It’s the afternoon and you already ate lunch. Your eyes are glazing over, the minute hand on the clock refuses to move, and you’re about to fall out. And…you still have SO much work to do. So…you go hit the vending machine and grab a snack, right?
While yes, a healthy snack can jump-start your energy level and give you push you need to cross that work finish line, many of the snacks we’re confronted with on a daily basis aren’t all that great for your body. Believe it or not, there are healthy options to be found in most vending machines…but they’re sitting right beside those snacks filled with too much sugar, fat, calories, etc. to even be worth your time.
So first, here are the no-no vending machine snacks that you should skip:
Fruit Pie: 440 calories, 27g fat, 7g sat fat, 8g trans fat
Why To Say No: They’re your waistline’s worst nightmare
Cheese Crackers with Cheddar Cheese: 210 calories, 10g fat, 2g sat fat, 4g trans fat
Why To Say No: Ever heard of this heart disease risk-raising ingredient called trans fat? We thought so.
Pop Tarts: 420 calories, 10g fat, 2.5g sat fat, 40g sugar
Why To Say No: We know you love them, but there’s too much processing going on. If you absolutely must, try to share one.
Doritos: 250 calories, 13g fat, 2.5g sat fat, 2g fiber
Why To Say No: If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, you shouldn’t buy. However, the Nacho variety is the least harmful of them all.
Cheez-It Crackers: 160 calories, 8g fat, 2g sat fat
Why To Say No: No fiber, no protein…what’s the point?
Cheetos Crunchy: 160 calories, 10g fat, 1.5g sat fat
Why To Say No: Like many of the above, the number of processed ingredients makes for a very body-unfriendly snack.
Twix: 280 calories, 14g fat, 11g sat fat
Why To Say No: Yes, they’re tasty, but they have more dangerous fat than a Snickers
Now, here are the yes-yes vending machine snacks that are healthier…and can even give you the guilt-free energy you needed in the first place!
Sunflower Kernels: 160 calories, 14g fat, 1.5g sat fat, 4g fiber
Why To Say Yes: They’re full of healthy fats that your body needs
Baked! Lays Original: 210 calories, 3g fat, 0g sat fat, 4g fiber
Why To Say Yes: They actually have FIBER
Sun Chips Original: 140 calories, 6g fat, 1g sat fat, 2g fiber
Why To Say Yes: These chips contain whole grains
Smartfood Reduced-Fat Popcorn: 120 calories, 5g fat, 1g sat fat, 2g fiber
Why To Say Yes: This snack is lower in fat, and has fiber…yes!
Peanut M&M’s: 250 calories, 13g fat, 5g sat fat, 2g fiber
Why To Say Yes: Yes. it’s candy, but it’s candy with protein. Watch the portion, though!
Fig Newtons: 190 calories, 0g fat, 0g sat fat, 2g fiber
Why To Say Yes: ’cause it’s a low fat fruit cookie!
Honey Roasted Peanuts: 160 calories, 13g fat, 1.5g sat fat, 6g protein
Why To Say Yes: They’re high in protein
Quaker Chewy Low-Fat Granola Bar, Chocolate Chunk: 110 calories, 2g fat, 0.5g sat fat, 1g fiber
The Bottom Line: You tell us…what’s better than chewy, chocolate goodness that you don’t have to feel guilty about?