Just one of the many great things about family movie night at home, is that you can skip the movie theater mystery popcorn and pop your own. You can also incorporate other healthy treats that are fun, colorful and nutritious. Generally, we know it's not a good idea to eat in front of the TV, but family movie night is the exception in our house. Here are some ideas for healthy movie snacks that still have enough excitement to be considered a treat.

1. Popcorn: The obvious choice. Popped at home, popcorn is much healthier than the movie theater version. And if you want even more pizazz, you can serve it in fun, themed containers or dress it up with healthy flavors and spices. Try recipes like Healthy Cheese Flavored Popcorn and find the flavors your family loves the most. You won't even miss the gobs of butter.
2. Freeze Dried Fruit: Real fruit, freeze dried. No added ingredients. The freeze drying process results in sweet little morsels that are light and crunchy and packed with fruity flavor. Check the labels when buying freeze dried fruit, though. Some brands do add sugar. One of my kids' favorite brands is Brothers All Natural. They love the fruit clusters the most, and freeze dried fruit comes in easy, colorful packages just like candy does.
3. Nuts, Seeds or Trail Mix: Nuts are packed with nutrients, but they are also packed with calories. So, when snacking on nuts or trail mix, portion control is key. Put nuts and/or seeds in baggies or small containers and add no sugar added dried fruit like raisins for variety and sweetness. Choose nuts that are roasted with low heat or raw with no added ingredients like sugar or too much salt for the most nutrient dense and healthy option. I also include dark chocolate chips in our trail mix. I consider dark chocolate healthy, and I do try to find chips that are at least 70% cocoa. You can also add fun and healthy flavors to nuts and seeds. Try recipes like this one for Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds.

1. Frozen Fruit or Fruit and Dip: Of course fruit is a healthy snack, but kids might want an option that seems a little different or special when it comes to movie treats. Frozen fruit can be less messy and seems like a novelty. Our family favorites are blueberries and grapes. You can also make a healthy fruit dip to add flavor and fun, or just dip fruit in peanut or almond butter. Dips are messier, though, so they work better for older kids.
2. Homemade Dark Chocolate Covered Fruit, Nuts or Pretzels: Dark chocolate has less sugar and more nutrients than milk, and the higher the percentage of cocoa the better. Make your own dark chocolate covered treats by dipping fruit, nuts, pretzels, or anything else you think would be good in melted dark chocolate and refrigerating. Cut down on calories by making sure to let the chocolate drip off so that there is only a thin layer. Once the chocolate has hardened in the fridge, you'll have a homemade "candy" that is much healthier than the packaged, processed options.
3. Dress it up: Sometimes, same old snacks like fruit slices or cheese and meat cubes can seem totally novel and fun for kids if they come in a cool container. Find movie or holiday themed cups or baggies, or have kids decorate their own. Additionally, you can use the food itself to create a masterpiece. My kids loved these Grinch Kabobs at Christmas time. Search Pinterest or do image searches to find fun and healthy snack ideas with movie or holiday themes.