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A good old-fashioned movie night is the ideal time to bring the family together.

Pajamas? On. Blankets? Piled high. Streaming service? Queued up with five different options, everyone will “agree on”. 

While you’re wrangling remote controls and debating between ‘Encanto’ and ‘Jumanji’, there’s one more decision to make: what to snack on.

It’s easy to toss a bag of buttery popcorn in the microwave and crack open some candy. Plot twist incoming: Those processed foods might be setting your family up for a sugar crash or a junk food-induced slump. 

Thankfully, these snack ideas are mom-approved, brain-friendly, and tastier than a stale licorice rope. Roll the credits on sugar highs and keep everyone happy from the opening scene to the climactic finale.

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Sugar, Salt, and a Whole Lotta Crash

Store-bought movie snacks might light up your taste buds. However, they come with a not-so-fun sequel: the dreaded sugar crash. 

The American Heart Association recommends that kids aged two to 18 have less than 25 grams of added sugar daily. A single movie-sized candy pack can exceed that in a few mouthfuls.

Don’t get us started on microwave popcorn. Many brands include trans fats, synthetic flavors, and artificial butter, earning them a spot on Eat This, Not That’s list of unhealthiest options. 

While the snack can technically be healthy, it often isn’t until you make it yourself (more on that later).

Dark Chocolate-Dipped Fruit

Kids want candy. You want sanity. Meet in the middle with dark chocolate-dipped strawberries, bananas, or orange slices. 

Dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa) offers antioxidants and flavonoids that boost memory, according to Good Housekeeping. Don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way.

Serve with water or unsweetened tea to balance the sweet with the bitter.

Smart Popcorn

When talking about good and bad food for your brain, popcorn is somewhere in between. It also depends on the type.

Plain, air-popped popcorn is a whole grain, meaning it’s loaded with fiber and polyphenols, antioxidants that support brain function.

Give it a healthy glow-up with olive oil, sea salt, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Mom hack: Pop it ahead of time, toss it in a big bowl with your chosen seasoning, and divide it into small paper bags for individual servings. There’ll be fewer fights over who’s hogging the bowl.

DIY Trail Mix

Hold the candy-coated bits. 

Build your trail mix with unsalted nuts, sunflower seeds, dried unsweetened cranberries, and whole-grain cereal. 

Forks Over Knives explains that almonds and walnuts are packed with healthy fats that aid brain health and won’t spike your blood sugar.

Pro tip: Let the kids “build their mix” for the movie. It becomes part of the activity!

Apple Nachos

Hear us out first…

Slice apples thinly and layer them like chips. Drizzle with natural peanut butter, sprinkle with granola, and add a few dark chocolate chips. 

You’ve got a sweet, crunchy treat packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, minus the processed sugar avalanche.

And hey, apples contain quercetin, an antioxidant believed to support memory. That’s a win-win for everyone, especially when it’s quiz time at the end of the movie.

Savory Alternatives to Greasy Chips

Crunchy, salty, and binge-worthy, roasted chickpeas or lightly salted edamame pods are high in protein and fiber. 

Chickpeas in particular are rich in magnesium, which has been linked to improved learning and memory. 

Season with paprika, garlic powder, or a little parmesan for a crave-worthy bite.

Or you could channel your inner charcuterie goddess with sliced cheese, whole grain crackers, and grapes or cherry tomatoes. 

For a dairy-free option, try cashew cheese or hummus with veggie sticks. Both provide healthy fats and brain-boosting nutrients.

Another option is to slice up carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes into fry shapes, toss in olive oil and spices, and bake until crisp. Serve with Greek yogurt ranch or a light hummus dip. 

A Family Affair

Why not turn snack-making into a pre-show ritual? AllRecipes says that kids are more likely to try new foods when they help prepare them. 

Let them go wild because you’re not avoiding a sugar high; you’re making a memory. Grab the remote, cue the movie, and enjoy those brainy bites. You’ve earned it.

The biggest benefit of incorporating brain food is improved cognitive function. Cut out the sugary drinks and saturated fats. These foods do nothing for optimal brain health. 

Alzheimer's disease speeds up cognitive decline, so bypass excess sugar and swap it for fatty fish and leafy greens. 

You can thank us later!