10 Healthy Snack Alternatives Perfect For Movie Night

With many of us spending most of our time at home, it’s natural that we’re also watching more movies. And watching movies wouldn’t be complete without snacks. Some of our favorites are popcorn, pizza, chips, soda, and other admittedly unhealthy options.

If you’re looking to be healthy, here are some better alternatives for your favorite movie snacks:

1. Popcorn

Yes, popcorn is already a staple but you can still have them because they’re actually healthy. It’s high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and polyphenol antioxidants. There’s a catch, though. It’s better to prepare your own popcorn instead of buying microwavable ones. Popcorn loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, caramel, and artificial flavoring is bad for you. To prepare your own, simply put popcorn kernels in a large pot, cover it, then cook over medium heat for three minutes or until the popping almost stops. Pour into a bowl and season lightly with salt. Buy popcorn here.

2. Fruit chips and veggie chips

You can still have chips but make sure they’re in vegetable or fruit form. Try kale chips, which are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A and calcium, B vitamins, vitamin C, and potassium. You can prepare your own by baking them or using a dehydrator, or you can buy any of the commercially-available kale chips. You can also try vegetable and fruit chips like kamote, squash, banana, cassava, apple, and more. Buy fruit chips here and buy veggie chips here.

3. Apple slices with peanut butter

Speaking of apple chips, you can enjoy sliced apples with peanut butter. Peanut butter has heart-healthy fats and is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals including the B vitamin niacin, iron, potassium, and vitamin E. Make sure to get an all-natural variety that’s unsalted and with no added sugar. Of course, stay away from those with added ingredients like chocolate and jam. Buy peanut butter here.

4. Nuts

Another healthy alternative to chips is nuts. There are so many available: peanuts, pistachios, cashews, almonds, macadamia, and more. Peanuts have protein, fiber, good fats, and more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals. Cashews have heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and antioxidants. Nuts are good for you and have that crunch that goes well with movies! Buy cashews here.

5. Edamame

Another snack you can enjoy with your movie is edamame, or boiled or steamed soybeans. They are high in protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. They are also said to lower cholesterol. Studies have suggested they can reduce the risk of breast cancer, menopausal symptoms, prostate cancer, and bone loss. They taste, delicious, too! Buy roasted edamame here.

6. Kamote fries

If you love fries, switch potatoes with kamote. Kamote fries have all the benefits of sweet potatoes: fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. As always, make your own to make sure it’s healthy. Use olive oil for healthy fats and bake it. Keep the skin on so you benefit from the kamote‘s fiber content. Jazz it up with some spices and you’re good to go! Lazy to cook? Buy kamote chips here.

7. Pita bread with hummus

Love dip? Try hummus! Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip or spread made of mashed chickpeas with tahini (toasted ground hulled sesame), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It’s usually eaten with pita bread or falafel (deep-fried fritters made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both). Hummus is great because it’s low in carbs, has good fats, and comes with protein and fiber. Buy hummus here.

8. Greek yogurt with mixed berries

Love ice cream? Swap it with Greek yogurt topped with mixed berries! Greek yogurt is good for you because it promotes intestinal health, builds stronger bones, and enhances immunity. It’s high in protein, too. Compared to regular yogurt, the Greek kind has less sodium and carbohydrates. Add different kinds of berries depending on your mood. Try strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Make sure to avoid brands that have added sugar! Buy Greek yogurt here.

9. Homemade shakes

Movie night usually comes with soda and fruit juices, so replace those high-sugar drinks with homemade smoothies. Make nutritious versions featuring fruits, vegetables, yogurts, nuts, seeds, and milk. There are dozens of combinations available but stay away from ingredients with high amounts of sugar and other unhealthy stuff. Some popular ingredients are berries, bananas, kale, spinach, arugula, peanut butter, and more. Buy a portable blender and juicer here.

10. Chia seed pudding

Another excellent choice for dessert is chia seed pudding! Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients. And when they are turned into pudding, it can also be a tasty treat. Simply put a tablespoon of chia seeds and 80ml of water in a small bowl, cover, and put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Stir in cocoa powder, peanut butter, and a pinch of stevia or other healthy sweeteners. Buy chia seeds here.

What do you think? Share your thoughts below!

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