One of my best friends is currently as she states "on the vending machine diet." She has been visiting for days at a time in the hospital where the only easy access food she has is to a single vending machine. This makes me sad, but also prompted me to write this entry about the choices we are making at the vending machine, or while running into the pharmacy.
Think about it, back when pharmacy's first came out you went in for your drugs. You were not inundated with food choices (and poor ones at that). But we have all be stuck before, we have all been in that place where we HAVE to make a choice, there is no other option. Sooooo, what are the best choices? And what choices should be avoided at all costs?
After careful research and consideration the stats are in!
WORST VENDING MACHINE FOODS:
HOSTESS FRUIT PIES- at a whopping 470 calories, and 20-27 grams of fat these little cakes are diet sabotage. Not to mention the 40 grams of sugar and minimal protein. If you have never eaten one of these before then good for you, if you still buy these I would permanently take them off your list.
SECOND PLACE WINNERS:
Frosted Pastries
Reese's Peanut butter cups
Chips
Austin Cheese crackers (a trans fat nightmare)
Any form of candy like skittles, twix or 3 Musketeers (all sugar, no protein or fiber here)
BEST VENDING MACHINE FOODS:
TRAIL MIX OR NUTS: This is an obvious winner, you have fiber, healthy fat, and protein here. For less calories than your fruit pie your sweet tooth will be satisfied and you will be full longer. Most vending machines now have either Trail mix, peanuts, or sometimes even sunflower seeds.
SECOND PLACE WINNERS:
Energy bars
Granola bars like Nutri Grain Oats and Honey (crunchy and full of fiber)
Cereal bars
Candy like Snickers, Payday or Peanut M&Ms (these are not the best choice it is still candy and full of stuff you don't need, but the peanuts at least make them a better choice than their non-peanut candy choices.)
Pretzels
Smartfood Popcorn (lowfat and full of fiber!)
Next time you are at the vending machine think about what you are ordering, or if you really cannot wait until you get home to have a healthy snack.
