Today marks the beginning of Melbourne’s International Film Festival (MIFF).  MIFF is an iconic annual event showcasing cinematic premieres and special screenings from Australia and around the world. But what do we think of when we go to the movies? Popcorn, choc-tops and a big bag of lollies! Next time you’re at the cinema, or having a movie night at home, try one of these movie snack ideas for a healthy change: — Often we just like having something crunchy to snack on such as popcorn, try having a container of carrot sticks to munch on while the movie is on instead. — Air popped popcorn instead of traditional popcorn. (Try different flavours such as nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic and cayenne pepper. Using different flavours can help cut back on the added salt, oil and butter in regular popcorn — Swap your chocolate ice cream for a hot chocolate made with low fat milk instead. — Switch up the bag of lollies for a punnet of your favourite berries, dried fruit or frozen grapes instead. — If you find plain water boring and want to avoid soft drink, try infusing it with different fruits and herbs such as mint, grapefruit, orange and apple. Looking for some great film suggestions to get you into the foodie, movie mood? Check out some of these recent releases and classics:

— Julia Julia (2009) — Don’t feel like preparing a French banquet? Watch Meryl Streep do it instead.

— Chocolat (2000) — Chocolate and Johnny Depp — a match made in heaven.

— That Sugar Film (2014) — A quite a recent release, but an interesting look at how much added sugar we have in our diets.

— Food Inc. (2008) — A good pick for those looking for some food education, but not for the faint hearted!

— Chef (2014) — Warning, may tempt you to quit your job to start a food truck business.

— Fed Up (2015) — The American food industry may be responsible for more sickness than previously realized.

— Eat Pray Love (2010) — Who can say no to a yearlong vacation in Italy, Bali and India?

— Ratatouille (2007) — Because no one can resist a Disney movie! 

— Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) — A tried and true family favourite, this one wins every time.  

Article written by Ali Archard on behalf of Dineamic Nutrition. Image by Founding Farmers via Flickr