Vending machine technology is only one of the many aspects of the vending industry that has changed. It’s changed since the first bottled soft drink machines, cooled with ice, appeared on the market in the 1930’s. Which beverages Atlanta consumers want to buy have also undergone several makeovers. Atlanta now has healthier vending machine beverages available for your employees.

For example, diet sodas were mass produced and heavily marketed in the 1960’s. They enjoyed a seemingly positive reputation until the early 2000’s when sales started to decline. The shift in opinion began as Atlanta consumers learned more about a diet soda’s ingredients. Consumers understood that those ingredients were actually chemicals that were dangerous to their health.

Today, medical professionals have a better understanding about the downsides of consuming diet soda. Keri Glassman, R.D.N., at Women’s Health shares, “It [diet soda] is filled with unhealthy chemicals, including artificial sweeteners, which actually make[s] you crave more calories later” and contributes to weight gain.

However, diet soda alone doesn’t cause all weight gain. Cara Harbstreet, R.D., of Street Smart Nutrition says, “Consumers of diet soda who engage in other lifestyle behaviors and who associate with poor health outcomes are at a greater risk than those who balance their intake of diet soda with other healthful habits. The variables make it difficult to pinpoint whether diet soda consumption alone is the cause of negative health outcomes. Or whether it’s the culmination of a number of factors…nothing in nutrition or health exists in a vacuum.”

Too Much Of A Bad Thing, Not Enough Of A Good Thing

As 2017 comes to a close, its important to consider other habits that play a role in developing health-related issues. Issues such as not exercising, smoking, consuming too many sweets, and drinking diet or regular soda. The following are health issues that can happen as a result of doing either too much of a bad thing.

• not exercising enough: increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure
• smoking: higher risk of developing lung cancer, COPD including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and worsening asthma
• eating and/or drinking too much sugar: greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, cavities, depression, joint pain, and an increase in wrinkles and saggy skin
• not getting enough water causes headaches, dry mouth, eyes, and skin, disorientation, low energy levels, muscle cramps or spasms, hunger, and mood swings
• not getting enough sleep: increases risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, obesity, depression, lack of alertness, memory, mood swings, and an increased chance of having a car accident

Focus On Good Habits

So, as 2018 is quickly approaching, individuals should focus on exercising, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and consuming healthy vending machine snack and beverage choices. But don’t forget to enjoy a special treat every once in a while.

To help your Atlanta employees make healthy choices during the workday, offer a wide variety of healthy snacks and beverages in the office breakroom vending machine. It will positively impact your employee’s health. It will also help maintain high energy levels and increase productivity. That’s a win-win for everyone.

For more information about adding healthy options to your current vending machines or creating the ultimate breakroom in 2018, call Southern Refreshment Services at 770-939-9299. We’d love to help.