All the cinema buffs out there will know that we are right in the thick of awards season culminating with the 89th annual Oscars at the end of the month. I know the Oscars are a big deal, and that many of you will even be hosting parties to celebrate the occasion.
Although I do love movies, I can hardly call myself a critic but that won’t stop me from giving out a few awards of my own in today’s article.
If you are hosting an Oscar party and are looking for some award worthy healthy snack ideas, you will certainly want to take a look at my list of winners.
Best Foreign (Language) Snack:
This award goes to the best healthy snack that has a primary ingredient that is imported from another country. There could only be one winner and that is sliced bananas topped with nut butter and cinnamon. Canada imports hundreds of millions of dollars of bananas on a yearly basis from South and Central America, and there is no more delicious way to enjoy them on award’s night than prepared with your favourite nut butter and a dash of cinnamon.
Best Snack for Visual Effects:
This award goes to the healthy snack that just blows us all away from an aesthetic and visual perspective. This year, there could be no other winner than Edamame Hummus Dip. This dip was actually created for my website by one of my student guest bloggers and it is visually stunning. Click here for the full recipe. What you dip into it is up to your own tastes. Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, red pepper, pita, cucumber, pretzels, crackers , celery, snap peas, cherry tomatoes and even chips work.
Best “Animated” Feature Snack: This award goes to the healthy snack that is fun and healthy for children, just in case you have some little ones joining in on this year’s festivities. This year’s award is going to Frozen Yogurt Dots a super fun, easy and healthy snack that is a great alternative to ice cream.
Best Snacktor/Snacktress in a Lead Role:
This award goes to the healthy snack that can stand alone without anything else added to it. Despite its iffy reputation in some circles, I am giving this year’s award to Air Popped Popcorn. Coming in at only 100 calories for 3 cups, there is no better standalone snack for this year’s Oscars. A movie food for a movie award show, what more could you ask for?
Best Snackctor/Snackctress in a Supporting role:
This award goes to the healthy snack that people don’t generally enjoy on its own but absolutely love when it accompanies something else. This year, the award goes to none other than the Avocado. Rich in fibre, potassium and healthy fats this choice was an easy one. Avocado can be used to make guacamole, spread on toast and even blended into a frosting for muffins or other treats.
Best Snack Music (Original Score): I just had to add this one in for a little bit of humour. You have probably heard that beans are “musical foods” due to the gas they cause some people, so it’s only right that the award for best musical score goes to something bean-related. In all seriousness though, Edamame ( soy bean pods), make an excellent healthy snack and would be a great choice for Oscar night.
Best Picture:
Saving the best for last! The best picture award goes to the best overall complete dish taking into consideration both health and deliciousness. There could only be one winner this year, and that is the Tofu Buddha Bowl. Although this is more of a meal than a snack, there is no better choice if you are looking for something easy to prepare and delicious to chow down on during the Oscars.
There you have it folks. These are my award winning selections for the best healthy snack foods for Oscar night.
I hope you give them a shot at your party!
Andy De Santis RD MPH
Andy is a Toronto-based private practice dietitian with a master’s degree in public health nutrition. He is also a nutrition writer and blogger. You can learn more about him and his services at AndyTheRD.com.
