Take Control of your Movie Theatre Experience

This is a topic of frequent discussion with clients – what can I eat at the movies? Since the usual movie fare of popcorn with cheap oils, hot dogs, soda, nachos with sodium laden condiments, and candy hardly qualifies for a health contest how can you transform your movie experience into an enjoyable and healthful experience?

LA Times writer Mary MacVean wrote an article earlier this year on Snack Bar Health Reform.  She interviewed some key chefs to see what they would recommend for healthy movie food available for purchase.

Evan Kleiman, chef-owner of Angeli Caffe and host of the weekly radio food show “Good Food” on KCRW suggested fruit and veggies with peanut butter for dipping.

Stefan Richter, the chef at LA Farm in Santa Monica suggested hummus or a fruit and cheese platter.

These are wonderful choices but since movie theaters seem more interested in selling snacks than providing health options what can one do for healthful choices at the movies?  Here’s your grocery list for a good movie viewing experience:

1.  A baggie of your favorite mixed raw or dry roasted nuts with a few chocolate chips or dark chocolate squares to sweeten up the mix

2.  3-4 cubes of your favorite hard sliced cheese with apple slices or grapes

3.  A cup of your favorite tea or a decaf latte with extra foam and some cocoa powder on top to sweeten a little

4.  Celery topped with natural peanut, almond or cashew butter and a few raisins, also known as ants on a log in a children’s world

One thought to consider:  are truly hungry when you attend a movie, or is it just a habit to eat while watching?  A few years ago I started bringing a bottle of water and made sure I ate a meal or a snack prior to the film. 

If you are hungry, consider one of the above options.  Otherwise, maybe rethink your default response of movie eating.  You don’t have to be lured by the sounds and smells of fellow movie goers consuming unhealthful fare. Healthful eating can make your experience even more enjoyable….even at the movies.