Hi Nora
Popcorn carb count is pretty high - 1/2 a meal's worth for me in about 3 1/2 cups. But no law says you have to eat that much. 1 3/4 cups has 65 calories and 12 grams of carb.
As for chocolate, there are a few out there that are low sugar but all of them that I know about have a high fat/calorie count. I am Canadian so the one you talk about may not have ever been available here. Dark semi-sweet chocolate isn't quite so high in carbs or calories but does have that fat thing going on.
Have you ever a dietician for this eating program? If not, it may be a good idea. A good one will know about this stuff and may be able to help you work it into your meal plan. Your doctor may be able to refer you. Having diabetes for 13 years now, I have worked a lot with my dietician and she has taught me a lot about working so-called "No no" foods into my plan. I can basically eat just about anything I want - just not as much of the "no-no's" and not as often.
Do you know that most fruits are high in calories and carbs? Most have a high natural sugar content. Veggies make a better snack. Just stay away from carrots most of the time - high natural sugars. Any of the other standards that you find on a veggie and dip tray are great for snacking and both low cal & low carb. Mushrooms, celery, peppers, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes are all close to 0 calories and carbs. You can even have the dip if you stick to a low fat one. Here's a great recipe:
1 large tub of fat free PLAIN yoghurt
2 tbsp fat free mayo or mayo-type salad dressing
1 packet of onion soup mix, dried vegetable soup mix (no noodles or pasta), low fat dry salad dressing mix
or any other type of seasoning. I often dryed Italian herb mix with a touch of dill added. Dill is great alone, as well. Experiment!
Mix the three ingredients with a mixer, blender or whisk until all are well-blended. Serving size 2-3 regular table spoons. Store in yoghurt container or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Keeps well in the fridge.
