Most fruits and vegetables are low-energy dense foods, meaning they have a low number of calories per gram. Some types of fruits and vegetables, however, have high concentrations of natural sugars or starches, which may be fattening if eaten in large quantities. Including the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet is an important part of a healthful nutrition plan. Small portions of high-calorie fruits and vegetables can often be included in your nutrition plan without overshooting your target calorie count.
Raisins
Because raisins are partially dehydrated, they contain a concentrated amount of natural sugars. A 1/2 cup of raisins is equivalent to 1 cup of raw fruit, according to the USDA. A 1/2 cup serving of raisins has 260 calories, 62g carbohydrates and 4g of dietary fiber, according to the nutritional information provided by a leading distributor of raisins. Adding a few raisins to your cereal in the morning or sprinkling them on your salad is an easy way to incorporate a small amount of this fruit into your diet.
Prunes
Prunes are partially dehydrated plums and contain a high concentration of natural sugars. A 1/2 cup serving of prunes, which is equivalent to 1 cup of raw fruit, contains 210 calories, 56g of carbohydrates and 6g of dietary fiber, reports the USDA. Try substituting diced prunes for raisins in some of your favorite recipes for an interesting flavor twist.
Canned Fruit in Heavy Syrup
Fresh, raw fruit is often the most flavorful and nutritious. In the off-season, however, you may purchase canned fruit. Water- or juice-packed canned fruit generally has no added sugar. Fruit packed in light or heavy syrup, however, has sugar or corn syrup added to the packing liquid, which can add a significant number of calories per serving. Canned fruit packed in heavy syrup contains the largest amount of added sugar. For example, 1 cup of canned peaches in heavy syrup has 194 calories and 52g of carbohydrates, according to the USDA. One cup of unsweetened, canned peaches packed in water has 59 calories and 15g of carbohydrate.
Sweet and White Potatoes
Sweet and white potatoes contain complex carbohydrates, or starch, which adds to the calorie content of these vegetables. One cup of baked sweet potatoes contains 178 calories, 41g carbohydrates and 7g fiber, reports the USDA. One cup of baked white potato contains 117 calories, 27g carbohydrate and 2g fiber. Preparation and condiments can significantly add to the calories in potatoes. Frying adds fat and calories. Milk and butter used to make mashed potatoes also adds a substantial amount of calories. Marshmallows, nuts and brown sugar added to sweet potatoes transform this vegetable into a tasty but high-calorie dish.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Can Eating Fruits and Vegetables Help People to Manage Their Weight?
- MyPyramid.gov: What Counts as a Cup of Fruit?
- Sun-Maid: Products, Raisins
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, What's in the Foods You Eat: Prune, Dried, Uncooked
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, What's in the Foods You Eat: Peach, Cooked or Canned, in Heavy Syrup
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, What's in the Foods You Eat: Peach, Cooked or Canned, Unsweetened, Water Pack



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