How To Eat Healthy From Vending Machines

If it’s salt you’re after, go for peanuts or beef jerky. Though high in calories, nuts provide the good kind of fat, monounsaturated, and their protein will make you feel fuller longer. Beef jerky is also high in protein. Just be aware that that both treats are also high in sodium.

Want something crunchy? Pretzels are a low-fat, low-calorie choice, though they may not keep you feeling full for very long because of their high carb content. Or get a single-serving bag of light popcorn or a package of cheese crackers; the former contains fiber and the latter has no trans fat. If you can’t live without potato chips, look for baked ones.

To satisfy a sweet tooth, look for low-fat cookies, licorice, fruit-flavored candy, or a fruit snack. Though high in sugar, they’re low in fat. Avoid the chocolate mini-doughnuts; there’s nothing mini about the 600 calories and 36 grams of fat some brands are packing!

Craving a candy bar? See if there’s a Payday, one of the few candy bars that gets a thumbs-up from some nutritionists because it’s loaded with nuts. If not, go for an energy or protein bar. Though most are little better than candy bars, they do offer a slight nutritional advantage.

Not sure what you want? Try one of the 100-calorie pack options so that, whatever you choose, you’ll limit the damage to your waistline.

If your workplace has a vending machine, ask the employee in charge of ordering refills to consider providing more healthy choices, like dried fruit or whole-wheat chips or pretzels.