Vending Machine Alternatives In The Workplace

In nearly every workplace, one can find a vending machine. We've all been there, working in our cubicles, when hunger strikes. Yet, a walk to the vending machine will likely lead to the consumption of junk food.

Vending machines are notorious for offering a plethora of high calorie, high fat, high sugar, snacks. At a time when people are trying to make healthy living a priority, the lure of the vending machine snacks can be hard to avoid.

So, how can this unhealthy pound pusher be dealt with? Keep a stash of healthy snacks (granola bars, protein bars, dried fruit, etc. ) at work. Items like these do not require refrigeration and can be used when breakfast is skipped or as a mid-morning snack. Other snacks that are great to keep around are fresh fruits and nuts.

To make eating these healthy alternatives more appealing, they can be put into a nice basket that sits on the desk. Not only will they prevent a run to the vending machine, but they will improve concentration and general feelings of well being.

To deal with the craving for sweets snacks, keep some trail mix in a Ziploc baggie. This healthy alternative will keep your energy balanced and hold you until your next meal. Apple sauce cups or veggie sticks also work great, as do the pre-packaged small green salads. It is much better to eat one of the healthy snacks mentioned than it is to eat a candy bar; a look at the fat and calorie count is actually quite disturbing! A popular candy bar, which will remain nameless, contains 267 calories, 11g fat, 28g sugar. Feeling really hungry? The king size version contains 528 calories, 22g fat, 56g sugar. Not a very healthy snack. Add a soda pop to it for another 150 calories and 40g sugar.

However, do not make the mistake of drinking diet soda. It is touted as being a healthier alternative, but artificial sweetener is not a good thing. It has been shown to cause various types of cancer and brain tumors. For coffee or tea, use sugar, which contains only 15 calories per teaspoon and 0g fat. Other healthy alternatives are Stevia or Agave.

What else can be done to help avoid bad snack temptation? Talk with co-workers and see if they feel the same way. If others would also like healthier snacks then start requesting healthier items for the vending machine. The vending machine company can be called directly, with permission from a supervisor. Or you can simply leave a note on the machine. Happy healthy snacking!