I was VERY impressed with The Hunger Games.

From the perfectly chosen characters, to the design of the Arena and terrifying Hall of Justice, to the sounds of the mockingbirds singing in the trees,  everything was just how I imagined it while reading the books.

I can’t wait for the sequel!

Matt wasn’t as captivated by the film as I was since he hadn’t read the books, but he still thought it was “pretty good”. (eye roll)

I informed him that there is so much more to the story, which he will get to see when he takes me to see the others .

Before venturing off to the cinema, Matt and I stopped at the store to pick up some snacks. We had just finished Sunday Dinner at my parents, so we wanted something light to nibble on during the movie.

Matt grabbed a box of Goobers and Gummie Bears, while I chose a bag of dark chocolate and peanut butter flavored mixed nuts.

I didn’t favor the glazed peanuts and pecans, but I loved every bite of the cocoa covered almonds. Next time, I’ll just get a bag of those.

In regards to movie theater snacks, the concession stand can be a calorie DANGER ZONE.

On average, a large movie theater popcorn can have up 1,500 calories, 100 grams of fat and an obscene amount of sodium.  Even a small bag of popcorn holds around 500 calories and way too much fat that you should be eating in one sitting.

You wouldn’t eat this at home while watching a movie, so why would you choose it at the theater? Plus, who wants to spend $30 on a drink, a tub of buttery popcorn, and a box of milk duds?

I’d rather buy a shirt.

Save both you wallet and waist line by packing your own snacks to enjoy at the movies.

After all, did you come to eat or watch a film?

Here are some of my favorite healthy(er) snacks to bring to the movies!

• Dried fruit and nut mix
• Ziploc bag filled with strawberries, blueberries and mango slices
• popchips
• Pirate Booty
• Homemade trail mix:  dried fruit, whole grain cereal, nuts and dark chocolate chips
• Individual bag of microwave popcorn sprinkled with unsweetened cocoa powder and cinnamon, packed into Ziploc bags.
• A smoothie made with Greek yogurt and fruit
• A bag of frozen grapes
• Luna Bar, Lara Bar or homemade protein bars
• Dry, whole grain cereal (Kashi GOLEAN! Crunch, chocolate Cheerios, peanut butter puffins..etc)
• Baby carrots, edamame, and sliced veggies
• Whole grain crackers, rice cakes or graham crackers with string cheese
• 100 calorie pack of almonds (Cocoa covered!)
• Water with frozen berries, lemon, or cucumber slices.
• Gum

Snack smart, especially when you’ll be sitting in one spot for up to three hoursThen go buy yourself a shirt with all that money you saved