I know popcorn is generally considered a healthy snack, but where I live they don't have small sizes or low calories, low fat/butter etc, plus they use sugar, which i'm used to lol. It's just one huge box. Even if you plan to share it with a friend it's still lots. Since I'm not sure how many calories are in it and I don't want to sabotage my weight loss efforts because i've always believed I couldn't watch a movie without popcorn, (going to the the movies are about the only thing I enjoy doing for fun on weekends). Is it weird to skip the popcorn for a while until I reach my weight loss goals? I don't like to feel 'deprived'; it's a certified binge-trigger for me. I just want to know if it's not too weird to skip it or is it like a must-do for a movie? Thanks much in adv for ur ideas.

lol... what i have done in the past is make a mini bag of pop corn at home and ziplock it and bring it with me in my purse. it helps me stay on plan and not spend millions at the food counter..

It has so many calories that I won't eat movie theater popcorn. It's just not worth it to me. I usually just get water and it's no big deal.

I've learned to give it up, honestly. And I don't miss it much anymore. My weight loss efforts are more important to me. I like TIARA's suggestion, though. You can make a healthier (and cheaper) alternative at home and just sneak it in with you!

LOL...I just posted yesterday that I went to the movies and didn't have popcorn (which in the past I would consider a SIN). I love love love popcorn and always had a large (by myself) when I went to movies. Lucky for me I didn't go that often. Or was it lucky? On my last birthday I got a new popcorn popper (oil) and I was eating so much of it. Unlike you I had never had it with sugar but my daughter had seen it on TV and wanted to try it. Guess what? I loved it. So snack snack snack away I went thinking it wouldn't hurt ITS POPCORN. Well I just finished losing the weight I gained back from eating just popcorn.

So yes, it feels weird and you'll smell it and want it...I know I did. But afterwards have a drink and something healthy and before anything else let that set for a bit in your tummy. The urges will subside or so they did for me. Popcorn is a treat to be had in small quantities and theatres don't know small.

Popcorn can be a healthy treat -- but never when popped by a movie theatre!! Lots of good ideas here!

One comment, you said:
Your comment suggests that you are feeling like you're on a "diet". You'll lose weight, and then be able to resume some (or all) of your old habits -- like movie popcorn.

Most of us have found through experience that this strategy is a recipe for weight gain. Instead, successful maintainers report that they have to continue using their new, healthier habits to keep the weight off.

Actually, popcorn without butter and without salt is really not bad for you - you can eat a ton for very few calories, and I believe it doesn't have much sodium in it without added salt. But obviously the movie theaters douse them in oils and butters like they're planning to light it on fire. =P

Growing up, my dad refused to buy concessions at the movie theater (he always called the prices "highway robbery!"). I've never gotten into the habit of buying popcorn at the movies - Coke, yes, but no to popcorn - so trust me, you're not weird in not buying it.

Part of the weight loss journey, IMO, is re-thinking when and where food is "required." For myself, food is required to nourish and sustain me and keep my body fueled with good things. VERY occasionally, food is for "fun." Every person's definition of fun is different, I think the key is identifying those rare times in advance, and making sure it's really worth it.

Popcorn at the movies isn't worth it to me, but my mom's famous Mystery Pie at Thanksgiving sure is!

That is an excellent point. A lot of us attach food to events or feelings. Sitting in front of a television means eating chips or something of the kind. Soon enough, every moment and habit is an excuse to indulge... eep!

I always sort of considered eating at the movies something that was only for little kids so I think it's fine to skip it. I just don't see a lot of adults with popcorn and candy at the theater (except my husband ).

For me, it is never an issue to skip eating in public - I don't want to be the fat lady with the huge popcorn, ice cream, obnoxious coffee "drink", fried food, buffet, or any other fat person cliche. I guess if I ate out for every meal, I might be a whole lot thinner.

I say have a meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner... depending what time of day you go to a movie) BEFORE you hit the theater. Then you won't want to eat anything while you're there. I always have water with me everywhere I go, so that's all I do when I'm at the movies... which isn't very often (I hate theaters... crowds... stoooopid prices of everything & most movies aren't worth seeing in the 1st place!... but that's another thread... )

Small AMC bag of popcorn = approximately 400 calories.

Not worth it to me because it's a MEAL's worth of calories.

I'd rather take popcorn from home, in a baggie. Even the kettle corn is less calories (approximately 1 serving per sandwich baggie = 150 calories) and I can still enjoy it.

With research and forethought, even a trip to the movies can be healthy. I know becuase I lived there last week. I spent the past week at "Harry Potter Week" where I saw 2 movies every night for 4 nights (including Deathly Hallows Pt 2 at midnight - brilliant, btw). I ate popcorn (which was included on my pass) 3 of the nights. A small popcorn with no butter at Harkins is only 250 calories http://www.livestrong.com/article/31...rkins-popcorn/, which is roughly the same as microwave popcorn at home. Two bites per kernel and it lasts a long time. I also brought in my grilled chicken sandwhiches and grapes in for late dinners. Blessedlly my pass allowed me to skip the HUGE line that started at 8am on Thursday so I walzted into the theatre at 7 with my dinner and treats (peanut M&Ms - my fav) to help me stay awake until 3am when I got home
The scale has only ticked up 1 pound and I am expecting TOM anytime now, so going to the movies doesn't have to mess you up.

I really don't understand the need to eat when one goes to see a movie. It's only 2-3 hours. Why the need to eat popcorn? I actually get a little irritated (not directed at anyone here) when popcorn crunches or the bag crinkles or someone slurps up soda. There's a reason I only see maybe 1 movie a year and that's when it's on the verge of leaving theaters.

Mmmmm.... Movie theater popcorn is the best and worst all at once! My mom came to me one day telling me about how many calories is in a large bucket of Regal popcorn WITHOUT BUTTER! I can't remember the exact number, but I do remember feeling disgusted.

I don't think popcorn is a "must do" though. The only time I ever get popcorn is if I'm just hungry. I mean, even a small popcorn at Regal fills you up! Just eat dinner beforehand and bring a healthy snack with you in your purse. For me personally, I love munching on sweets during a movie, so I'd probably bring a 100 calorie bag of cookies or a chocolate pudding with me and skip the double dipped chocolate peanuts. (Double mmmmm!)