I was taken aback to read in yesterday's NYTimes that there's a newly-discovered base cause for a respiratory problem: microwave popcorn! It seems this malady has been known for years to afflict workers in popcorn factories. Some kind of vapor forms when the popcorn is processed for the microwave and, if inhaled heavily and often enough, it causes serious breathing problems. The man targeted in the article said he had eaten two bags of microwave popcorn every day for ten years and loved to breathe in the aroma after the bag was opened.
Yoicks! I'm not giving up my nightly popcorn, but yesterday I went out looking for an air popper. Think I could find one at any store in Manahawkin OR any of the three thrift shops I visited? Of course not and I'm not anxious to follow the alternative of using oil--don't want to ingest the calories with that.
I've decided to continue enjoying my microwave popcorn at night. For one thing, I understand the popcorn manufacturers are now engaged in taking this ingredient out. Also, after calmer reflection, I realized the chances of me having a problem with this are remote. I've been eating popcorn daily for only a few months, and I don't "breathe in" the vapors anyway. If I come across an air popper, I'll probably buy it, but I'm not going in pursuit of one. I don't want to live my life being afraid of this, that, and the other thing.
Aside from the flurry of activity mentioned above, I spent a fairly quiet day doing housework and shopping. Implementing my plan to reduce calories to get off the weight plateau, I had only a salad for dinner after cauliflower and acorn squash for lunch. Want to go to Santori's today to replenish my supply of veggies.