Types of Fruit and Veggie Snacks

You probably already know fruits and vegetables are good for health. They are nutrient-rich, mostly fat-free, and rich sources of the antioxidants that help in the prevention of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Eating more fruit and vegetable snacks is one of the smartest food moves you can make.

Place Fresh Produce in Sight

 

Keep bright, colorful produce-fruits and vegetables where you can easily grab one for a snack. Keep a bowl of fresh, just ripe whole fruit in the center of your kitchen or dining table. Keep small bags of fresh veggie snacks (carrots, celery sticks and broccoli florets) at eye level in the fridge.


Try Dried Variations

Dried fruit is the perfect snack for on-the-go. It doesn’t need refrigeration and it doesn't get squishy. Choose dried fruit with little or no added sugar: apples, apricots, blueberries and raisins are often dried with just their own natural sweetness. Add dried fruit to trail mix or to fresh fruit salads for a splash of color and a healthy dose of nutrients. Dried beans and peas count as vegetables, so look for crunchy dried soybean, pea and chickpea snacks.


Stock Your Pantry with Canned Choices

Canned fruits make appealing, quick and inexpensive snacks. Enjoy fruits canned in juice or, like natural applesauce, made without added sugar. Divide larger cans into smaller portions in reusable plastic containers or buy the convenient single-serve containers of canned fruits, such as mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks and applesauce. Convenient, inexpensive and packed with nutrition, canned beans make zesty snack dips when mixed with other vegetables, such as canned corn and spicy salsa.


Cut Costs with Frozen Options

Frozen fruits are often less expensive but just as nutritious as the fresh varieties. Purchase frozen strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in large bags; then use small handfuls for yogurt toppings or as smoothie ingredients. Many people also love frozen bars made from 100 percent fruit and juice (buy commercial or make-your-own) as a sweet and refreshing treat on hot days. Like their canned cousins, frozen vegetables are delicious. Try microwaving quickly and adding to bean and salsa dip combinations.


Source: Smart Fruit and Veggie Snacks


What are your tips for incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet? Please share them!