You may be trolling the movie theaters this weekend to check out some of the Oscar nominees in anticipation of Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony. But moviegoers beware: Danger lurks behind the concessions stand. A large, buttered tub of popcorn alone will set you back over 1,600 calories. Add a large soda and a candy bar and your two hour stint at the Cineplex will cost you over 2,000 calories. But a night at the movies doesn’t necessarily need to derail your diet.
One way to enjoy a few movie munchies without packing on the pounds is to bring some snacks from home. Healthy choices include:
- Air-popped popcorn
- Whole grain crackers, goldfish or baked chips
- Fresh grapes, apple or carrot slices or dried fruit
- Almonds or walnuts
- Whole grain dry cereal
- Cheese
- Protein or fiber snack bar
- Bottled water
But if your favorite theater doesn’t allow you to bring these healthier alternatives into the show, here are some Best Bets for diet-friendly munchies you can purchase at the concessions stand:
Choose:
Sno Caps
3.1 oz box, 300 calories
Avoid:
M&Ms
5.3 oz bag, 790 calories
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Choose:
Good & Plenty
3 oz, 300 calories
Avoid:
Twizzlers
6 oz bag, 579 calories
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Choose:
Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey
16 oz, 175 calories
Avoid:
Large Coke
44 oz, 534 calories
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Choose:
Gummi Bears
3.5 oz bag, 390 calories
Avoid:
Dots
9.2 oz box, 850 calories
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Choose:
Junior Mints
3 oz box, 360 calories
Avoid:
Reese’s Pieces
8 oz bag, 1,160 calories
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Choose:
Mike & Ike
3 oz box, 320 calories
Avoid:
Skittles
6.5 oz bag, 765 calories
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Choose:
Medium Hot Dog
2 oz, 305 calories
Avoid:
Large Cheese Nachos
4 oz, 1,100 calories

Any tips on how to smuggle the good stuff in? Let’s hear it for Good and Plenty!
Have you considered carrying a “man bag?”