Avoid These:
Sugary chocolate bars and greasy chips may be tempting, but avoid them at all costs.  Although sweets will give you a feel-good sugar high at first, a crash is soon to follow.  Chocolate and chips are full of unneeded and unhealthy fats, and chips tend to contain simple carbohydrates that will leave you hungry for more.  

Choose These:
Nuts, Berries, and Seeds:  Many vending machines contain packs of nuts or seeds.  These snacks are loaded with healthy fats, so you don’t have to feel guilty about munching on them.  Just make sure you don’t over-indulge; healthy fats are still fats!  Sunflower seeds are a great choice, but you could also go for a bag of healthy trail mix (the kind without chocolate).  

Whole Grain Crackers and Chips: Grabbing a snack at a vending machine is usually done out of hunger, so what good is the snack if it leaves you hungry afterwards?  Picking high-fiber foods, such as whole grain crackers or chips, will ensure a full belly that won’t be left craving more.  If possible, go for baked chips- they contain less saturated fat than the fried kind.

Granola Bars: As long as you pick ones that aren’t covered in chocolate, granola bars are a great snack option.  They generally are low in sugar, high in fiber, and relatively low in calories.  Try to stick to granola bars that are made from natural ingredients, such as Nature Valley or Kashi bars.  Click here for more info on how to pick healthy granola bars.

Pretzels: Although pretzels lack nutritional value, they’re a low-calorie option that will suffice in a sticky situation.  They probably won’t keep you as full as whole grain snacks, however.  

Need more healthy snacking ideas?  Click here for 6 snacks that each contain under 150 calories!