GUEST EDITORIAL: What Are the Best Snacks for a Movie Night?
What Are the Best Snacks for a Movie Night?
by Kevin Gardner
The only thing that makes watching a good movie more enjoyable is having some tasty snacks on hand. With the many streaming services available, you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home to see the newest and most popular shows and movies. Choose something to watch and decide which food best suits your mood. Here is a list of some of the best movie snack options to help you prepare for your next movie marathon.
Popcorn
When you think about movie snacks, the most popular treat that comes to mind is probably popcorn. This film and snack combination goes hand-in-hand. If the delicious buttery taste of popcorn isn't a tempting enough excuse to snack on it, then consider indulging in popcorn to benefit from its many health benefits.
As long as you make air-popped popcorn that is lightly seasoned, the popcorn is actually a healthy choice. This high fiber snack is thought to lower your chance of getting diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. In addition, this antioxidant-rich food aids in digestive health and helps with blood circulation. So, what's the best part of snacking on popcorn? It's low in calories, so eat up!
Trail Mix
Whether you make your own or purchase a pre-made mix from the store, trail mix is a mess-free, healthy snack option. Most blends contain nuts, dried fruits, seeds and granola. This combination is high in protein, which is vital for the immune system and muscle growth.
If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, add bits of dark chocolate or cereal. However, don't forget to grab some milk to combat the rich flavor. Consider mixing isolate protein powder into your milk to get some essential nutrients with your snack.
No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies
Since moderation is the key when it comes to sweets, there is no better time to munch on a few cookies than when you're watching a movie. One of the easiest and most delicious options to make are no-bake oatmeal cookies.
Many of the ingredients are healthy, including peanut butter and oats. However, if you have a gluten allergy, you may be asking yourself, "Are oats gluten free?" Some of the proteins found in oats may cause a reaction similar to a gluten response, so these cookies may not be a good option if you have an intolerance. However, you can substitute the oats with rice bran or quinoa flakes.
Nachos and Dip
Buy a bag of nachos and add your favorite dip for yourself or share it with a group of friends. Chips and dip is the perfect snack for visitors. Set up the snack station on a table so that everyone can reach it without having to look away from the television screen. Luckily, there are a variety of dips to add, including salsa, cheese, guacamole or any other sauces of your liking.
Milkshake
A milkshake is a liquid snack that can last throughout the entire show or movie if you're only sipping on it. Personalize it by adding your favorite flavors. Give your milkshake a fruity sweetness or a coffee flavor. Perhaps you enjoy the conventional vanilla milkshake. If so, add some zest to it by incorporating cookies or sprinkles.
Pizza
Although pizza doesn't fit into the snack category for most people, it is the perfect meal to enjoy while watching your favorite show. Since you don't have to use a fork or spoon to cut up the pizza, you won't have to look away and miss a second of your show while you're eating.
Decide how much time you want to dedicate to the pizza's preparation. Do you want to make pizza from scratch, bake a frozen pizza or have one delivered? Whichever you choose, make the experience the best it can be by including your favorite toppings.
The issue with finding a snack to eat during a movie is that there are far too many delicious options to choose from. If you can't decide what you're hungry for, create a buffet of snacks. You're sure to find treats that will please all of your tastebuds.