Healthy Snacks for Theaters, Airports, Vending Machines and the Mall

We all try to eat healthy snacks, but sometimes it seems impossible. Whoever heard of healthy movie popcorn, that greasy, fake-buttery stuff they sell at theaters? And "healthy snacks" should never belong in the same sentence as "vending machine," right?

Wrong.

In this guide, we'll show you how to eat healthy snacks in four of the most unlikely places: The movie theater, the airport, a vending machine and the food court at your local shopping mall. Yes, it is possible to eat healthy snacks in even the unhealthiest of places!

How to eat healthy snacks at the movie theater:

Movie theaters are the epitome of unhealthy eating. You plunk down into a big chair with a cup of soda pop the size of one of the Great Lakes while snacking on sugary food. You do this for two, sometimes three, hours and don't move at all.

It all comes down to smart eating choices. Instead of going for that big bag of popcorn, opt for their smallest size and hold the butter. Of all the snacks available at a movie theater, popcorn is one of the healthier ones. You can also try snacking on a small box of candy, especially hard candies that last a while. It will satisfy your cravings to snack and it will take a while to eat.

How to eat healthy food in an airport:

Airport food isn't just expensive. It's also often full of calories and preservatives. If you need snacks, try to find an energy bar from one of the many kiosks and newsstands that dot the airport. Skip the candy bars and soda pop drinks; all the sugar isn't good for you!

How to eat healthy from a vending machine:

Vending machines are everywhere. They can be in malls, at schools, and even at the gas station. They are also often full of bad-for-you snacks like potato chips and chocolate bars. However, you can sometimes find healthy snacks, like plain crackers or plain pretzels.

How to eat healthy in a shopping mall food court:

When you walk into a shopping mall, your wallet usually gets slimmer. The opposite can be said about your waist when you walk into the mall's food courts. All those greasy, fast foods may smell good, but they'll clog your arteries with calories, saturated fat and trans fatty acids. Your best bet when eating in a mall food court? Get a low-fat sandwich from someplace like Subways, and ask for extra vegetables. Or, get a salad and soup combo.