7 ways to have a healthy movie night

If you’ve been inspired by our science fiction becomes a reality feature, or you’re just planning a night of films with friends or family, you might be thinking about some snacks to complement your viewing.

It can be easy to consume large amounts of sugar and salt without even thinking about it, especially if your mind is on the film. But with a bit of advance planning and our healthy swaps, your film night doesn’t have to be bad for your waistline or your heart.

1. Instead of a slice of pizza

Pizza and films go together like Laurel and Hardy or Batman and Robin. You don’t have to give pizza a miss altogether, but why not make your own to keep the fat levels down? Our pitta pizzas are really easy to make too.

• Get our recipe for chicken and pepper pitta pizzas (pictured).

2. Instead of popcorn

You don’t have to give popcorn a miss entirely, but be aware that some kinds you buy can be high in sugar and salt.

Our senior dietitian Victoria Taylor says: “The surest way to avoid hidden salt and sugar in your popcorn is to make your own. It’s easy to do and can be flavoured with spices like paprika or cinnamon rather than salt or mixed with dried fruit for a bit of sweetness without adding sugar or syrup.”

3. Instead of crisps

Why not try breadsticks, rice cakes or crunchy vegetable sticks? You’ll probably have seen “healthier” crisps and snacks are available – get our dietitian’s take on these.

• Try our recipe for lower-fat spiced chips.
• Try our recipe for hummus with vegetable crudités.

4. Instead of a bar of chocolate

If you fancy something sweet, how about a banana or some chunks of fresh pineapple? Or if you’ve got friends round and want to prepare a special treat, try our strawberry and chocolate beetroot cake (pictured above).

5. Instead of biscuits

• Get our recipe for hot spiced pears.
• Get our recipe for poached pears with ginger.
• Or try our recipe for frozen yogurt coated strawberries.

6. Instead of ice cream

If you’re craving something cold and creamy, try low fat plain greek yoghurt with some berries, or make our Christmas pudding ice cream (pictured).

• Try our recipe for blackberry yogurt fool.

7. Instead of boiled sweets

Dried fruit such as raisins, dried apricots or dried figs will provide more nutrients than boiled sweets. Dried fruit will still be high in sugar though. You could try one of our fruity desserts for something more refreshing.

• Get our recipe for melon and kiwi fruit medley.