Healthy Movie Theater Snack Options Are Available
Over the last few years most of the new movies released have been garbage but thankfully the treats we eat while not enjoying them don’t have to be with these healthy movie theater snacks.
If you’re like me and enjoy the whole cinema experience that comes with sitting in front of the big screen munching away on delicious snacks but hate to suffer consequences of an unhealthy diet then here are some tasty, healthy options.
When I was a kid, going to the movies meant getting popcorn and candy. Although, there are some healthier options for movie-goers who want to keep their blood sugar stable and avoid excess calories.
Here are some Healthy Movie Theater Snacks to Enjoy
Downsize Your Popcorn
If you’re going to the movies and want to enjoy a snack, popcorn is your best option. It’s low in calories, but high in saturated fat. If you choose to indulge, be sure to downsize your popcorn. A small (4-ounce) serving has about 100 calories and 1 gram of saturated fat. The same as a large (12-ounce) bag at the theater!
If possible, share your snack with someone else so that both of you can enjoy some popcorn without overdoing it on calories or fat.
If possible, ask for no butter or salt on top. It’s easy for workers at movie theaters not paying attention when preparing orders for customers who aren’t asking questions about their food choices!
Try Low-Calorie Popcorn
You can still enjoy popcorn. Popcorn is a great snack, but there are healthier options available. Try air-popped popcorn, or make your own with coconut oil and salt instead of butter or margarine. If you’re feeling like something sweet, use brown sugar instead of white sugar in your mix (brown sugar has less refined carbs).
The brand Orville Redenbacher makes a line called “air popped” that comes in flavors like Butter & Salt and Caramel Corn. These flavors have fewer calories than traditional buttery ones because they don’t contain any fat or cholesterol. They’re just made with corn kernels!
They also have lower sodium than regular microwaveable bags do. If you’re watching your sodium intake closely this could be a big help for keeping blood pressure down too!
Choose a Side Salad or Fruit Cup
If you want to skip the popcorn and still get in on the movie theater experience, choose a side salad or fruit cup. Both options are healthier than popcorn, and they’re often cheaper as well. If you’re looking to save money and calories at the same time, this is your best bet!
Salads are usually made with fresh vegetables and fruits (which have fewer calories than many other foods). Plus they usually come with dressing on the side so that you can control how much fat goes into your meal.
Fruit cups include pieces of apple or banana along with raisins or grapes; again, these are low-calorie foods that should fill up hungry moviegoers without adding too much bulk to their bellies.
Fruit and Yogurt
Fruit salad or yogurt parfait cups from home–or even just plain old fruit from the grocery store! Any fresh produce will help keep things healthy while also providing some much-needed vitamins after hours spent watching TV.
Sneak these Healthy Movie Theater Snacks in your bag
If you’re going the cinema, there are still ways to enjoy healthy movie theater snacks. Keep these items in your purse for such occasions:
Get Some Granola
If you’re craving something crunchy, grab a granola bar or a small pack of granola. The best part? You can take these snacks right into the theater with you–they don’t need to be refrigerated!
Nuts like Almonds, Cashews or Peanuts
Nuts are healthy movie theatre snacks due to their nutrient density, providing essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and fiber. Their protein content helps keep you full, preventing excessive consumption of less nutritious options, while their small, portion-controlled servings promote mindful eating.
Nuts support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure, have a low glycemic index for stable energy, and are free from added sugars and artificial ingredients. They accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions, making them a versatile and wholesome choice for moviegoers, though portion control is advised to manage calorie intake.
Cheese and Crackers
Another good option is cheese and crackers, which will satisfy your hunger. And keeping it light enough that you won’t feel weighed down by all the calories in traditional movie theater popcorn.
This snack is also easy to sneak into theaters since it doesn’t require any refrigeration before being eaten (and no one will notice if you bring an entire block of cheddar).
Whole grain crackers with peanut butter or cheese spread on top If all else fails–and let’s face it–you’ll probably have forgotten about this article by then anyway! Just grab some yogurt from the concession stand!
Dried Fruit like Raisins or Banana Chips
Dried fruits like raisins or banana chips can be healthy movie theatre snacks due to their convenience, natural sweetness, and nutrient content. They offer a concentrated source of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Making them a satisfying and guilt-free alternative to traditional movie snacks. Raisins, for instance, provide potassium and iron, while banana chips offer potassium and healthy fats.
Their natural sugars provide a quick energy boost, and the fiber helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Moreover, their bite-sized nature and portability make them an easy, mess-free option for enjoying during a film.
You can snack without the added sugars and unhealthy fats often found in other movie snacks. However, portion control is advisable as they can be calorie-dense.
There are ways to eat Healthy Movie Theater Snacks without feeling deprived
The next time you’re going to see a matinee, stop by the grocery store beforehand to pick up some fresh veggies or fruit so you have something healthy to eat while you watch the film. If it’s not convenient for you to go shopping in advance, bring an empty bag and fill it up with snacks once inside. You can also buy water at the movie theater (some theaters even sell organic juices).
If these options don’t work for your schedule or budget, try making healthy versions of classic concession stand favorites: popcorn with olive oil instead of butter, pretzels with hummus instead of cheese sauce and peanut butter cups made from chocolate chips and coconut oil instead of hydrogenated oils found in most candy bars!
Conclusion
We hope this article has opened your eyes to the fact that it’s possible to eat healthy at the movie theater. With so many options available, you don’t have to feel deprived or guilty about eating popcorn anymore!
So next time you go see a film with friends or family members, try out one of these healthy movie theater snacks and enjoy yourself without worrying about what kind of snacks will be available during the screening time.
If you’re looking for more healthy diet tips for social occasions here’s a post on how to love beer, love food, and love yourself.
