Movie Treats, Thumbs Up or Blockbuster Diet Disaster?

The aroma hits you as soon as you walk pass the doors of any movie theater…popcorn! For many people, a trip to the movies isn't complete without a big tub of buttery popcorn and a giant cup of soda. But if you don’t choose wisely, that treat could be scarier than the next horror flick! With a little planning, you can still enjoy a delicious snack that doesn't inflict chaos on your good eating habits.

In theory, air-popped popcorn should be low in calories and high in fiber — a healthy, whole grain snack. But just how bad could a tub of a movie theater's popcorn be?

On average, a large popcorn boasts a mind-boggling 100 grams of fat — the equivalent of 6  hamburgers. With approximately 1,300 calories, it packs almost 85% of calories for the average dieter.

If movie theater popcorn is a must-have, stick with a kid-sized serving. Avoid larger sizes completely, even if medium servings cost only a dollar more, they add about 500 more calories and two days worth of saturated fat. Ouch!

Those giant chocolate bars and boxes of candy at the counter are also bad news. While you might kid yourself into thinking that you won’t eat the whole thing, chances are that once you're munching away in the dark, you'll be mindlessly consuming the entire bar without even blinking.

One way to enjoy a treat without sabotaging your waistline is to bring your own snacks from home. Yes, this is discouraged by most theater owners because they make a huge profit at the concession stand. However, theaters have different policies, and some even allow you to bring food from outside vendors.

Here are some healthy alternatives you can buy or bring from home to munch on:

Air-popped popcorn

Sparkling water

Cup of fresh juice

Trail mix, made with baked non-salty nuts 

Dry whole grain cereals

Whole grain crackers or rice crackers
Pretzels 

Chocolate wafers (30 g)

Oat bars (Low in fat and no sugar added)

Dried fruits

Carrots

You don’t have to miss out the fun of going out to the movies just because you’re watching over your diet. By carrying your own portion-controlled snacks from home or choosing cautiously at the candy counter, the only things you’ll be missing are the inches you'll lose from your waist.