When it comes to watching a movie at the theater, many of us are faced with a dilemma: what should we eat? Movie theater snacks can be unhealthy and full of empty calories, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up on eating altogether.
There are plenty of healthy options that you can choose from if you know what to look for.
Popcorn is the quintessential movie theater snack and it can actually be quite healthy. Air-popped popcorn is very low in calories and fat, and is packed with fiber.
You can make it even healthier by skipping the butter or cheese topping and adding your own seasoning like cinnamon or garlic powder.
Nachos are a popular snack at the movies but they can be surprisingly unhealthy due to the amount of processed cheese and high-fat chips used. The best way to make nachos healthier is to order them without cheese, opt for whole wheat chips, and add fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Fruit is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without all the added sugar. Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes—all these fruits are low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals that will help keep you full during the movie. You can also opt for dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a convenient snack on-the-go.
Yogurt is another great option for a movie theater snack as it’s low in calories but still has plenty of protein to keep you full. Try pairing it with some nuts or seeds for an added crunch or some fresh fruit for sweetness.
Veggies are always a great option when trying to eat healthy at the movies. Carrots, celery sticks, cucumbers—these all make great snacks that are filling yet low in calories so you won’t feel too guilty after indulging in them.
Dark Chocolate, while not necessarily considered healthy food per se, is a great source of antioxidants which can help boost your immune system as well as your mood. Choose one with at least 70% cocoa content for maximum benefits.
Conclusion:When it comes to eating at the movies, there are plenty of healthy options available if you know what to look for. Popcorn (without butter or cheese), nachos (without processed cheese), fruit (fresh or dried), yogurt, veggies (like carrots or celery), and dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa content) are all great choices that will leave you feeling satisfied without feeling guilty about indulging.