Let’s set the scene: You’re comfy in your favorite spot on the couch, ready to binge-watch the new show your friend has been raving about on Netflix. A few minutes into the show, you start craving a snack.
What is it about watching TV that makes us want to snack? Some say it’s the mindlessness that comes with binge-watching, while others say a habit is to blame.
Either way, snacking can seriously sneak up on you when it comes to your fitness goals. It’s way too easy for just an hour or two of mindless snacking to derail your calorie and macro goals.
Next time you fire up your Netflix account, satisfy your snack cravings with one of these healthy Netflix snacks.
1. DIY Popcorn
There’s a reason popcorn is the classic movie theatre snack. It’s crunchy and perfect for mindless munching.
Traditional movie theatre popcorn is coated in butter and salt, but popcorn is actually one of the healthiest snacks you can find if you prepare it the right way.
Popcorn is technically a whole grain. It’s low calorie (31 calories per cup of plain, air-popped popcorn) and an excellent source of fiber.
To make healthy popcorn, use an air-popper or cook your kernels over the stove with a little olive or coconut oil and salt.
2. Veggies and Hummus
If chips and dip are your go-to Netflix snack, try veggies and hummus instead. Veggies like carrots or bell pepper give you the crunch you crave, and the hummus brings extra flavor.
Traditional is made with chickpeas, which is a great source of fiber and protein. A ¼ cup serving gives you 100 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber.
If hummus isn’t your thing, try swapping it for guacamole.
3. Greek Yogurt Parfait
If you enjoy sitting down with a giant bowl of ice cream when you watch TV, try swapping it for Greek yogurt. Not only is a serving of Greek yogurt lower in calories and carbs than most ice creams, but it also gives you a boost of protein and gut-friendly probiotics.
One ¾ cup serving of plain Greek yogurt packs 15 grams of protein.
You can make your yogurt a little more fun with toppings like crushed nuts, berries, seeds, or a few sprinkles.
4. Roasted Chickpeas
This healthy Netflix snack takes a little more prep and time to make, but it’s worth it. Roasted chickpeas are perfect for anyone who loves sitting in front of the TV with a bag of chips.
Roasted chickpeas are just as crunchy and flavorful, but also nutrition-packed. One cup of chickpeas
To make these, all you have to do is rinse and dry canned chickpeas, toss in oil, season, and roast. Here’s an easy recipe to try.
Try some of these flavor options, and you may never crave regular chips again:
- Parmesan Garlic
- Taco
- Cinnamon Sugar
- Chili-Lime
- Curry
When you’re not snacking on these straight out of the pan, you can add them to salads for extra crunch and flavor.
5. Apple Nachos
You don’t have to give up nachos to meet your fitness goals. This sweet nacho variation is just as delicious as it is pretty to look at. Factor in some extra nutrition that’s easy on your macros, and this might become your new go-to Netflix snack.
All you need to do is slice an apple and add some toppings. We like to drizzle the apple with melted peanut or almond butter and then sprinkle on toppings like:
- Cacao nibs
- Shredded coconut
- Sunflower seeds
- Hemp hearts
- Chopped nuts
- Sprinkles
- Dried cranberries or blueberries
Nut butter, chopped nuts, and seeds will boost this snack with healthy fats and protein. Shredded coconut is another great option for healthy fat.
One apple makes enough for two, which is perfect for family movie nights or watching the game with friends.
Let’s Get Snacking
Mindless snacking is a habit that can seriously derail your healthy diet. It’s also a pretty difficult habit to break. However, enjoying a movie night or watching the game doesn’t have to mean trouble for your fitness goals.
If you plan ahead and think outside the snacking box, you can relax and snack without the guilt. These healthy Netflix snack ideas will fit your macros easily and satisfy your cravings.