Who doesn’t love a movie night? Kicking back with friends or family is a fun, relaxing way to spend the evening. Of course, movies and snacks go hand in hand. Junk foods and mindless munching, however, can really throw off your healthy eating plan. Instead, make some of these tasty snacks for a healthier nosh. They’re filled with flavor so you won’t feel deprived but lighter in calories and saturated fats so you won’t feel stuffed either.

Top healthy ideas to snack on during movie night:

Homemade pizza

Takeout pizza may be delicious but it can be a calorie and saturated fat bomb. You can make your own healthier pizza using a whole-wheat pita or even a cauliflower crust and load it with veggies and turkey pepperoni. If you opt to use a frozen pizza, choose one of the healthier, natural selections.

Fruit

Cherries, berries, and apple slices are a healthy and satisfying sweet treat. For an extra flavor, pair them with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce. Another fun twist on traditional apple slices is Apple Fries. These cinnamon sprinkled baked apple sticks can be served as a dessert or as a side dish with loaded chicken hot dogs.

Loaded chicken hot dogs

The snap of a freshly grilled hot dog is fun and satisfying. Make them healthier by choosing a nitrate-free chicken hot dog. Load them up with onions, peppers, and relish on a whole wheat bun for a filling nutrient rich meal.

Air popped popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain and a nutritious treat when it isn’t loaded down with oil, butter, and salt. Of course you want to add some flavor! Drizzle it with olive oil or a bit of melted butter, a sprinkle of herbs or spices and a pinch of sea salt for a satisfying crunchy snack.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is heart healthy and full of antioxidants. Choose 72% or higher to get the full benefits of this delicious treat. Chocolate covered raisins are another healthier option. For something a bit more decadent, we recommend making Coconut Almond Cups. They are gluten free and can be made vegan as well.

Trail mix

A store purchased trail mix is fine but it’s very easy to make your own as well (and save money). Use your Precision Digital Kitchen Scale to portion out servings and place them in small bowls or baggies to prevent eating the entire bag and excess calories. The Precision Pro measures precisely to .05 oz / 1 gram increments, ensuring your portion sizes remain accurate.

Kale chips

Skip the potato chips and enjoy a crispy salty snack that also provides a serving of veggies. Baked kale chips can be seasoned however you enjoy and they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K as well a variety of minerals. They are quick and easy to make and taste best fresh.

Brownies

Brownies are a general crowd pleaser. They truly hit the spot when you are in the mood for a chocolate dessert. Make a healthier but still decadent tasting treat with 99 Calorie Skinny Brownies. This recipe can also be made using gluten free flour.

Granola bars

Granola bars can be crunchy, sweet, salty, and chewy, making them appropriate for any type of craving. Many commercial granola bars have partially hydrogenated oils (trans fat) and high fructose corn syrup so read the ingredients before you buy them. Another option is to make your own. It’s easy and you choose the flavors you like best. Our Granola Bar Recipe Round-Up contains several recipes you may enjoy, some of which are no bake!

Baked tortilla chips

Tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa are classic snacks. Make sure to measure out portions so you aren’t eating more than you realize. When made yourself, fresh guacamole and salsa are full of veggies and nutrients.

Crackers

Whole grain crackers provide crunch and are a healthier choice than their white flour counterparts. If you prefer a gluten free cracker, Gluten Free Pizza Crackers, have all the taste of pizza with none of the mess. They’re a perfect snack for movie night. Serve with some string cheese, cut up veggies and marinara sauce for dipping.

Soda alternatives

Skip the soda, diet or otherwise, which is full of sugar and/or additives. Instead choose an unsweetened flavored seltzer or make your own fizzy fruit punch by combining seltzer and pureed berries. Unsweetened iced tea or homemade lemonade are also fun and tasty choices.

---

With a few tweaks, you can still enjoy snacks during movie night without worrying about the excess calories and artificial ingredients. For more snack and healthy meal ideas, check out the recipe section on the EatSmart blog.

What are your favorite healthier snacks for movie night? Tweet them to us at @eatsmartscales.