The movies are one of the greatest past times…great for families, dates, nights out with friends…but those tempting movie snacks can throw any guest into a calorie overload. To think our biggest concern with the popcorn is the outrageous price; it’s the nutritional sabotage that we should be most worried about! Your best bet is to take a cue from Granny and pack your own snacks to shave off your movie snack calorie intake, or choose one of the not-so-horrific snacks at the concessions counter.
Eat before You View
Have lunch or dinner before you head out to the theater, and avoid eating a fattier, heavy snack like nachos or a gigantic tub of popcorn. You’ll be able to stave off your hunger, as well, making you more likely to get through the previews and still have some of your treat leftover. You may even consider getting your seats and buying your snack during the previews…most people eat at least half of their snack before the previews have even started!
Put that Big Purse to Work
Grab a coffee before the flick, or pack an apple and a bag of pre-popped popcorn in a light or low-fat variety to get yourself in the movie spirit. Be sure to arm yourself with a bottle of water, too! We often mistake hunger for thirst, and the water will keep your mouth busy. Gotta have chocolate at the theater? Bring a snack-sized serving of chocolate chips for only 80 calories in 1/4 of a cup. You’ll even get a bit of iron with it!
Choose Wisely
Sometimes, half the fun of going to the show is the marketing genius that is the concession stand. Although there are few, try to choose one of the better options to make good choices before the movie starts rolling. Some choices will probably surprise you!
Soft Pretzels
Choosing a soft pretzel is one of the surprisingly healthiest options at the theater. Weighing in at 290 calories, it’s practically a meal, but is likely fat free, or very low-fat. Ask for some mustard instead of the cup of fake cheese, and you add minimal calories. Popcorn, on the other hand, packs up to 600 calories and 39 grams of fat.
Junior Mints
A half of this box is only contains 170 calories, and just 3 grams of fat, so if it’s a chocolatey snack that you’re craving, this is the way to go. Other chocolate snacks have 240 or more calories and always more fat. Just be sure to share with your date!
Jujyfruits
These little fruity snacks are lower in the calorie range, and have no fat, where most movie snacks are loaded up with even the saturated variety. 1 serving has less than 200 calories, however, there are only about 20 pieces in a serving, so portion out your snack.
Drink Swap
Swap the usual vat of soda for a diet soda or a bottle of water. Having a drink keeps you busy, and less likely to need a snack. If you must have a drink or still need to munch, promise yourself to wait until after the previews, and you may not even end up going.
Head to the theater on a full tummy, and you’ll have the willpower to make a healthier choice. Bring your own snacks and get the best of both worlds!
