Smart Snacking at Work: Fruits

by Molly Niendorf — August 26, 2008

Fruit is one of the easiest, healthiest, and most packable snacks for work. One medium banana contains 110 calories and 4g of fiber, and an apple packs 3g of fiber and just 65 calories. Berries are full of antioxidants, vitamin C (one cup of strawberries contains about the same amount of vitamin C as a glass of orange juice), and phytochemicals and flavonoids, which may aid disease prevention. And because fruit is naturally sweet, it also serves as a healthy, satisfying dessert. For a twist on the traditional fruit snack, try these combinations, best if packed in Tupperware or another airtight container:

• Berries with a light whipped topping and chopped walnuts - Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and manganese
• Sliced banana drizzled with organic honey and sprinkled with cinnamon - Cinnamon slows the rate at which your stomach empties after a meal and helps level blood sugar
• Apple slices, feta cheese, and walnuts in balsamic vinaigrette - One ounce of feta contains 4g of protein; however, feta is high in sodium, something to be aware of if you're watching your sodium intake
• A fruit salad of mangoes, peaches, grapes, and strawberries - Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C
• Blueberries with plain yogurt and granola topping - One cup of blueberries contains 14% daily value of fiber
• Honeydew melon and pretzel sticks (eaten together, it's a great combination of sweet and salty) -- Honeydew melon is low in sodium, and a good source of Vitamin B6, Folate and potassium
• Pineapple chunks over cottage cheese or ricotta cheese - Pineapple is a good source of fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6 and copper

Enjoy these filling, low-calorie snacks at work or on the go!