Healthier Foods for Vending Machines
- Vending machines usually contain unhealthy selections such as candy.candy image by Soja Andrzej from Fotolia.com
Vending machines provide convenience for those desiring a quick snack in their school or work setting. Most vending machines, however, offer foods with empty calories such as chips, cookies and candy instead of more nutritious selections. By providing vending machines with more nutritious options, people are able to make healthier choices regarding their eating habits. - Animal crackers are low in saturated fat and sodium.fish - cookies image by Pawel Wodzinski from Fotolia.com
Crackers are a healthier option found in vending machines. Animal crackers and graham crackers are inexpensive and contain small amounts of sodium and saturated fat, nutrients often responsible for high blood pressure and heart disease if consumed in excess. Cheese and crackers give the body calcium to prevent conditions such as colon cancer and osteoporosis. - Trail mix contains nuts, which are full of protein.Nuts image by Dusi from Fotolia.com
Trail mix is another optimal choice, as it combines dried fruit, nuts and seeds into one healthy snack. This high-protein product is a welcoming choice for diabetics, as it contains very little sugar. Trail mix also lists fiber as one of its nutrients, which helps prevent weight gain by causing satiety or a feeling of fullness. - Water is healthier than soda, as it contains no sugar.Clean water and water bubbles in blue image by Suto Norbert from Fotolia.com
Compared to sodas and juices, water is a healthier alternative. Sodas and juices contain large amounts of sugar, which, if consumed in excess, may lead to weight gain. Water, on the other hand, promotes weight loss because it has no calories. - Bananas contain potassium, which maintains a healthy blood pressure.bananas image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
Fruit is inexpensive and nutritious. Oranges and grapefruits contain vitamin C, a nutrient that prevents scurvy and strengthens the immune system. Bananas provide the body with potassium, which helps maintain a healthy blood pressure. Grapes are a nutritious snack, as they reduce fatigue by replenishing iron levels in the blood, giving the body an energy boost. - Granola contains oats that strengthen the body's immune system.granola on spoon image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
Granola is a healthy treat consisting of ingredients such as rolled oats, nuts, fruit and honey. The rolled oats and fruit in granola promote easier digestion. Rolled oats also contain antioxidants that strengthen the body's immune system. Granola, however, should be eaten in moderation, as the product may have excess sugar based on its ingredients.
