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The Vending-Machine Pecking Order

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Hidden Heroes

Minimally processed, these snacks make the grade

Though almost half of the calories in this trail mix come from fat, it's monounsaturated fat, which helps lower LDL—the "bad" cholesterol.

Here's the ounce of nuts you should eat each day, and the 115 milligrams of sodium is reasonable—2,300 milligrams should be your daily limit.

This popcorn is a whole grain, plus the vegetable oils used are rich in polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL cholesterol.

You Could Do Worse

These second-tier choices have some redeeming qualities

The first ingredient, granola, consists of whole-grain rolled oats and wheat. Still, not many vitamins or minerals.

While not exactly low in salt, these pretzels, made of unbleached wheat flour, actually have far less sodium than most other pretzels.

Made with whole-grain oats and enriched flour, this bar offers riboflavin, calcium, and vitamin B6. But the filling is loaded with sugar.

Pure Junk—Best to Avoid

If you cave, don't eat any other garbage for the rest of the day

Sure, the 2.17 ounces of Skittles are low in fat and provide 50 percent of your daily vitamin C—but they also pack 10 teaspoons of sugar.

Though they're just 200 calories, the six peanut-butter crackers contain 400 milligrams of sodium and 2 grams of trans fat.

Eat both Pop-Tarts, and you'll net 400 calories, 34 grams of sugar, and 320 milligrams of sodium. Make another choice, kid.

Copyright © 2008, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.