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Healthy Eating Series: Diabetic Recipes

Are you or a member of your family diabetic? Along with insulin regulation, proper exercise, and other healthy habits, it’s very important for a diabetic person to eat right. And it’s not always easy to come up with recipes that fit the bill. Look no further — we’ve compiled some easy and delicious recipes that are diabetic-friendly.

Mediterranean Broccoli Salad

This recipe is diabetic-friendly because it’s loaded with non-starchy veggies, such as broccoli, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and onions. It’s made with Greek yogurt to cut out the fat of most mayo-based salads, and it’s the perfect choice as a side dish or even a main course.

Linguine with Creamy White Clam Sauce

Think you have to go to a fancy restaurant to get a creamy clam-sauce pasta? Think again. You can make this delicious recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen, and it’s great for diabetics, too. And you can use canned clams from the grocery store or fresh from the seafood department, so it couldn’t be easier. Check out the recipe here.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

In the mood for fajitas? Check out this recipe for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner that’s great for diabetic eaters. All you’ll need is a boneless chicken breast, classic fajita veggies like bell pepper and onion, and a few spices. Pop the finished product on some warmed tortillas and top with sour cream and salsa, and you have a delicious dinner the whole family will go wild for.

Lemon Garlic Salmon

What’s easier for a quick weeknight dinner than a healthy fish? This lemon garlic salmon recipe is made with clean ingredients and couldn’t be easier to whip up. Plus, it’s so easy to pair with your favorite vegetables or other side dishes. Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley combine for a tasty zing that the whole family will love, including any diabetic loved ones.

Tomato and Zucchini Quinoa Pizza

Diabetic individuals need pizza, too. This tomato and zucchini pizza utilizes quinoa and fresh vegetables for a delicious plant-based pizza that can serve as the main course or as a fun appetizer. It’s perfect for summer barbeques, quick weeknight dinners, or just about anything in between. Find the recipe here and try it this week.

Diabetic Recipes Don’t Have to Be Boring

Just because you or a loved one are diabetic doesn’t mean you have to eat bland, boring meals that don’t have any flavor. Try the recipes above, or make some variations on them, to give the whole family a tasty treat that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

Business Opportunity Q&A With Lyndsey Wolfsmith – What Sets Naturals2Go Apart?

A proven program. Extremely strong, and consistent growth. Personalized training and support.

These are just a few of the things that make Naturals2Go such an amazing business opportunity for a wide audience of aspiring entrepreneurs.

In the most recent issue of Franchise Dictionary Magazine, Natural2Go’s own Lyndsey Wolfsmith outlines what sets Naturals2Go apart, and why it’s such an attractive business opportunity.

Changing the Narrative: Vending Machines Are Not Just for Candy Bars

Most people hear the words “vending machine” and think of a few things. Sugary drinks, candy bars, chocolate, chips, and pretzels… essentially, junk food. That’s the way that vending machines are thought of in modern society, simply because vending machines usually do stock those sorts of products. But that’s not all that vending machines offer. Today, the healthy vending market is a booming business and offers customers healthy options with all the convenience of a one-stop-shop vending machine.

Consumers want healthy food.

Now more than ever, consumers are being conscious of what they put in their bodies. And with these discerning consumers comes a need for healthy options on the go. That’s why vending machines that stock healthy foods are so popular. Whether it’s granola, fruits, and vegetables, healthy trail mix, or even a stick of low-sodium jerky, there are all sorts of vending machine options that consumers can feel good about eating.

Consumers want convenience.

The point of the vending machine is still the same: to offer consumers a quick, easy option when they’re on the move. And healthy vending machines live up to the challenge. By strategically selecting products that are healthy but also have a strong shelf life, healthy vending machines can offer healthy food in the same convenient package that people are used to.

Naturals2Go is on the cutting edge.

Naturals2Go provides entrepreneurs with the tools and training they need to operate in the healthy vending space successfully. We’ll help you place machines in the city or town where you live, in the most highly-trafficked locations. And we provide lifetime mentoring and 24/7 tech support, allowing you to focus on your business and reach out for help whenever you might need it.

Help to Change the Narrative

What better way to get the word out and change the narrative than by becoming a healthy vending machine owner/operator? Take advantage of this unique and exciting entrepreneurial opportunity and help make it clear that vending machines aren’t just for candy bars. Contact Naturals2Go to learn more about our program and get started.

How to Read Food Labels

Living a healthy lifestyle involves exercising, paying attention to your mental health, and eating right. And part of eating right is reading — and understanding — the nutritional labels on food products. You can buy all the fruits and veggies you want, but if you’re not paying attention to what’s on the package, you might be giving yourself and your family food that isn’t as healthy as you think.

Here are some tips for reading food labels:

Look at the ingredients list.

This seems obvious. But looking at the ingredients list means more than just studying what ingredients go into a product. Be aware that the ingredients are listed in order of volume; the first ingredients listed make up the largest part of whatever the product is. If one of the first ingredients is a type of sugar, hydrogenated oil, or refined grain, that food probably isn’t very healthy.

Ignore claims on the front packaging.

Remember that the labels on the front of food packaging are designed to draw consumers in and entice them into buying that product. That doesn’t mean they’re entirely accurate. Don’t automatically trust what the front packaging is telling you about a food; some of these labels can be highly misleading.

Consider the serving size.

Another thing to remember when looking at food labels is the serving size. The numbers you’re seeing state how much of that ingredient or nutrient is in a standard amount of the product, usually a single serving. But bear in mind that one single serving is often far less than what you’d consume in one sitting. You’ll need to multiply the serving size by the number of servings you consumed in order to know the precise nutritional value of what you’ve eaten.

Pay attention to sugar.

Many foods, especially processed ones, are loaded with unhealthy sugar. But it might not always go by that name, fooling consumers into purchasing something they think is healthier than it really is. If you see things like corn sweetener, high-fructose corn syrup, malt syrup, maltose, dextran, glucose, or evaporated cane juice, it’s added sugar. Factor this in when you’re purchasing food to make sure you’re getting what you really want.

Know What You’re Eating

Take a look at the nutrition labels the next time you visit the grocery store. That way, you know you’re feeding yourself and your family the healthiest options possible. Plus, you’re not wasting your money on unhealthy options.

What to Consider When Buying a Vending Machine

Running a business is one thing. But running a vending machine business comes with its own set of requirements and expectations. Fortunately, Naturals2Go is here to help you get started in the world of healthy vending — and become a successful entrepreneur while doing it. So, what should you consider before launching your journey in healthy vending?

Get the timing right.

Right now, we’re in a “perfect storm” of sorts when it comes to the entrepreneurial opportunity of healthy vending machines. People want to eat healthily, but they need convenience. Lots of consumers, especially younger generations, are opting toward convenience over cost, but they still want something healthy. That’s why healthy vending options are so popular. And you’re poised to take advantage of that trend.

Consider your location.

Consider where vending machines might be the most profitable in your town or city; where might the best foot traffic be found? It’s also important to understand what areas are already set up with your competitor’s machines. Luckily, you don’t have to go at this alone. Our Lifetime Locating Services help you find the best and most profitable locations for your machines, wherever you live — we’ll come to you.

Know your inventory needs.

You’ll need to know what kind of products are in the highest demand. Otherwise, you’ll waste time and money researching and purchasing products that customers don’t really want. So, it’s important to consider that much of your time as a healthy vending machine operator will be spent thinking about your inventory and making sure your machines are stocked with the things people really want.

Set up your support system.

When you partner with Naturals2Go, your support system is already in place. You’ll have a personal support coach available to you as long as you’re in business, as well as our lifetime mentoring resources. And our online support center means you don’t have to worry about the technology side of things — you’ll have everything you need to service your equipment, as well as the ability to order products, new machines, and spare parts.

Enter the World of Healthy Vending With Us

If you’re interested in learning more about the healthy vending machine industry and how you can enter the world of wellness as a healthy vending operator, contact us today. We can’t wait to get started with you!

Healthy Eating Series: Farmer’s Market Recipes

Do you have a farmer’s market near you? It’s a great place to stock up on fresh veggies straight from the farmer’s field. And just about any dish tastes better when you use the freshest ingredients possible. Let’s take a look at some healthy, nutritious, and delicious recipes that you can make using ingredients from your local farmer’s market.

Charred Okra Potato Salad

Few things say “summer” like potato salad. And this updated take on a classic is simply delicious. Using ingredients like scallions, thyme, and potatoes that you can find at your farmer’s market, this simple dish is sure to be a hit on your dinner table or at your next cookout. Check out the recipe on Southern Living here.

Chicken and Vegetable Sauté

Want a quick, nutritious, and tasty dinner option? Want it made with fresh ingredients that you got from the farmer’s market? Look no further than this chicken and vegetable sauté. Pick up broccoli, carrots, red onion, and lemon from the farmer’s market, and you’re halfway there. The whole recipe comes together in a half-hour, so it’s perfect for those weeknight family dinners.

Pomodoro Pasta with White Beans and Olives

With farm-fresh ingredients like black olives, fresh basil, and tomatoes, this pasta dish is low-calorie and high-fiber with low sugar. It’s a filling, fresh take on pasta with the addition of beans and Pecorino cheese. Get the recipe here and try it out for your next family dinner.

Tomato and Red Onion Salad

What could be simpler than tomatoes and onions? Pick up these standards at the farmer’s market and turn it into a refreshing summer dish that the whole family will love. All you have to do is combine red onion, tomatoes, salt, and pepper with a homemade sweet-and-sour dressing. It’s a great choice as an appetizer, or you can make it in bulk for a summer cookout or family reunion. Here’s the recipe.

Take Advantage of Your Local Farmer’s Market

This summer, pick up some fresh vegetables at your local farmer’s market and try out the healthy recipes above. You’ll be glad you did.

How to Change Your Career

You’ve finally made the decision—you’re going to switch things up and change your career. Perhaps you’re leaving the 9-to-5 grind in search of something with more freedom. Maybe you just want to explore different fields. Either way, there are a few basic steps you can take. Here’s how to change your career:

Assess your interests and skills.

The first step is to think about what interests you. What don’t you like about your current career, and what would you change? What are you really passionate about? Next, think about what skills you have. Consider how those might apply to a new career. These will be the first basic steps that give you a good idea of where you might want to go.

Brainstorm career alternatives.

Now, think about what kind of careers fit with your desires, interests, and skill set. Do some research online to learn as much as you can about these fields, including what the day-to-day might look like, advancement opportunities, salary expectations, and more. You’ll soon be able to start narrowing down the list of potential careers to find what really suits you best.

Consider further education.

If you don’t have the necessary knowledge or education to embark on your new chosen career path, you might need to get it. Consider signing up for a class, a weekend seminar, or a college course to get your skills up to par. Or, find out if companies in the field you’re considering offer in-house training or subsidized education options.

Take a look at job options.

Now that you’ve narrowed down the career you want to switch to and some potential job options within it, it’s time to go hunting. Take a look at some job boards to see what’s out there. You’ll quickly be able to get a sense of how in-demand your chosen job is, and what you might need to do to obtain one. Save some promising leads for when you’re ready to apply.

Go for it.

When you’re ready, it’s time to jump in and apply to jobs. The best way to change your career is to dive in and go for it — now is not the time for half-measures. Approach your career change with tenacity and a drive to succeed, and you’ll do just fine.

It’s the Perfect Time to Become an Entrepreneur

Why not become your own boss and embark on your entrepreneurial journey? Naturals2Go is the perfect opportunity for you. Get in touch with us today to learn more and get started.

The 10 Best Locations For Vending Machines

The vending business is attractive to entrepreneurs because it provides flexible hours and the ability to make the business as big or as small as meets your needs. It also offers the ability for a semi-absentee business which is attractive to many entrepreneurs.

There are nearly 1.8 million vending machines in the United States right now, generating over $13.3 billion in total annual sales according to vendingmarketwatch.com.

However, it takes work to get those vending machines generating income while you sleep. The first step in creating a profitable vending business is to choose the right location. A vending machine that no one sees cannot generate any revenue. If you are considering starting a vending machine business, this is what you need to know about selecting profitable locations.

Can You Place Vending Machines Anywhere?

You probably could technically place a vending machine anywhere, but it’s not quite so simple. First and foremost, you cannot legally place a machine on someone else’s property and use their utilities without their permission or a contract. Second, not every location is ideal for a vending machine. What good is a vending machine that sits idle with no passersby? When starting or expanding a vending business, it is important to find the most profitable potential locations.

How to Choose a Profitable Vending Machine Location

In the vending business, as in the real estate market, success is all about location, location, location. A profitable business begins with choosing the right locations, which involves some research and some legwork to evaluate traffic, study your competition and secure permission from property owners.

Traffic

Without people, you cannot have a profitable vending business. Foot traffic is the key ingredient to a successful vending machine. Remember, vending purchases often fall into one of two categories – impulse buys or habitual buys. People either grab something when they are in need of a quick pick-me-up and a snack catches their eye, or they get in the habit of making a purchase from a machine they see every day like in their break room at work, their school or in their apartment or condo building.

Permissions

It would be ideal if you could just plug in a vending machine anywhere you found a spot and start earning money. However, you do need permission from property owners and a contract in order to place your machines.

In some cases, it will be very easy to land a contract and in other cases, you’ll have to jump through quite a few hoops. In many situations, business owners will also want a percentage of the profits of your machines to offset the cost of their utilities and generate some passive income of their own.

10 Best Locations for Vending Machines

So, just what are some of the best locations for vending machines? Every site a vending operator considers should be evaluated individually, but these are ten of the most ideal locations to pursue.

Manufacturing / Distribution Facilities

Manufacturing facilities, industrial parks and distribution centers are all great locations for vending machines. These businesses generally employ hundreds of people over multiple shifts (typically 24 hours a day). Many facilities offer short breaks and staff doesn’t generally have time to go off-site to a restaurant. Placing vending machines in the break room gives them options – and provides the vending business with a great source of steady income.

Offices

Businesses with 50 or more employees are great locations for vending machines. Employees get hungry and thirsty throughout the day and vending machines provide options for people who don’t pack drinks, snacks or lunches for themselves, which in today’s busy world, includes most people.

Apartment Complexes

Apartment complexes are a flurry of activity with people constantly coming and going 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many complexes also have laundry rooms, common areas, playgrounds and parks, party rooms, or gyms. These are great locations for vending machines since all members of the community have access to those spaces and many residents utilize those areas on a regular basis. One or more locations on the property can be ideal spots to place vending machines with a wide selection of food and beverage products.

Hospitals

Hospitals never close. They are open 24/7, 365 days a year. They also offer three very distinct types of buyers. For patients, vending can offer a nice treat and break from traditional food. Caretakers and staff love the convenience and choices provided from vending machines–they also don’t have time to leave the facility to go to restaurants. Finally, guests that are visiting and caring for loved ones often turn to vending machines for a quick snack so they can spend more time with loved ones. Being open 24/7 with multiple shifts, and multiple buyers is the ideal combination for vending machine profits.

Nursing Homes / Care Facilities

Like hospitals, nursing homes and care facilities are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Residents love the variety of snacks offered and visitors turn to vending as a quick meal or snack option to spend more time with their loved ones. Finally, most nursing home care staff work longer shifts and have short breaks. This makes vending a perfect option to keep them energized throughout their entire shift. All of these factors lead to a very profitable and high-vend location.

Car Dealerships

The average consumer will spend nearly 3 hours at a car lot/dealership when looking at vehicles. These locations also have very high foot traffic and long hours. On top of car sales, most dealerships offer complete service centers too with average wait times ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours. Not to mention the sales, technicians and service staff all turn to vending machines for convenient food and drink options. All of these factors combined make car dealerships one of the top-grossing locations for vending machines. Another benefit is that most car dealerships are part of a larger family of dealerships — giving you the perfect chance to expand your business into new locations.

Hotels and Motels

Hotel and motel guests are captive audiences. Even if a hotel has a restaurant, not every guest wants a full meal or wants to pay for a full meal. Some hotels have micro-markets, but those are typically in the lobby and not every guest wants to make the trip for a quick snack – especially if they can grab one on their floor. Placing vending machines in the lobby, side entrances and ice machine areas can be a great way to generate continuous revenue.

Gyms

People who go to gyms work up an appetite and post-workout they don’t necessarily want to stop at the drive-through next door, they want something healthy. Gyms and fitness centers are ideal locations for vending machines that offer healthy snacks and drinks that can help people refuel after working up a sweat. The employees who work there also appreciate a vending machine with healthy options, since they are typically hourly workers who only receive short breaks.

Schools, Community Colleges and Universities

Students are busy – and they have healthy appetites. Schools, community colleges and universities are a flurry of activity every single day. Vending machines in the right locations on a school property can be an excellent source of revenue as hundreds of people pass by every day who are in a hurry, who are likely hungry and who want a quick snack while they do work between classes or are in a hurry to get to class. Schools are particularly ideal for vending machines that sell healthy products because parents and administrators want to ensure students have access to better options than chips, cupcakes and sodas during the day.

College dorms are also excellent spots for vending machines. Students stay up late and they don’t always want to run out for a snack while they are up working or hanging out with their friends. It’s easy to go to a vending machine – especially if the machine can be programmed to take bank cards, credit cards or even school meal plan cards.

Retail Stores

In a retail store, there are two specific audiences for vending machines. First, the customers coming in and out of the store. People often get hungry and thirsty while they are running errands and a vending machine placed near an entrance can be a great way to capture foot traffic and leverage impulse buys. The second audience is the employee base. Retail employees usually get one or two ten-minute breaks a shift and a short meal break. They usually don’t have time to run to a restaurant to grab a meal or snack, and vending machines provide an affordable opportunity to fuel up before going back out on the floor.

Need Help Finding Profitable Vending Machine Locations?

Profitable vending machine locations are plentiful but identifying them and securing them can take some legwork. The vending business can generate significant income once you put in the upfront work to secure great locations. Make sure you’re continually scouting new locations and building connections in your community to open new possibilities for revenue and profits.

If you’re new to the vending business and you want help finding profitable vending machine locations, Naturals2Go is here to help. As a member of our team of entrepreneurs and an owner of our machines, you will have access to full training and ongoing support to help you secure top locations and build a profitable business.

Books to Read if You Want to Live a Healthier Lifestyle

Living healthier encompasses a lot of things, not just healthy eating. To be healthy, you need a positive mindset, quality relationships, good physical health, and more. If you’re looking for some great reads to help support your healthy lifestyle, look no further. Here are some great options to inspire you in your journey:

You Are a Badass – Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero’s #1 New York Times Bestseller is a great resource to help you stop self-sabotaging. The book is chock-full of inspiring stories, easy exercises, and useful advice to help you know your self-worth, create a life that you love, and to get what you want. Learn more at the Barnes and Noble website here.

Forest Bathing – Dr. Quin Li

Dr. Quin Li’s Forest Bathing is the definitive guide to the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which is the art and science of how trees can promote health. The book features more than 100 breathtaking color photographs of forests around the world, and you’ll learn how trees can reduce stress levels and blood pressure, boost your mood, and even help you lose weight, among other benefits.

The Mind-Gut Connection – Emeran Mayer

We’ve learned more and more over the past few years about the connections between our gut health and our overall well-being. And a lot of critical information can be found in Emeran Mayer’s book, The Mind-Gut Connection. Mayer contends that Western medicine has failed to fully appreciate the complexity of the brain, gut, and microbiome, and he’ll teach you how to harness the power of the mind-gut connection to improve your health.

How Healing Works – Wayne Jonas

In How Healing Works, Dr. Wayne Jonas tells us about the biology of healing and what we can do to foster our own innate ability to heal. You’ll get real-life stories from Dr. Jonas’ practice and studies that teach you how to get and stay well after minor and major medical events. Check it out at Penguin Random House’s site here.

Atomic Habits – James Clear

There’s a reason that James Clear’s book has sold over 2 million copies around the world. It offers a proven framework for improving yourself and reaching your goals. You’ll learn about practical strategies to form good habits and break bad ones, and master the behaviors that will help you achieve results. Atomic Habits really can change your life for the better.

Improve Yourself With Great Literature

Give some of the books listed above a try. You’ll be surprised how much you can take from these authors and apply to your own life. And you’ll be better off for it!