• Fruit is a fresh alternative to vending machine junk food.some red apples and an orange. image by wrangler from Fotolia.com
  
  If you are looking for a healthy snack in your local vending machine, think about calorie and fat content prior to pushing that button. Many vending machines now offer a mix of healthy snack choices such as granola bars, fruit bars, or nuts and seeds. Stay away from high-calorie snack items including candy bars, Pop-Tarts, cookies and ice cream, and make a healthy choice instead.
  
  

Fruit

• While it might not be the most exciting vending machine selection, the healthiest choice equals fruit. Due to longer shelf life, the most common fruits offered in vending machines include apples and oranges. Some machines offer other fresh selections of fruit cups and vegetables, with a lowfat or yogurt dip.
  
  

Granola Bars

• A granola bar can offer a satisfying mid-morning or afternoon snack. Select one with less than 150 calories for the lowest calorie pick. Several healthy options include Kashi TLC bars, Nature Valley's Chewy Trail Mix bar or one of Quaker's chewy granola bars for less than 100 calories per bar. An additional smart alternative is cereal bars.
  
  

Nuts and Seeds

• Nuts contain plenty of protein and fiber content to help keep you feeling full longer. Opt for unsalted, raw varieties or cashews, if possible, due to lower calorie content than peanuts. One more healthy option includes sunflower or pumpkin seeds---chock full of healthy omega-3 fats.
  
  

Chips, Pretzels and Popcorn

• When the craving for a salty snack arises, look for a bag of baked or whole grain chips. The calorie and fat counts for these chips are considerably lower than the average bag of potato chips. Pretzels are a good pick as well, but watch for the portion size on the bag. Another tasty snack food alternative is popcorn, such as Smartfood Reduced-Fat Popcorn, with only 120 calories, 5 fat grams and 2 grams of fiber. Microwave popcorn will do the trick as well, but again watch the portion size.
  
  

Candy

• If the only option available consists of a sweet candy snack, go with chocolate-covered raisins. This snack is fairly low in calories and fat, and provides a low amount of calcium and potassium. It is a bit high in saturated fats, however, so only indulge in a snack-size bag on occasion. Most candy bars will give a quick boost of energy, but shortly after bring on a sluggish feeling.
  
  

Beverages

• Stay away from regular soda or fruit juices that have a high calorie and sugar content. Top choices for vending machine beverages include plain or flavored water, unsweetened iced tea, lowfat milk or diet soda.