To beat the heat, many Americans will be flocking to movie theaters across the country to view the latest summer blockbusters. But before you order that fountain soda, popcorn, and candy combo, you may want to check out their super sizes and rethink your purchase.

According to the CDC’s New (Ab)Normal infographic, your restaurant meal could be more than four times larger than in the 1950s and your fountain soda could be 500% larger! In addition to the large portion sizes, food items available at the movie theater are high in fat, sodium, and sugar content and can wreak havoc on your health. Eating too much sodium raises blood pressure, which is a high risk factor for stroke, while consuming added sugars has been tied to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and cholesterol problems.

If your theater won’t let you bring your own healthy snacks into the theater, eat sensibly beforehand, buy the smallest size of theater treats, and share that jumbo box of popcorn with friends. Or, watch a movie at home with your family and eat healthy snacks such as:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables. Apples slices and carrot sticks, or choose from a variety that are in season
• Air-popped or microwave popcorn. Light on butter and low on sodium
• Trail mix. Toss in almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and dried fruit for a sweet and salty treat

Whether you’re seeing the latest cartoon with your kids or that much-anticipated action sequel, be sure to plan ahead and snack healthy.

Want to know more?

New (Ab)Normal: http://makinghealtheasier.org/newabnormal

Sodium Facts: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Sodium/