Charge Up for Good Health

If you watch your portion size and always buy the smallest box or bag possible, it's possible to enjoy low-calorie movie snacks and movie candy. For example, a child-size popcorn can save hundreds of calories compared to the larger adult portion -- just remember to hold the butter! Junior Mints are another good choice because they're lower in fat and calories than most other treats. But remember to check how many servings the box contains. Many movie snacks hold four to six servings per package, so consider pouring some into a paper cup (or your hand) and giving the rest away immediately. Research shows that if you hold onto the uneaten portion of a treat, you're very likely to consume it.

If you're game to sneak your own snacks into the theater, try chocolate- or yogurt-covered pretzels mixed with a handful of nuts. This isn't a low-calorie snack, but the combo of sweet and salty tastes is satisfying, and it has some nutritional value. Trail mix, homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies or a couple of "fun size" candy bars are other good low-calorie movie snacks that you can enjoy with minimum guilt.