Popcorn is about 3 net carbs per cup, popped, so as cheats go it's not the worst thing in the world. Certainly better than popping a giant box of Jr. Mints or a king-size Snickers. Like potatofree said, though, it is pretty high on the GI scale, which is why it's not considered an Atkins-friendly food.

That said, I have been known to grab a handful from a friend at the movies. Be careful, though, as 1 cup of popped popcorn is NOT much at all. You could easily eat 10 cups before you realized it was gone.

I think you're right. One cup is pretty small, in the grand popcorn scale, and once you start it is darn hard to stop at just one cup..or two...or three!

Popcorn is not a problem food for me, but ooooohhhh, potato chips! I did something really weird about that one, as far as my kids go. I started buying the baked chips (all different kinds) to put in their lunches. They absolutely love them, and those things don't tempt me in the least! Ha!