Movie nights are fantastic for bonding with family and friends. And we all know that there is no way you can watch a movie without snacking. And what’s better than your favorite treats, which most times comprise junk food, which can affect your overall health.
How about replacing junk food with healthy snacks on your next movie night. These high-protein and healthy snacks will help satisfy your cravings while ensuring that you stick to a healthy diet.
10 High Protein and Healthy Snacks to Eat on Movie Night
Many people use movie nights to satisfy their craving for junk food. Replace the junk food with these yummy and healthy snacks that are high in protein.
1. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are also referred to as garbanzo beans. These legumes have a high protein and fiber content. And when roasted, they have a crunchy feel similar to popcorns.
They are very easy to make; you just need to place them on a baking tray and sprinkle them with olive oil, paprika, curry, cumin, and chili powder if you want a peppery taste. Then toss them in the oven and remove them when they have a brown color.
Half a cup of chickpeas offers you 7.5 grams of proteins and 6 grams of fiber. They also contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help reduce the risk of various ailments, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
2. Edamame Beans
Edamame beans make an excellent movie night snack. They are a great way to stick to a healthy diet. You can bake them in the oven and coat them with parmesan, garlic, and any other spice of your choice.
They are immature soybeans sold in the supermarket pre-cooked and frozen. All you need is to pop them in the microwave. They contain high protein content, vitamins, and minerals. Don’t overeat; a cup of edamame beans is enough.
3. Jerky
This is meat whose fat has been removed, cut into thin strips, and dried. As we all know, meat has a high protein content, so eating jerky is a great way to meet your daily recommended protein intake. There are various types of jerky, including duck jerky, chicken jerky, beef, and salmon jerky. And the best part is they are available in your local supermarkets.
You can find jerky coated with sugar or pepper, so choose the one that fits your taste buds. You can also make homemade jerky; you just need meat and seasonings.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfait
Greek yogurt is a healthy protein snack. Compared to other yogurts, Greek yogurt has the highest protein content. A cup of yogurt is enough as it contains about 224 grams of protein.
You can mix the yogurt with granola and mixed berries to make a more filling and delicious combo. Granola also has a significant amount of protein, and its addition ensures that you get more protein in your body. It also has a high calcium content which is crucial for bone health. But be careful when adding granola as it is also high in calories, so overeating can lead to weight gain.
5. Pumpkin Seeds
These make for a perfect movie night snack. Pumpkin seeds have a high protein and fiber content. They also contain vitamins, healthy fats, and minerals, such as vitamin K and manganese, which are crucial in wound healing.
Pumpkin seeds offer many health benefits as they help prevent certain cancers, including stomach, breast, prostate, and lung cancer. The presence of healthy fats is useful for your heart health.
It is also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells from radical damage.
The high fiber content makes pumpkin seeds an excellent snack for weight management as they help you feel full after eating half a cup. You can eat them raw or roast and season with spices.
6. Apple and Peanut Butter
This is a popular snack for kids and adults. Cut apple slices and remove core, then spread peanut butter with a spoon on the apples. It makes for a crunchy, sweet, creamy, and salty combo. The best part is they can last till the end of your movie.
They are both loaded with lots of nutrients that are good for your health. The apple is a good source of carbs and fiber, while the peanut butter offers fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Health benefits include heart health, reduced inflammation, and controlled blood sugar levels.
7. Cheese
Cheese can also make a fantastic snack for movie nights. It’s a healthy snack that is easily available and filling. Cheese is an excellent source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.
The best part is it suppresses your appetite, so if you have a habit of binge eating, a slice of cheddar cheese is sufficient. A study on overweight men found that cheese helps them reduce calorie intake by 9%. But make sure to eat it in moderation.
8. Chia Pudding
Chia Pudding has gained momentum over the past few years as it’s delicious, healthy, and loaded with lots of nutrients and minerals. Some nutrients in this pudding include calcium, manganese, phosphorus, and omega-3-fatty acids.
Chia pudding has loads of health benefits, from lowering the risks of heart diseases to improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and weight management.
You can make chia pudding at home; start by soaking chia seeds in milk and let them rest for a few hours. When you notice a pudding-like appearance, add cocoa and vanilla. You can also add berries.
9. Trail Mix
This is a mix of dried fruits and nuts. Nuts and chocolate are excellent sources of proteins. And sometimes you can add chocolate and cereal.
If you want a high protein content, you can add almonds or pistachios as their protein content is significantly higher than other nuts such as cashew and peanuts. They also have a high caloric content, so don’t overeat. A handful serving is sufficient.
10. Protein Bars
Protein bars are a great source of protein. Instead of store-bought protein bars loaded with sugar and other flavors, opt to make yours at home. You can use nuts, dried fruits, dates, and your flour of choice.
Final thoughts
Bond with your family over the weekend with a great movie or series. Many people associate movie nights with junk food, but you don’t have to fall into this category. Make your movie night fun by replacing junk food with healthier snacks with protein content.
Photo by Ron Lach
