While the first tip to eating healthfully usually includes staying away from vending machines, this time it's a little different.
There are about a dozen vending machine companies offering a healthy alternative for those who eat on the run, and one of them is already selling its products in Central New Jersey and Bucks County, PA. Its name is Fresh Healthy Vending, a San Diego franchise operation that offers fresh fruits, natural drinks, yogurts, soy pudding, granola and smoothies as part of its selection.
We can expect to see more companies like this one approaching school districts directly thanks to a new law, regulating schools that participate in the federal school lunch program. The new guidelines enable the Agriculture Department to impose nutritional standards on all snacks and refreshments sold in schools. These guidelines are likely to benefit companies that offer healthy alternatives on its vending machines.
Hopeful of this vision, here are a few things to keep in mind when making a selection on a revamped vending machine:
Determine if you are thirsty or hungry: This might seem obvious, but often people max-out on high caloric snacks, when in fact they are dehydrated and needing liquids.
Select fruits and vegetables first: They contain the strongest nutritional punch and are usually highest in fiber and lowest in calories.
Keep your snack at 100 calories max: Pay attention to the number of servings. You many need to share it with a friend or save it for later.
Choose water over flavored water and flavored water over soft drinks: Consider an unsweetened iced tea, milk or soymilk. Opt for a flavored water if you are craving a sweet drink.
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