A couple of years after strongly suggesting NHS hospitals take a good look at their vending options in order to offer healthier food choices, the powers that be have decided to take the next step. According to several news sources, the NHS has just signed a contract that will see all hospital vending machines get even healthier. As a company that specialises in leisure centre and gym vending machines, we know a thing or two about what's going on here.
Though no official transition date has been mentioned, the new vending machines will only carry snacks with 150 or fewer calories. They will also carry zero-sugar soft drinks. The NHS has already made great strides in this area, having managed to convince hospitals to revamp their vending machines to the point that three-fifths of all pre-packaged snacks have fewer than 400 calories.
Say Goodbye to Chocolates and Crisps
It would appear as though we will all be saying goodbye to chocolates and crisps obtained via NHS vending machines. Once the changeover is complete, finding your favourite high-calorie snack is going to be nearly impossible. You will have plenty of gluten-free popcorn, energy bars, and other healthy snacks to choose from.
This all sounds like a great idea for NHS facilities. It is even good for some leisure centres. We're not sure how well it would play in a gym setting. Our gym vending machines, while offering healthy options, are not necessarily limited to products with fewer than 150 calories. There's a reason for that.
The human body needs all sorts of things after a tough workout. This includes proteins, sugars and, yes, calories. It might be a hard sell to gym patrons if none of the vending machines stocked anything that would help them recover immediately following vigorous exercise. However, that's not a bridge we need to cross right now. What's more important is the fact that the NHS has chosen to make another move.
Pondering the Next Move
You might be unhappy about the NHS decision because you don't see the need for the government to tell you what you should and should not eat. Fair enough. We believe in individual freedom and liberty just like anyone else. Our question is this: do you think the NHS will take its anti-obesity campaign any further?
We ask because there are certain healthy eating advocates who still don't think the NHS has gone far enough. Some of those advocates would like to see vending machines eliminated altogether. They would rather have hospitals providing around-the-clock cafés selling only fresh food.
Replacing gym vending machines with fresh food cafés definitely would not fly. Not only would patrons want other choices, but gyms would have a hard time making said cafés profitable. Nonetheless, that's what some people want.
We'll see where it goes. In the meantime, you can count on us for gym vending machines with healthy snacks your patrons will appreciate. Contact us to learn more.
Sources:
The Sun – https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9202501/nhs-vending-machines-health-snacks-obesity/
