"While hospitals prioritize routine and familiarity to provide comfort to patients," notes Miranda Kay, RN, Medical Editor at Nursa, "the vending machines within them can also surprise with unconventional snack choices, beyond the usual chips and candy bars." According to Bernick's, making sure there are vending machine snacks that meet the nutritional needs of the older adult patient, who has a 60% chance of malnutrition in hospitals, is vital. By doing so, and by stocking these types of healthier snack options in their vending machines, hospitals do much for the health and welfare of their patients.
Here are seven of the most bizarre but healthy finds from hospital vending machines:
1. Artisanal Jerky
Ditch those stale chips and candy bars that come from the vending machine, and make way for artisanal beef and turkey jerky in some U.S. hospitals. These high-protein snacks are sourced from local producers and are just the thing patients and visitors looking for a wholesome, savory option without having to leave the hospital premises are reaching for.
2. Vegan Dark Chocolate
Some of the hospital vending machines have begun to carry vegan dark chocolate bars, capitalizing on the rising interest in plant-based foods. Moreover, these sweet treats are not just free of dairy products, as they are now also made with high-quality cacao to provide that rich and indulgent feeling one may seek when they need a sweet boost.
3. Kale Chips
Healthy You Vending has ranked kale chips among the top healthiest snacks from a vending machine. These chips, baked to a crispy perfection, give a crunchy alternative to less healthy snacks. Full of vitamins, the chips are good for a quick energy boost during long waits.
4. Gluten-free granola Bars
As Miranda Kay, RN points out, "Providing options like gluten-free granola bars is just one of the ways we make our care services more inclusive and attentive to everyone's dietary needs." Bars like these will ensure that people sensitive to gluten get a chance at a quick snack without worrying about their health.
5. Fresh Fruit Cups
Some hospitals have started to take a new approach to the vending machine offering by also offering fresh fruit cups, which are freshly cut seasonal fruits. These are kept refrigerated within the machine and provide a refreshing and healthy snacking option for savvy health-conscious individuals as much as those craving some natural sweetness.
6. Gourmet Soups
Pre-packaged and ready-to-heat, gourmet soups found in some hospital vending machines are a comforting delight. There's everything from the classics, like Tomato, to the more exotic Butternut Squash offerings that provide a hot, comforting meal that tastes more like somebody's homemade than hospital-grade.
7. Probiotic Yogurts
Some modern vending machines in hospitals now carry a range of yogurts specifically designed to promote digestive health and offer a probiotic boost. These yogurts will not only meet patients' and visitors' health needs but also provide a creamy, pleasurable snack any time of the day or night, says Healthline.
So, next time you find yourself in a hospital waiting area, don't just reach for that bag of chips. With a little exploring, you just might find a new favorite unexpected vending machine treat.
As Miranda Kay, RN reminds us: "Hospitals are places of healing, but that doesn't mean there can't be a little fun and surprises along the way. After all, a happy patient is a healing patient!"
Post courtesy of https://nursa.com/
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