Eating Healthy At The Movies: Not Impossible!
By Fitsmi February 28


Sitting through a movie on an empty stomach can really ruin the fun (Doesn’t it seem like your belly always growls during the quiet parts?). If you’re trying to eat healthy, you’re probably pretty peeved when you hit the concession stand. Who wants to spend an arm and a leg on food that’s loaded with calories and sugar? We sure don’t, especially after one study revealed a medium popcorn and soda combo at a major movie theater chain totals 1,610 calories and 60 grams of fat. That’s like eating three McDonald’s Quarter Pounders topped with 12 teaspoons of butter. Yikes!

The good news is, you can still have your popcorn and movie combo without feeling guilty. We found some great tips at Healthy Eats to help make your popcorn snacking more healthy:

• Order a small tub to share.
• Don’t top your popcorn with artery-clogging butter.
• Use low-calorie seasoning blends to top your popcorn (many theaters have it available at the counter).
• Pop your own low-cal bag at home or make your own and bring it to the theater.

Thirsty? Try to avoid drinking soda, even if it’s diet. “Although switching from regular soda to diet soda may save you calories, some studies suggest that drinking more than one soda a day—regular or diet—increases your risk of obesity and related health problems such as type 2 diabetes.” says nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Instead, wash down those kernels with an iced tea or bottle of water.

If you prefer candy, satisfy your sweet tooth with these tips:

• Tuck a smaller snack pack of candy or chocolate in your pocket.
• Opt for either popcorn or candy, not both.
• Split one pack two, three or even four ways.
• Make your own trail mix with a handful of nuts, dried fruit and one to two tablespoons of dark chocolate chips mixed in.

For more ways to eat healthy at the movies, check out the original blog post.

What do you like to snack on at the movies?

Photo by: bdjsb7