COACH STACY'S HEALTHY U

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