Whether you enjoy watching movies at the movie theater or in the comfort of your own home, having something to snack on is comforting, especially if the movie sucks. At the theaters, if you buy a medium popcorn and medium drink along with your ticket you’re probably spending close to $15. Not to mention the time you wasted waiting in the concessions line; you can’t miss the previews! Were you aware that one large tub of movie popcorn has about the same fat as five full size Snickers bars or more fat than six McDonald’s cheeseburgers? Or that a concession-sized candy box has about the same calories as a signature Subway Club 6-inch sandwich a large banana.
Whether you head out to the movies or stay at home, there are many healthy alternatives to typical movie snacks. You could air-pop popcorn and try a topping like Mrs. Dash, garlic powder, grated parmesan cheese, or paprika in place of butter. Tupperware, plastic bags, and a large purse or bag will be very helpful when trying to sneak in snacks. Try these healthy and cheap snacks for your movie experience:
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Healthy trail mix; use wheat Chex (or other dry cereal) with mixed nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and seeds
- Pretzels, pita chips, or baked potato chips
- Subway sandwich; just don’t get onions or any strong smelling ingredient, you’ll probably get kicked out
- Veggies such as celery, carrots, peppers, and broccoli with hummus
- Crackers and cheese
- Applesauce
- Whole fruit like bananas, grapes, raisins, and apples
- Diet soda, bottled water, or 100% fruit juice
- Dark chocolate
Popular candies have alarmingly high calories and high fat content. One bag of M&M’s has 240 calories and 10g fat, Twizzlers have 320 calories and 2g fat, and Reese’s Pieces have 220 calories and 11g fat. If you just can’t give up your candy fix then choose these lower calorie, lower fat choices:
- Junior Mints (1 box) has 170 calories, 3g fat instead of M&M's
- Good & Plenty (1.5oz box) has 150 calories, 0g fat instead of Twizzlers
- Buncha Crunch (1/3 cup) has 180 calories, 8g fat instead of Reese's Pieces
