The Crunch Factor
My theory is that the sound of others munching away on popcorn sends a signal to my jaws that I should be munching, too. So I always stick to crunchy snacks for the cinema. Here are my favorites:
- Trail mix
- Dry cereal (I swear by Corn Pops!)
- Air-popped pop corn sprinkled with Butter Buds
- Lite microwave popcorn
- Nuts
- Low-fat granola
- Baked tortilla chips
- Baked potato chips
Additional Alternatives
For Atkins dieters, the very reliable snack stand-by of pork rinds work well as a popcorn substitute. They have the crunch that low-carbers miss and they're available in a variety of flavors such as BBQ and spicy.
Those on the South Beach Diet can choose from a variety of nuts to munch on. Many types are on Dr. Agatston's "good" foods list, including: cashews, almonds, peanuts, macadamias, and roasted soy nuts.
NutriSystem dieters can request popcorn be sent to them on the Nourish plan. While NutriSystem popcorn is not a low-GI food in accordance with the Nourish plan, its calorie count allows it to still be acceptable on the program.
Into Temptation...
So you've been good for three Saturdays in a row and you want a special treat. I say go for it every once in a blue moon. After all, the point is to have fun at the movies! Just remember that moderation is the key.
Candies like gummy animals and licorice ropes are a better choice over other sweets. A handful of Gummi Bears offers a fat-free few hundred calories as opposed to a 3.3 ounce size package of peanut M&Ms packing in almost 500 calories.
Sometimes a pesky craving must be quelled when you smell that freshly-popped popcorn! Just don't fall for the old combo deal spiel. Order a small without butter and share with a friend, or, eat half of the container at the theater and take the other half home.
Now ... sit back, relax and forget about weight loss for a couple hours!
