While I'm hardcore dieting to lose, I can't make exceptions unless it comes out of my daily calorie allotment. If I were on maintenance, it would be different, of course. I'll cut my calories during the day to make up for a sweet treat at the movie, and also go a little above maintenance calories for the day in order to have something really yummy (like some M&Ms or my favorite, Jordan Almonds). I only go to the movies every few months, so it's not something I have to be concerned about as long as I plan it ahead of time.
I've not one for snacking at the movies--possibly because they have that yuck-o "golden topping" stuff instead of real butter--but snacking in front of the TV was a real problem until recently. It had gotten to the point where I associated chocolate with certain well-loved TV shows. I've managed to break this habit by drinking herbal tea, or club soda with lemon, whenever I get the urge to snack while in front of the TV.
I think you found a fine solution for yourself, LovesToTravel. A small bag of popcorn a couple of times a year is not going to hurt you.
We go to the movies often enough that I refuse to treat myself to a whole popcorn every time. What I've started doing is I'll bring in a giant bottle of water (Wooo, big purse), have like two handfuls (what is that, like 10 kernels? lol) of his popcorn and then snack on roasted pumpkin seeds and/or some almonds. Typically I wind up getting engrossed in the movie and stop eating after the first 15-20 minutes so while the calories COULD get out of hand with my snacks, they don't because I'm not eating them for very long.
I used to LOVE movie theatre popcorn (with the fake butter) but when I started dieting I stopped allowing myself to get it except once in a very blue moon. Often I get nothing, sometimes I will get a dt soda.
I found that after not getting the popcorn for quite awhile it started to smell disgusting instead of delicious and that just further helps me not give in.
I do have an air popper so I sometimes make my own at home as a treat, with real butter!
In my entire life, I think I've eaten at the cinema just one time. I agree that it's mindless eating, and it doesn't add anything to the experience. I don't eat when I watch movies at home, either.
I think it might be a habit that starts in childhood, and then it becomes expected as part of the experience. We never bought snacks at the theater when I was a child because it was hard enough to afford movie tickets. I refuse to buy snacks for my granddaughter when we go to the movies, no matter how much she begs. However, I bring bottled water for each of us. Thirst matters
I guess I just don't like the idea of eating something that is so contaminated. Especially since it's usually teens working at movie theaters, and they aren't known for stellar hygiene.
I used to know someone that worked in the concessions at a local theater and she said they pulled out a bag of popcorn once that was filled with maggots. The manager said to pop it anyway
I don't ever remember eating at movie theaters, and I can go 1-2 hours without food without a problem.
My daughter ALWAYS wants a snack at the movies, though, so the very occasional (2x/yr) times that we go, I pop popcorn at home and bring a juice box and fruit snacks for her. When I was in high school and dates would want to bring me to the movies, I'd usually buy a black coffee or something when I got there.
I'm not going to lie, I get a large popcorn when I go. Popcorn is pretty much my favourite food ever and for me it's part of the movie theatre experience. I just make sure I keep my calories really low the rest of the day.
I stopped eating in the movie theater last year but to be fair, I was never a popcorn person. I was more a candy person. But I really try not to make everything about the food. I go to the movies to watch the movie, not to eat.
A lot of theaters have a kids meal, a liitle popcorn, soda and some type of kid candy, toss the candy, although after reading some of these posts, I may be skipping the "handled" popcorn altogether. Mixed nuts or almonds work good for me, something crunchy, I hate to pay more for drinks and snacks than getting into the movie...
Sounds like you made a good choice for you, that's what counts, I find I eat more leading up to the movie, so probably getting there a bit later and not sitting through all those previews would be better for me.
The only thing I have to have at the movies is a diet coke. I do enjoy movie theater popcorn now and again, but my bf and I go to the movies often enough that getting it every time just isn't realistic to my diet. Plus, it's very rare that it actually TASTES good. Usually, it's either cold, stale, flavorless, or all 3. I find I'm more often disappointed with the popcorn than enjoying it, so I'm less motivated to buy it (especially with those outrageous prices).
