Healthy Eating At Work https://www.healthyyouvending.com Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:59:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.healthyyouvending.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-cropped-site-icon-32x32.png Healthy Eating At Work https://www.healthyyouvending.com 32 32 4 Benefits of Having A Healthy Vending Machine At Work https://www.healthyyouvending.com/4-benefits-of-having-healthy-vending-at-work/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:05:39 +0000 /?p=76579 Most companies make it a priority to create a positive work environment for their employees. This can come in the form of team-building activities, positive feedback, productivity incentives and workplace wellness plans, just to name a few.

A healthy vending machine at work is one of the easiest ways to incentivize any workplace. Healthy vending at work provides easy, convenient, affordable and healthier snack options—and you just may be surprised to learn that employees aren’t the only ones to reap the benefits.

Convenient Access to Healthier Snack Options

During a busy workday, many employees simply don’t have the time to run out and grab a bite to eat. In a typical workplace, that may leave them with only traditional vending machine, junk food choices.

By introducing Healthy YOU Vending machines into your workplace, you can say goodbye to lunchtime food runs and afternoon sugar crashes—and hello to delicious and nutritious food options—all in the office.

Our healthy vending machines are loaded with a wide variety of healthier snacks, drinks and meals. This gives employees easy access to healthier food choices that can support their personal wellness goals, as well as reduce the stress of running out for lunch when deadlines are looming. Plus, adding the optional SmartMart Side Vendor provides the option of eating a hot, healthy lunch right on site.

Increased Productivity at Work

When employees are satisfied with healthy, nutritious snacks and meals, they’re more productive. And when they’re healthy, they take less time off of work due to health issues.

Studies have shown that employees who eat healthy throughout the day are 25% more likely to have higher job performance and higher energy levels. Snacks like almonds, bananas, dark chocolate and granola, as well as drinks like water and green tea, boost brain power so your employees are ready to get the job done.

Another productivity benefit to healthy vending at work? Healthy YOU Vending machines are locally owned and operated. That means no more sending the office manager or executive assistant out to shop for snacks and take time from their busy day to stock the break room. Your Healthy YOU Vending operator will make sure your vending machines are stocked and running to perfection. Without the added stress of unnecessary stops, you can maximize workplace productivity. Employees can focus their attention where needed: on their work. We’ll take care of the rest.

Improved Employee Satisfaction

A healthy workforce is a happy workforce. When an employer makes sure their staff’s basic needs are within easy reach, it can be a big morale booster. Having easy access to healthy snacks, beverages and meals is a great way to give employees that boost.

And for the other odds and ends, Healthy YOU offers our SmartMart Side Vendors. These can be stocked with any necessary supplies that your employees might need. Whether it’s phone chargers, pain killers or pens, the SmartMart vendor can be stocked with a variety of products. And your employees will be happy to have it. No more runs to the store during the workday or asking a coworker for a charger. Instead, they can just pop by and purchase what they need while also grabbing a healthy snack from the vending machine.

Ensuring that your employees have easy access to these healthy options doesn’t only improve team morale, it also improves the relationships between employers and employees. With healthier food choices, many employees feel that their employers care about their health and wellbeing, making them more inclined to form those deeper bonds. Employees like to feel cared for on a personal level, and feel that their goals, both personal and professional, are supported.

Promote Workplace Wellness

The health and wellness of your staff can impact the success of your business through improved productivity and reduced absenteeism. However, it’s not just missed workdays that can wreak havoc on your bottom line. How effective your workers are while they’re actually at work makes a difference, and performance can be attributed to energy levels and overall health.

Making healthier food choices during the workday can make a positive difference on productivity, performance, mood and morale. Finding these healthy options may seem overwhelming, so having healthy snacks, drinks and meals conveniently accessible is a great way to offer your employees a healthy alternative without that overwhelmed feeling. Seeing that these options are available may encourage more of your employees to make their choices in favor of healthy and delicious, instead of just one or the other.

How To Get a Healthy Vending Machine at Work

Now that you know how healthy vending can benefit your workplace, you may be wondering how you can bring it to your company. Well, look no further than Healthy YOU Vending.

We want to support your company and encourage healthy eating choices in everyone. Getting started with us doesn’t mean one more stressful task on your to-do list. All you have to do is contact us and let us know you’re interested in getting healthy vending at work.

After initial contact, we will connect your with one of our local healthy vending owner-operators, who can place a machine at your location. And the best part—getting a healthy vending machine at your business is completely free! Your company won’t have to worry about the cost of purchasing a machine or maintenance because our local owner-operators do all the work, right down to stocking and servicing. The only cost to you and your employees is the price of your vends.

If you’re ready to boost your team’s morale and increase access to healthy vending snacks, bring Healthy YOU Vending into your workplace today. Get a vending machine at work, at no cost to your company, and see the benefits for yourself! Questions? Give us a call, we’re happy to help. 1-877-804-6523, or click here for more information.

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4 Ways To Stay Hydrated at Work (And Why It’s Important) https://www.healthyyouvending.com/4-ways-to-stay-hydrated-at-work-and-why-its-important/ Thu, 17 Nov 2022 22:09:13 +0000 /?p=76991 We all know the importance of staying hydrated in summer, but most people don’t think about it the rest of the year, especially during the average work day. Why is staying hydrated so hard? For some reason, drinking enough water to stay hydrated seems to be easily overlooked. When we’re in an air-conditioned office, focusing on a million different tasks, staying hydrated often gets put on the back burner—yet it’s one of the most important things we can do for our health.

In 2021, bottled water was the most popular drink of the year, accounting for about 25 percent of beverage consumption in the U.S. It wasn’t that long ago—just 2016—that carbonated soft drinks took the top spot. Luckily the tides have turned, as sugar-laden drinks can wreak havoc on your health by increasing the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and a host of other issues. Choosing to drink water over soda, juices and other sugary beverages can help reduce the risk of some of those diseases, plus provide a host of health benefits.

Why it’s important to stay hydrated at work

Help Employees Stay Hydrated at WorkProper hydration helps boost metabolism and reduce daytime fatigue. Dehydration can lead to headaches, decreased memory and can even reduce job productivity. By the time you feel thirsty, it’s already too late—you’re already dehydrated.

Mild dehydration is considered to occur when 1.5% of normal water volume is lost. Our thirst sensation appears around that time. The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. Since the body can’t store water, we need a fresh supply throughout the day to make up for losses from sweating, exertion and basic bodily functions.

Who needs to stay hydrated?

Everyone! It’s easy to become dehydrated without even thinking about it. If you’re exercising, working outdoors in hot weather or working indoors in stuffy conditions, you’re at risk of becoming dehydrated at work.

How can I drink more water at work?

A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day. For example, a 150-pound person should drink 75 ounces (about 9 cups) of liquid each day. Registered dietician Kim Larson, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says “It’s just as important for someone who is working at a computer all day [to drink water], as it is for somebody who is running a marathon.” To that effect, it’s important to keep sipping consistently throughout the day while you’re at work so you’re sufficiently hydrated for work responsibilities and tasks.

If a busy workday is keeping you and your employees from drinking more water, don’t worry. These tips will make it easy to knock back more H2O.

Tips for staying hydrated

Most people can stay hydrated at work by sipping water throughout the day and by consuming hydrating foods. Hands down, water is the best choice for hydration because it is free of sugars, artificial sweeteners or other additives. Fruit-infused water, coconut water, naturally flavored waters and some

sports drinks containing electrolytes such as sodium and potassium can be smart alternatives in a pinch. These beverages can often be found in a healthy vending machine. As well as drinking enough water, limiting intake of salty foods can also reduce a person’s risk of dehydration.

1. Keep water at your desk

A bottle of water is a visual reminder to hydrate. For employees with desk jobs, this is the best way to stay hydrated at work. Staying hydrated can also reduce headaches that may be worsened by eye strain.

If you don’t already have a specialty water bottle to help you stay on track, it might be time to invest. There are marked water bottles with an amount and time indicated to inspire frequent sipping; smart water bottles that give you a sign when it’s time to sip up; Hydro Flasks to keep water at ideal temperature; and even apps to remind you to drink more.

2. Take regular hydration breaks

We get so caught up in busy days that we sometimes forget self-care. A water break is a quick opportunity to sip, savor and relax the mind for just a moment. When break time is over, your body and mind will be ready to take on whatever work challenge comes your way.

3. Choose hydrating healthy snacks

Many people notice a decreased appetite during summer. Eating smaller meals of hydrating fruits and vegetables can help you stay hydrated and energized. In fact, 20 percent of daily water intake comes from the foods we eat. High-water foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, berries and leafy greens are nutritional powerhouses with a hydrating impact.

Pro tip: Healthy snacks like nuts can boost sodium and potassium loss that can be a side effect of dehydration.

4. Encourage employees to drink water

At meetings and throughout the workday, providing easy access to water and other healthier drinks can motivate employees to drink up and stay hydrated. This can be as simple as providing bottled water at meetings, giving employees company-branded, refillable water bottles and providing a refill station, or having Healthy YOU Vending on site, stocked with a variety of plain and flavored waters to make staying hydrated more palatable for everyone.

Simply put, a busy work schedule shouldn’t keep you from staying hydrated. Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. A healthy vending machine at work can provide easy access to healthier, hydrating beverages. Be the healthy hero and get one now.

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How To Snack Healthy at Work https://www.healthyyouvending.com/how-to-snack-healthy-at-work/ Sat, 18 Jun 2022 15:52:50 +0000 https://www.healthyyouvending.com/?p=97643 Everyone has experienced it—the dreaded 3 p.m. slump. You feel tired and drained and just don’t feel productive. We all deal with it, but how can you avoid it? Instead of eating junk food, try fueling up with a healthier option. It just so happens that eating healthy snacks at work helps to improve workplace productivity, energy, mood and focus. Healthy snacks can help you stay productive and efficient from the beginning of the day until the very end.

How do I snack healthy at work?

Trying to stick to just healthy snacks at work may seem daunting at first. How do you plan your snacks for an entire week? How do you know what you might start craving during the workday? Healthy You Vending machine snacks are a great workaround. They offer a wide variety of healthier, delicious snack options sure to satisfy all types of cravings. And when healthy snacks are the only option, it’s easy to avoid making the costly health mistakes that you run into with traditional vending machines.

What healthy snacks should I eat at work?

When it comes to choosing a healthy snack, you might not know where to start. Never fear, your local healthy vending machine will be stocked with all types of tasty, nutritious and healthy snacks to satisfy your tastebuds. Craving something crunchy? Choose whole-grain crackers, baked chips, rice cakes, veggie chips or popcorn. In the mood for something sweeter? Try super foods like dark chocolate-covered almonds, dried fruit, organic fruit leathers or trail mix. Seaweed snacks, protein bars, jerky and granola are all great ways to fuel through the remaining hours of the work day. Even better, when you get to know your local Healthy YOU Vending business owner, you can put in specific requests for your happy, healthy snacking satisfaction. Click here for a list of the 10 healthiest packaged snacks in healthy vending machines.

Why is eating healthy snacks at work important?

Employees who choose to eat healthy snacks at work show enhanced productivity and improved mood, thanks to the higher energy levels that come with the nutrients in healthy snacks. These smart snacking choices may also improve focus and performance at work. Healthy foods supply energy that fuels our brains, a great benefit over unhealthy snacks that lead to the all-too-familiar and dreaded afternoon slump.

So skip the high carb, salty, heavy and sugar-laden junk food that can weigh you down during the day and enjoy the endless benefits of healthier snacking at work. You just may find yourself feeling more productive and focused as you satisfy your cravings with something healthy and delicious.

With over 2,500 healthy vending product options to choose from, Healthy YOU Vending business owners are dedicated to providing the exact mix that employees and customers are craving, customized to each location. To learn more about getting a Healthy YOU Vending machine placed at your company—at no cost—click here to contact us today.

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How To Promote Healthy Eating at Work https://www.healthyyouvending.com/how-to-promote-healthy-eating-at-work/ Thu, 26 May 2022 15:54:43 +0000 https://www.healthyyouvending.com/?p=97410 Food has a direct impact on our performance and productivity. That’s why it’s important to promote healthy eating at work. Many employees snack to stay focused, on task and alert during the workday, as well as to cope with workplace stress. When employees choose healthier options, it improves work production, focus and efficiency while also reducing sick days and even minimizing health risks. When companies go the extra mile to provide employees with healthier food options in the workplace, it indicates a concern for their needs and helps them become their best, most productive selves.

Benefits of a healthy lifestyle

Eating healthy has been shown to improve mental and physical health. It helps increase happiness by releasing endorphins, also known as the “feel good” hormones. Dopamine, for example, triggers a response in the body that reduces depression and anxiety. It also decreases the risk of getting sick through vital nutrients that strengthen your immune system, increase energy and improve the feeling of overall health.

Promoting healthy eating at work

There are many different ways to promote healthy eating in the workplace, ranging from individual employees to company-wide programs.

  • Host a healthy eating lunch-and-learn. Use this group activity to educate your employees on healthy eating options and making better lifestyle choices. Choose from a company-supplied meal or provide smaller, nutritious snacks that teach employees how to fuel consistently throughout the workday for optimal performance.
  • Bring a nutritionist to your workplace. Invite a dietary counselor to host a one-time or even weekly seminar to teach employees to incorporate better eating habits at work and at home. When budget allows, some larger companies opt to hire a full-time nutritionist for one-on-one coaching as part of a healthcare benefits package.
  • Get healthy vending at work. Healthy vending machine options are a great way to remind employees that healthier choices are conveniently available at the press of a button. Healthy YOU Vending provides delicious and nutritious snacks, drinks and meals for employees to enjoy throughout the day—at no cost to your company. Learn how to get healthy vending at work.
  • Provide healthy food for company meetings. Having easy access to healthy, delicious snacks, meals and drinks during a work meeting can help employees stay productive. It’s also a great way to keep employees focused during meetings that run long!
  • Host a healthy eating challenge. Create an office-wide competition to see who can eat the healthiest. The challenge may encourage your employees to adapt to eating habits that will improve their lives all around, while still allowing them to have fun. Fun prizes can include a weeklong gym pass, workout gear, free healthy vending snacks or a free meal from the side vendor of your on-site, healthy vending machine.
  • Provide healthier eating options in the cafeteria. Encourage employees to eat healthier at work by offering a wider variety of nutritious, clean foods in your cafeteria. For companies without a full cafeteria or shift workers who may not have access to a cafeteria during regular business hours, a healthy vending machine can provide the nutritious snacks and meals they need to be productive at work.

Learn more about getting a Healthy YOU Vending machine at your workplace—at no cost to your company.

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5 Ways To Eat Healthy When You Have a Busy Job https://www.healthyyouvending.com/5-ways-to-eat-healthy-when-you-have-a-busy-job/ Sat, 23 Apr 2022 17:01:20 +0000 https://www.healthyyouvending.com/?p=97182 It’s easy to consume junk food when you have a busy job that doesn’t allow time for regular meal breaks throughout the day. Stay on track with these five tips for healthy eating during your busy workday.

1. Don’t skip breakfast

Start the day strong with a hearty, healthy breakfast. It makes sense to do this before you even leave the house so you’re not hungry by the time you get to work. Hard-boiled eggs, protein pancakes and egg white wraps are easy, grab-and-go options for busy employees. But if you’re headed to work before your stomach even has time to wake up, look to your office Healthy YOU Vending machines for single-serve oatmeal packets so you can have a hot, hearty breakfast right from your desk. Amp it up with a handful of dried fruit, applesauce, nuts and seeds. In a real rush? Swipe your card or tap-and-pay for a healthier protein bar you can munch on the way to your next meeting. No one wants to be hangry at the Monday morning team meeting!

2. Make a conscious decision to make healthy eating choices

The best way to avoid overindulging on junk food during a busy workday is knowing from where your next healthy snack or meal is coming—and many times that can mean the office healthy vending machine. Seek out healthy snacks that will also satisfy cravings and provide sustainable energy throughout the day. Nothing is worse than heading into the afternoon slump bogged down by junk food. Healthy vending machine snacks are a viable solution to healthy eating choices when you have a busy job.

3. Embrace portion control

Single-serve snacks are just the right size to satisfy cravings. Choosing the right foods in the right amount can decrease overindulgence on unhealthy snacks. Reduce temptation while satisfying your cravings with portion-controlled, healthier snack options like multigrain corn chips, dark chocolate-covered almonds and organic fruit leathers—all available in Healthy YOU Vending machines.

4. Avoid over-snacking

It seems obvious that eating too much won’t leave you feeling your best. Avoid loading up on bags of chips, cookies and candy—even in their healthier versions, too much of a good thing may leave you craving more. At least once during your busiest workdays, try to find time to take a short break and enjoy a full meal from the Healthy YOU Vending SmartMart side vendor. Choosing protein can help you feel fuller for a longer period of time than a sugary snack that gives you a quick pick-up followed by a crash. Organic jerky, nuts, tuna kits and protein bars can also go a long way toward fueling you toward that late-night deadline.

5. Skip sugary drinks

Staying hydrated throughout the day is important, and drinking water is always a smart choice. It can make you feel refreshed and clear-headed and even help stave off some hunger pangs. Coconut water, natural sparkling beverages and pure fruit juices are great substitutes for sodas and other sugary beverages when you’re craving something a little more flavorful.

Surviving the busy workday

Maintaining healthy eating habits when you have a busy job can be a challenge but it’s not impossible. Smart snacking choices can keep your mood and energy levels in check. Learn more about bringing Healthy YOU Vending to your workplace.

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HYV Healthy Snack Options for Business Owners on the Go https://www.healthyyouvending.com/hyv-healthy-snack-options-for-business-owners-on-the-go/ Wed, 10 Nov 2021 22:22:01 +0000 https://www.healthyyouvending.com/?p=96190 While traveling for work often means eating every meal at a restaurant—which can lead to overconsumption of high-calorie foods—business owners on the go can still incorporate healthy snacks into each day. One of the best ways to avoid overindulging while traveling is knowing where your next healthy, on-the-go snacks are coming from. Stay on track with these travel-friendly, healthy snacks, available in Healthy YOU Vending machines.

Protein

Eating protein helps you feel fuller longer and that’s essential when it comes to snacks for traveling. Non-perishable options like beef, chicken or turkey jerky; nuts; canned chicken or tuna kits; and protein bars can go a long way toward fueling you for your next business meeting. (Added bonus: you won’t spill these snacks on your tie right before a meeting!)

Plant-Based Snacks

Fruits, veggie chips, mushroom jerky, nuts, trail mix, KIND bars and air-popped popcorn provide plant-based, healthy snack choices for business owners on-the-go. Look for snacks that avoid preservatives, artificial flavorings and GMO ingredients for the healthiest options. Plant-based foods are surprisingly prevalent in healthy vending machines, making them convenient and healthy snacks.

Sweet-Tooth Snacks

Traveling for business owners often means changing time zones, which can disrupt sleep and lead to increased sugar cravings and weight gain. In fact, 44 percent of millennial business travelers surveyed, admitted to gaining weight during business travel. It’s no surprise, when a slice of restaurant cheesecake can contain a whopping 830 calories and 51 grams of sugar! Reduce temptation while satisfying your sweet tooth with portion-controlled, healthier snack options like Nature’s Bakery Double Chocolate Brownies, Unreal Dark Chocolate Crispy Gems or Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almonds. You can even enjoy dried or dehydrated fruits and organic fruit leathers found in Healthy YOU Vending machines for a refreshing pick-me-up when you’re craving something sweet.

More Tips for Choosing Healthy Snacks While Traveling

  1. Pack more than you think you will need. All too often we find ourselves delayed during travel. It’s better to have leftovers than to be left empty-handed. There’s nothing worse than getting on a flight or going into a business meeting hangry.
  2. Choose healthier options. If you’re stuck in an airport, train station or at a location, seek out a healthy vending machine for healthy snacks that will also satisfy cravings.
  3. Don’t skip breakfast. Many Healthy YOU Vending machines located in hotels carry single-serving oatmeal packets so you can have a hot, hearty breakfast right from your business suite hotel room microwave. Add a handful of dried fruit or applesauce for a sweet topping.
  4. Control portions. Single-serving snacks are just the right size to satisfy cravings.
  5. Avoid over-snacking. Choose a full meal from the Healthy YOU Vending SmartMart side vendor.
  6. Replace sugary drinks. Instead drink water, coconut water or pure fruit juices. Staying hydrated is especially important while traveling.

Maintaining healthy eating habits while traveling for business can be a challenge. Making smart snacking choices during business travel can help keep your mind, body and sleep in check—plus, your waistline will thank you! Learn more about Healthy YOU Vending.

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Fight Diabetes and Heart Disease with Healthier Options at Work https://www.healthyyouvending.com/fight-diabetes-and-heart-disease-with-healthier-options-at-work/ Sun, 10 Nov 2019 21:06:27 +0000 /?p=78249 The Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease

November is American Diabetes Month. In partnership with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, this year’s iteration raises awareness of the link between diabetes and heart disease.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the longer a person has diabetes, the higher their chances of developing heart disease—the leading cause of death in the U.S. This, according to the institute, is the fault of increased blood glucose from diabetes damaging the vessels and nerves that control the heart. Eating healthy and exercising go a long way in managing diabetes and preventing heart disease.

But let’s face it: eating healthy can be hard. And eating healthy at work can be even harder. With looming deadlines, endless meetings and an overflowing inbox of emails to respond to, it’s easy to forgo lunch in lieu of a trip to the office candy jar. A Healthy YOU Vending machine in the workplace promotes wholesome dietary choices that can help prevent heart disease and manage diabetes.

The fact is, diabetes impacts 1 out of every 7 Americans—and many don’t even know they have it. That’s not according to us, but to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report indicates that more than 30 million Americans have diabetes.

Two types of diabetes exist, but, according to the American Diabetes Association, about 95 percent of cases are Type 2. Why is this significant? Because Type 2 diabetes is often—although not always—tied to lifestyle factors like weight and diet. Eating healthy and exercising regularly can actually help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes altogether.

Type 1 diabetes is a different matter. It can come on seemingly randomly, and at a young age—although some may be genetically predisposed. So, while Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented, it can and should be managed through eating healthy, exercising regularly and working closely with a healthcare provider to determine an effective insulin routine.

Now, about the link between diabetes and heart disease. According to the CDC, 610,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year. Perhaps an even more sobering statistic is that number represents 1 in every 4 deaths in America. Adopting a healthy diet is critical to avoid Type 2 diabetes, manage Type 1 diabetes and minimize the associated risk of developing heart disease.

How can Healthy YOU Vending Help?

A Healthy YOU Vending machine simplifies the decision to eat well in the workplace by providing wholesome snacks, drinks and entrées—all just a stone’s throw from your work area. We offer healthy-diet staples like low-sodium and low glycemic index snacks, drinks and entrées.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, about 9 in 10 cases of Type 2 diabetes in the U.S. can be avoided by making lifestyle changes. In fact, losing 7 to 10 percent of your current weight can cut your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes in half. The school suggests implementing the following dietary changes to lose weight:

  • Choose whole grains instead of other highly processed carbohydrates
  • Skip sugary drinks; choose water, coffee or tea instead
  • Choose healthy fats
  • Limit red and processed meat consumption; choose nuts, beans, whole grains, poultry or fish instead

Healthy YOU Vending machines provide access to wholesome snacks like nuts, seeds and non-processed nutritional bars—along with a variety of healthy drinks. And our SmartMart side unit can dispense low-sodium, delicious entrées like soups and whole-grain dishes.

Healthy YOU Vending machines can be found throughout the country in offices, gyms, hotels, schools and more. To find an independent Healthy YOU Vending operator near you, contact us at 877-804-6523, or to request a machine in your place of work, simply fill out the form here and start reducing your employees’ chances of developing diabetes and heart disease.

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Healthy Options at Work—Does it Really Matter? https://www.healthyyouvending.com/healthy-options-at-work-does-it-really-matter/ Wed, 20 Mar 2019 17:15:30 +0000 /?p=77828 Can food choices really influence your workplace performance and its environment? As attitudes toward office wellness have shifted over time, this is a question on the mind of many employers. We know that eating smart can affect our body weight, appearance and overall health, but what about mood and mental clarity? All aspects of the human body perform better when given the best nutrition available. Knowing this, many employers are left to wonder—is it worth the effort to offer employees healthier food options within the workplace? Many health experts think so and here’s why!

Foods Affect your Cognitive Function

As an employer, if your goal is to achieve optimal performance from your employees, taking part in providing optimal nutrition will help to ensure success. We cannot expect a vehicle to function properly when oil is poured into the gas tank, and it is no different for the human brain. When the only fuel options are high glycemic, fatty foods that spike the blood sugar, the end result is a sudden crash and burn. It is often said that “What goes up, must come down,” and in this instance, elevated blood sugar levels from junk food will hit rock bottom and leave employees feeling sluggish, unwell and moody. No one has mental clarity when they are feeling tired or ill.

Will Employees Respond Positively When Offered Healthier Options?

While there is no guarantee that every employee will choose to partake in the wellness benefits they are offered, many will appreciate the opportunity to reevaluate their own health habits
and goals.

Having healthy meal, snack and beverage options readily available instead of planning their meals in advance can really impact the success of a company’s wellness initiatives. Humans are creatures of habit, and it’s difficult to break from unhealthy habits without easy alternatives. Offering healthier options and a better lifestyle without asking employees to greatly alter their workflow will raise the chances of success.

One reason for eating unhealthy foods in the workplace is often convenience and poor planning. Too many easy-access products are available and appear to be an acceptable method of fueling the body, but over the long haul, they’re not. Meeting the demands of a bustling modern life has caused our nutrition to become an afterthought, rather than a primary focus. Over time, this has led to unhappiness, disease and depression. All of these can bleed over into the workplace, affecting its productivity and culture in negative ways.

Simple Changes Can Have a Monumental Impact

Encouraging and offering even small nutritional changes within your workplace can add up to many positive outcomes for the health of employees, and the success of the company as a whole. A lift in energy and spirits will influence their ability to successfully perform their job duties and eliminate healthy issues related to poor nutrition. As an employer, you cannot completely change the eating habits of your employees, however, there are great benefits in making healthier options more readily available.

How to Get Started

Healthy YOU Vending is the nation’s leading healthy vending company, with thousands of operators nationwide. Our machines can be found in many businesses that range from small, locally run organizations to large corporate entities. Our operators serve hospitals, schools, gyms and much more. To find an operator near you, contact us at 1-877-804-6523 or go to healthyvendingatwork.com!

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Promoting a Healthy Environment in the Workplace https://www.healthyyouvending.com/promoting-a-healthy-environment-in-the-workplace/ Tue, 19 Feb 2019 21:47:35 +0000 /?p=77586

A Common Challenge

Millions of employee productivity hours are lost each year due to physical ailments that range from the common cold to life-threatening diseases. This is a costly predicament for many employers who face the threat of lower financial gains while also paying wages for sick employees. It is estimated that billions of workplace dollars are lost annually across the country from illness, with a steady increase in lost dollars occurring each year.

An unfortunate commonality among many American workplace settings is the abundance and accessibility of unhealthy snacks and beverages from typical vending machines. Many of these edibles are heavily processed primarily with preservatives that can create health problems when ingested on a regular basis. Additionally, these products often contain a high-sugar content, which also poses a threat to a healthy body. When a poor diet is coupled with the sedentary lifestyle as found within most office settings, the body’s immune system becomes vulnerable to sickness.

Making the Change

Recognizing that the benefits of healthy living directly affects the professional workplace is slowly gaining momentum. Employers are finding a direct correlation between encouraging and offering positive, healthy work environment changes at work and healthier, happier employees who then utilize less sick time and have higher productivity.

Healthy YOU Vending operators throughout the nation are making it easier for employers to offer better options for their employees. Meals, snacks and beverages made from wholesome ingredients such as whole-grain oats, brown rice and quinoa, with natural flavorings like honey, molasses and stevia offer far more nutrition than their less-healthy counterparts. The nutritionally-sound products provided in Healthy YOU vending machines come in many satisfying varieties, which also encourages employees to stay on campus during break times.

Finding Success

When an employer participates in wellness initiatives that promote health and a more balanced diet, many positive changes are likely to ensue. Healthier employees become more productive with less days missed due to illness. The overall mood and culture of a healthy work environment is likely to transform into an invigorating atmosphere that fosters energy and strong, cohesive relationships between co-workers and employers. Staff members are a key component of every successful company; helping them maintain optimal health is a critical factor in moving businesses forward with success.

Interested in offering Healthy YOU Vending machines for you employees? Click here for more information!

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Improve Employee Wellness with Healthy Eating At Work https://www.healthyyouvending.com/improve-employee-wellness-with-healthy-eating-at-work/ Thu, 26 Jan 2017 23:02:44 +0000 /?p=6491 A recent study shows that employees who eat healthy throughout the day are 25% more likely to have higher job performance. As most full-time employees spend typically spend 40 hours or more at work each week, that usually means eating one or two meals, plus snacks, during the workday. Healthy eating at work has never been more important.

The Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) reports that employee health has a direct impact on job performance and attendance. The International Labour Office also indicates that healthy workplace nutrition can have a positive impact on employee health and productivity. Their research shows the benefits of healthier eating to include:

  • Better sleep, more energy and higher levels of engagement, which ultimately leads to improved productivity
  • Improved mood, which can lead to stronger teamwork and improved morale
  • Less workplace absenteeism, which directly impacts workplace productivity

Effective wellness strategies in the workplace can help reduce absenteeism and the related costs. It’s not just missed workdays that can wreak havoc on your bottom line. How effective your workers are while they’re actually at work can be negatively affected by ill health. Since food has a direct impact on cognitive performance, making healthful food choices during the workday can make a positive difference.

In a healthy work environment, employee wellness is a top priority. After all, employees are your most valuable asset. More and more, managers, HR staff, and wellness professionals are realizing the importance of a supportive work environment when it comes to improving employee health.

While smaller businesses may not be able to afford full-blown wellness initiatives that include gym memberships and health screenings, it’s easy to encourage healthy eating at work by providing healthy snack alternatives on site. One simple way to encourage healthy eating at work is by bringing healthy vending machines to the workplace.

It just makes sense for employers to take steps that help improve employee health, wellness, job performance—and the company’s bottom line. A HealthyYOU Vending machine is a great addition to any corporate wellness program. Contact us to find out how you can get a FREE healthy vending machine at your workplace today.

 

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