Movie night is an important tradition for many families. It’s a time to relax, have some fun, and enjoy your favorite films together.
One thing that can enhance your experience is having a healthy snack or two to munch on.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to fall into the habit of grabbing whatever snack is the quickest and easiest to make. But the problem is that you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs.
Whether you’re hosting or going to someone else’s house, here are ten nutritious foods that will satisfy your craving and set you up nicely for a memorable watching experience.
1. Apple Cinnamon Popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack because it’s easy to make, relatively inexpensive, and easy to find in most grocery or convenience stores. It will work well if you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Although plain buttered popcorn is always an option, there’s nothing special about it. Instead, try sprinkling your popcorn with cinnamon and dried apple chips.
Apples and cinnamon are a smart choice because they provide antioxidants that can help boost your immune system.
2. Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a nutritious alternative to traditional movie night snacks. Oatmeal is high in fiber and protein, which keep you feeling full for longer. Pumpkin puree is loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene to boost your immune system and protect against things like cancer and heart disease.
Chocolate chips are rich in unique antioxidants known as flavonoids. Dark chocolate varieties can be a wise choice as they’ve been linked to improved cardiovascular health.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit
If you’re a chocoholic, there’s still a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without packing in too many calories. Simply melt the chocolate and dip your favorite fruit in.
You could go with bananas, strawberries, or even oranges.
4. Cheese
Cheese is an excellent snack for kids and adults alike. Goat cheese is a crowd favorite because it’s more flavorful than traditional cow cheese. It’s also packed with protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, riboflavin, and other vitamins.
5. Frozen Fruits
Frozen fruits can be perfect for your movie night if you love to chow down on sour gummy bears, chewy candies, and other sugary treats. Popular choices include grapes, strawberries, pineapples, and raspberries. Peeled frozen bananas are often compared to ice cream popsicles.
Frozen fruits are much better for you than theater candy, which can double or triple your recommended daily allowance for sugar in just a single serving.
6. Sweet Potato Chips
What’s better than a crunchy snack? A healthy, roasted one!
Giving up store-bought potato chips for homemade ones is not only delicious, but it will also save you from stuffing your gut with an unnecessary amount of salt.
Roasting sweet potatoes at home will also give you more control over the ingredients and preserve their nutritional benefits. You can even sprinkle them with some parmesan or parsley for a more savory taste.
7. Yogurt
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, yogurt may be the perfect choice.
Homemade yogurt is lighter, easy to make, and doesn’t need preservatives like most commercial brands. It gives you that cold, creamy texture in all its glory while still being healthier for you because it contains active cultures that promote healthy bacteria growth in your gut.
8. Cereal
You can satisfy your sweet tooth and crunchy cravings with cereal that’s both healthy and filling. Some great options include Cheerios, Kashi granola bars (made from whole grains), and ancient grains like Khorasan wheat (Kamut), einkorn, and emmer.
9. Soup
No matter what you’re watching, a pot of soup is always an excellent choice if you’re looking for something savory and filling.
Popular options include:
- chicken noodle (made from tender pieces cooked in broth)
- lentil (which offers more protein and fiber)
- vegetable soups like minestrone (for a variety of flavors and textures)
A nice hot cup of soup will make any movie night, whether indoor or outdoor, even more enjoyable.
10. Shrimp Cocktail
If you want to try something more unique, you could give shrimp cocktail (or prawn cocktail) a shot.
Shrimp cocktail is a dish that has been around since the 16th century. It’s typically made with shrimp (or prawns) shelled and cooked in various sauces such as Marie Rose or cocktail sauce for flavor.
This cocktail also presents a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. You can serve it with lots of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or cucumbers.
