In recent years, movie theaters have expanded their menus beyond just popcorn, candy, and sodas. Don’t look for carrot sticks, tofu, or fat free yogurt on the menu, however. The trend at major movie theaters involves serving pizza, sandwiches, and other fast food rather than heart-healthy fare.
Healthy Choices at Cinema Concession Stands
People go to the movies to escape their everyday lives. Typically, they don’t want to eat everyday food while they’re indulging their need to experience something out of the ordinary. Even with the health and fitness trends, you aren’t likely to find many concession stands serving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on whole-wheat pitas, cottage cheese cups, or bowls of mixed vegetables.
Healthful snacks at the theater may be a good idea for the few who absolutely adhere to their diets, but for the most part, these healthy choices won’t generate much money for the concession stand. A common attitude among moviegoers is that certain foods go with certain places. This correlation allows them to go way out of bounds on fat and calories because that’s their habit when going to the movie theater.
It’s part of the entertainment experience to have popcorn and snacks at the movies. Unfortunately a medium buttered popcorn, box of chocolate candy, and sugary soft drink can add up to 1,000 calories, which turn into fat as you sit for 90 minutes watching the film.
Plan Movie Snacks Ahead of Time
Going to the movies doesn’t have to put a dent in your diet. Planning ahead of time will allow you to eat the right foods in the right amount at the right time. Try these suggestions for a more healthful night out at the movies.
- Eat a healthy meal at home before going to the movies. Drink a glass of water to decrease hunger and build your resistance when you get that first whiff of popcorn.
- Buy tickets to more matinees when you have a full stomach between lunch and dinner, and you’ll be less tempted to eat.
- Many movie theaters are located within malls or shopping centers. Visit the food court or nearby restaurant first where menus offer more variety. Eat something healthful before going to the cinema.
- Buy bottled water or a diet drink from the concession stand. If you want popcorn, order a child-sized portion without butter. An even better option is to split this small portion with someone else.
- If you’re bringing children with you, feed the kids first so they won’t be as hungry. And be sure to take children to age-appropriate films only. The less bored they are, the less they will want to eat.
- If you absolutely must bring snacks from home, make sure they are quiet, discreet, and don’t leave a mess for the ushers.
- Remember how expensive movie theater food is, and how much money you’ll save by not buying anything there. Food items cost more at the theater because they have a captive audience. Hold on to the money you save by not buying food, and use it for buying more movie tickets in the future.
So plan ahead to avoid diet disasters, and then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. For more information about movie theater food, read 10 Facts About Movie Theater Food.
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