Healthy Movie Night Snacks

Planning a movie night can be a great way to spend time together as a family. While you enjoy sharing laughs with your kids, you probably don’t enjoy all the greasy, sugary snacks that come with the cinema. Cozy up with a DVD for an at-home-movie-night and leave fatty popcorn at the theater. Here are some tips for easy to prepare movie night snacks that not only taste good, but are good for your health too.
 

Popcorn

If you’re a fan of traditional popcorn, ditching butter and salt is your best bet for heart health. Instead, season air-popped popcorn with a variety of spices for taste that’s free of trans-fat. Cinnamon is delicious on popcorn for those with a sweet tooth, or powdered Parmesan if you prefer your snacks more savory. Mix Parmesan with garlic powder and basil for an Italian spin on this classic snack. For a fiery version of the classic movie-goer munchie; cumin, turmeric and curry powder combine to create a spicy popcorn alternative. Rosemary can also be sprinkled on pop-corn for a refreshing, herbal snack.
 

Making Fruit Fun

While popcorn contains phosphorus, which is good for digestion, you may be hoping to sneak some extra nutrients in during your family feature.

Fruit is full of natural sugars and will satisfy your little one’s sweet tooth. Pairing with classic peanut butter will keep their tummies satiated (yours too!). Cut apple wedges, leaving the skins on for plenty of fiber, and a bowl of peanut butter for a protein packed movie snack. Strawberries and bananas dipped in melted dark chocolate are sweetly satisfying, but still filled with good vitamins. We recommend Callebuat Belgian melting chocolate, sold in our deli, which melts with easily while retaining it's creamy texture. Eat with roasted walnuts for a punch of omega-3, which is essential for a healthy brain.
 

Soda Alternatives

Don’t forget a drink! Soda is a tempting movie night treat, but filled with empty calories. Water is the best option for your body, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Fill a cold pitcher of water with your favorite sliced fruit or vegetables. Some rosemary pop-corn would go great with cucumber water, or try lemon water to wash down spicy curry popcorn. If you’re looking for more flavors, Caraluzzi’s offers a variety of natural juice drinks. Mix with seltzer to get the taste of soda without the un-natural sugars.
 
Nothing is better than spending quality time with your family. Teach healthy eating habits in the process of creating fond memories, and your children will be eating right for years to come.