Healthy Kids~Movie Snacks

Today’s post written by Dr. Joanna

Movie Snacks

For some of us, going to the movies would not be the same without having our favorite treat or snack. The truth is, the snacks that are offered at the movies are not only bad for us but some may contain a whole days worth of calories! Let's review what is actually being offered at the movies: Avoid this 1 Large Buttered Popcorn (20 cups) 1500 calories 116g fat Nachos with Cheese (large, 4 oz) 1101 calories 59g fat Soft Pretzel (1 large) 483 calories 4.5g fat Hot Dog (1 dog with bun) 305 calories 4.5g fat Junior Mints (3 oz) 320 calories 5g fat Cotton Candy (2.5 oz) 300 calories 0g fat Milk Duds (3 oz) 340 calories 12g fat Sno-Caps (3.1 oz) 360 calories 16g fat Raisinets (3.5 oz) 380 calories 16g fat Gummy Bears (4 oz) 390 calories 0g fat Goobers (3.5 oz) 525 calories 35g fat Twizzlers (6 oz) 600 calories 4g fat M&M's (5.3 oz) 735 calories 31.5g fat Skittles (6.75 oz) 765 calories 9g fat Large bag of Reese's Pieces (8 oz) 1200 calories 60g fat Starburst (24 pieces) 480 calories 10.5g fat Coca-Cola with ice (large, 3 pints, 18.9 fl oz) 353 calories 0g fat Regular Ice Cream (1/2 cup) 220 calories 11 g fat Cracker Jack with peanuts (1 cup) 240 calories 4 g fat Shocking right? Most of the snacks that are offered may taste good but they are loaded with unwanted fat and calories. Many movie theaters are now offering pizza, chicken wings and other meal items which contain large amounts of unnecessary fat. To eat healthy, you often need to bring snacks from home. Here are some healthier options to try: Try This 94% fat-free air popped (3 cups) 100 calories 1.1 g fat Reese's pieces (1.4 oz bag) 200 calories 9 g fat Hard Pretzels (1 oz bag) 110 calories 1 g fat Low-fat Frozen Yogurt (1/2 cup) 140 calories 3 g fat Sweet & Salty Chex Trail Mix (1/2 cup) 140 calories 4.5 g fat Dry Cereal of Choice varied Baked Tortilla Chips (1 oz bag) 120 calories 0.5 g fat Baked Potato Chips (1 oz bag) 110 calories 1.5 g fat Fill up on a healthy meal before heading to the movies so that mid-movie hunger does not hit. Allow yourself to have one snack while at the movies. The best way to minimize extra calories at the movies is to bypass the concession counter all together! Bring your own snacks from home. If you did not bring your own snack be sure to choose the smaller portion sized snacks or get the kid size version. Popcorn is a great snack to have while at the movies as long as you choose the air-popped types that are low-fat. Notice the movie popcorn above can contain as many as 1500 calories, if you pop your own before heading out you will save over 1000 calories in one sitting! Eating popcorn is not only delicious but it is satisfying, crunchy, fun to eat and it's a whole grain! The fun part about bringing your own popcorn is that you can prepare it any way you like. Try adding garlic powder; paprika, cinnamon, Mrs. Dash or grated parmesan cheese for a little extra flavor. Here is a little tip: Spray the popcorn with butter-flavored cooking spray before adding toppings so they stick better. If you prefer something sweet, try having a small box of candy from the supermarket. Often times the movie theater only carries large size boxes of candy. Try choosing low-fat frozen yogurt, if available, instead of regular ice-cream; this switch will save you over 80 calories. If you like crunch, pretzels are always a healthy option! Another crunchy but healthy treat: baked chips such as 'Baked Lays'; just watch out for the oversized bags as the calories can add up quickly. Next time you are headed to the movies, think and plan ahead so you are never tempted to peruse the concession stand. Your wallet and waist line will thank you for it.

Be Well, Joanna Dolgoff, MD Dr.Dolgoff's Weigh

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