Say goodbye to popcorn at the movies: try these healthy snacks
If you're one of those people who avoid going to the movies to ward off the temptation of popcorn, this article is for you.
Going to the movies is one of the best leisure activities there is. No matter the time of year, if the movie theater is as good and varied as this summer's, it's worth going. But if you're in a healthy mood and don't feel like using this plan as an excuse to eat poorly, we bring you some much healthier options to enjoy and take care of yourself in equal measure.
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| Healthy snacks for movie nights |
Popcorn is always our biggest temptation when we decide to make these kinds of plans. This food is always associated with entertainment. The reason? We found it, as is common in the US, during the Great Depression. When movies stopped being silent, the number of customers increased, and popcorn became popular among society as it was the most affordable snack for citizens. A bag costs just 5 or 10 cents.
From then on, this snack began to spread like wildfire. In 1885, popcorn machines were a staple at the entrances to movie theaters. Years later, these machines had their own space in movie theaters.
Even during World War II, this food grew even more popular due to sugar rationing, and by the end of the conflict, more than half of the country's popcorn was consumed at the movies. From then on, advertising took over until this snack was introduced in movie theaters around the world.
Five Healthy Snacks for Going to the Movies
This tradition still continues today, although it's up to us to continue it or opt for much healthier snacks. If you're one of those people who likes to break with the norm, we bring you some healthy options for going to the movies.
Natural Nuts
Although we sometimes make the mistake due to certain diets, nuts can be consumed if you are in a calorie deficit. As long as they are natural and the portion is moderate. Many nutritionists, health organizations, and the Spanish Heart Foundation estimate an amount between 30 and 100 grams per day. However, this will depend greatly on the person's size, age, and physical activity.
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| It is recommended to consume a handful of natural nuts daily. |
Ideally, consume a handful of almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, or chestnuts daily, and do so directly as a snack. Of course, they should be natural or roasted, unsalted, and without any chocolate coating. This way, we will have a healthy snack, high in fiber, and with many nutrients, vitamins, and benefits.
Dried Fruit
This food raises many questions due to its high sugar content, but the truth is that removing the water from the fruit to dehydrate it results in a more concentrated sugar. However, these sugars are not at all like refined sugars; they are intrinsic, meaning they are part of the basic composition of foods like fruit.
We should not confuse it with candied or frosted fruit, which does include added sugars. Some of the benefits found in dried fruit are vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, unlike natural fruit, we do not find water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C, as it is lost during the dehydration process. However, they are still a good occasional alternative.
Apple with Cinnamon
If you prefer to consume fruit traditionally, try apples with cinnamon. It's the perfect snack for those with a sweet tooth who prefer candy at the movies. Apples provide us with numerous minerals and are rich in soluble fiber, amino acids, and antioxidants. Cinnamon, in addition to naturally flavoring and sweetening, provides additional benefits, as it is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Hummus with Crudités
Chickpea hummus is a great source of plant-based protein, minerals, and vitamins. And if we pair it with vegetable crudités (fresh, raw vegetable sticks), we get the perfect combination: a healthy, low-calorie, filling, and delicious snack.
Rice or Corn Popcorn
If you're still craving popcorn despite everything, try corn or rice popcorn; they're very crunchy and lower in calories. This snack is a good option to curb the craving, although it's important not to overindulge and make sure they're not overly salty. They're also a source of B vitamins, iron, fiber, and minerals. They're also an excellent alternative for those with celiac disease, as they're gluten-free.
In short, there are as many healthy alternatives to popcorn as there are movie genres. With this guide to options, you can satisfy your appetite and provide numerous benefits and nutrients to your body. But if you're still craving popcorn, we recommend buying natural popcorn and making it at home without butter and with much less salt.