Many people equate going to the movie theater with indulging in a tub of buttery popcorn. Popcorn is normally a low-calorie food, but not when it's drenched in butter and served in large portions.
Comparison
A small popcorn at a movie theater has about 670 calories, due to the saturated fat, according to CBS News. Buttery topping can add another 130 calories. A serving size is about 7 cups. Split a small popcorn with a friend to save calories, or order the child-size version.
Nutrition
A small bag of movie theater buttered popcorn may contain 20 grams of fat, 14 of them saturated, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. About seven out of 10 movie theaters make their popcorn in coconut oil, which is high in cholesterol-raising saturated fat. Some theaters pop it in partially hydrogenated canola shortening, which is high in trans fat and saturated fat.
Tips
Skip the soft drinks at movie theaters and choose water instead. Eat dinner before going to a movie so you're not hungry when you get there. If you get popcorn, ask for no salt and skip the buttery topping.
Member Comments