By Tama D. Bloch, RD, LD Two of the sweetest foods in life make a heavenly combination: chocolate — including milk, semisweet, bittersweet, and white — and fresh fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, sweet cherries, and bananas. Along with dipped chocolate and dried fruit combinations, such as apricots, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, peaches, raisins, dates, and pears, the possibilities are endless!
Put Fruit First
Of course, eating fruit alone provides the lowest calorie option, along with important vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 2 to 2-1/2 cups of fruit per day, and you have a variety of options to choose from, including fresh, frozen, canned in light syrup or water, or dried.
Add Chocolate to the Mix — Sometimes
Let's face it, there are some days when only chocolate will do. Why not make that the time to indulge in chocolate-covered fruit? Try these serving tips:
- Slice fresh bananas, and then add a dab of peanut butter and a few semisweet chocolate chips.
- Dip fresh berries in melted milk or white chocolate.
- Drizzle bittersweet chocolate syrup on fresh pears.
Get Creative
Try fruits you thought you didn't like by adding chocolate syrup or chocolate-flavored whipped topping. Give fruit and chocolate combinations a chance, and you may increase the types of fruit you will eat. It's amazing what a little chocolate can do!