding seasonings like parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and even tabasco.”To preserve popcorn’s health benefits, I recommend adding a drizzle of olive oil and a little sea salt or adding nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy, savory flavor,” says Gentile. For more ideas, don’t miss This One Trick Will Make Your Popcorn Taste Better.For more healthy eating news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
