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The Best Places to Put Vending Machines During COVID-19

COVID-19 has affected industries of all types. The vending machine business is no exception. But we’re lucky — consumers are still purchasing snacks, beverages, and small meals from vending machines, especially those who are still working on-site or in the field. The trick is adjusting our business practices to accommodate this new normal. And part of that is machine placement.

Here are some of the top locations to put vending machines as we continue to navigate the pandemic:

Apartment Complexes

Apartment complexes remain a good place to put vending machines, particularly in lobbies or by entrances and exits. People still live in these areas, after all, pandemic or no pandemic. And with people still on-the-go, sometimes grabbing a quick bite from a vending machine is the perfect solution.

Medical Facilities

Unfortunately, medical facilities are busier than ever as we continue to manage the pandemic as best as we can. There’s a lot of foot traffic in hospitals and other medical facilities — placing your machines in these areas can actually be a huge help for busy healthcare workers who don’t have time to leave the premises for meals.

Gas Stations

People are still traveling, at least domestically, so they need to put gas in their cars. Gas stations, highway rest stops, and roadside service stations are great places to put vending machines, especially if you’re offering something above and beyond the standard convenience store fare. Healthy vending machines are the perfect choice.

Offices

Many office workers are back on-site, especially in areas where factories or production facilities are located in the same building. Placing your machines in high foot-traffic areas like the breakroom or the main lobby of an office complex continues to be a wise choice.

Supermarkets

Most people are back to grocery shopping like they used to: in-person at the supermarket, albeit while wearing a mask and staying distant from others. And we all know that we can start to get hungry while we’re shopping for food. That’s why placing your machines at the entrance to the supermarket is a great choice. Hungry shoppers will see your offerings right after they’ve checked out.

Look to the Future

The future of COVID-19 isn’t certain. The future of the healthy vending machine industry is much clearer. Consumers are still looking for quick, convenient, health-conscious options while they’re on-the-go. Connect with Naturals2Go to start your next entrepreneurial adventure and capitalize on the trend.

Healthy Eating Series: What Does it Really Mean to Eat “Keto?”

You’ve probably heard of the keto diet before. It’s become very popular in recent years and is touted as a way to lose weight effectively, and often fast. While there are a few variations of the keto diet, the Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKG) is the most common version.

So, what exactly is the keto diet, and is it right for you? Read on as we dive into the keto diet and what it really means to eat “keto.”

Understanding the Keto Diet

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. That may sound like it wouldn’t work very well for weight loss, but the opposite is true. Here’s how it works: because of the drastic reduction in carbohydrates and the influx of fat, your body makes its way into a metabolic state called ketosis. This means that your body becomes efficient at burning fat to use as energy. Essentially, you’re shifting your metabolism away from using carbs for energy and toward using fat as energy.

Benefits of the Keto Diet

The keto diet is a great way for many people to lose weight. And because the diet itself is very filling, people are often able to lose weight without tracking their food intake closely or counting calories. The diet is also good for the heart, as it improves risk factors for heart diseases like high HDL cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and overall body fat.

Note that athletes and bodybuilders who are on this kind of diet are probably on a modified keto diet, perhaps adding carb intake around workout times. This is because the body needs some carbohydrates during periods of high intensity, such as a workout.

Keto Food Choices

Someone on a keto diet will base meals around low-carb foods, such as red meat, chicken or turkey, eggs, fatty fish like salmon, cheese, nuts and seeds, and low-carb vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Food types that will need to be fully or partially eliminated from the diet include things like beans, fruit, grains and starches like pasta and rice, potatoes, sugary candy or soda, and alcohol.

Take note: the keto diet isn’t right for everyone. And even perfectly healthy people will usually go through an adjustment period as their metabolism shifts — this is referred to as the “keto flu.” Be sure to talk with your doctor before changing your diet in a drastic way.

Go Keto for Great Health

For many, the keto diet is a great way to eat healthy and clean, and lose weight at the same time. Ask your healthcare professional if the keto diet might be right for you.

Health and Productivity – How These Two Make a Positive Impact on Your Business

As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly on the search for how to become better at what you do. But sometimes, all of the business metrics in the world don’t compare to one simple method: being healthy so that your productivity soars. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that living a healthy lifestyle can impact your business for the better.

YOU’LL HAVE MORE ENERGY.

People who eat well and exercise regularly almost always have more energy than those who don’t. And more energy means that you’ll be better at your job in almost every way. Whether it’s the ability to put in a few extra hours a week or being able to brainstorm new ways to expand your business, increasing your energy level will make you feel better and improve your business at the same time.

You’ll be more focused.

In addition to the increase in energy you’ll feel thanks to a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be more focused while you’re working, too. That has obvious benefits for your success, both on and off the job. You’ll find that you seem to have more hours in the day when your focus increases, and your productivity level and revenue numbers are likely to go up as well. Try incorporating good “brain foods” into your diet to help sharpen your focus and awareness; leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, fatty fish like salmon, and blueberries are some good examples.

You’ll have better relationships with colleagues and customers.

When you’re healthy, you feel good. And in turn, you interact well with others. Think of it this way: when you’re ill or tired, you’re likely to be grumpy and short with those around you. When you’re feeling great, you’re generally friendlier and more conversational. That can have direct and positive impacts on your business as a whole—you’ll probably find that relationships with vendors, colleagues, and customers seem more effortless when you’re in good health.

You’ll maintain a good work/life balance.

Remember that part of being healthy is having the proper balance between work and time away from the job. When your productivity increases thanks to your health, you’ll get your work done faster. That means you’ll have more time away from the office to spend with your family, or to do things you enjoy.

Better Yourself and Your Business

If you’re ready to improve your health and productivity, and your business along with it, partnering with Naturals2Go is a great way to do it. Contact us to learn more and get started on your entrepreneurial journey.

It’s All About Balance: Why You Shouldn’t Deprive Yourself of Foods You Enjoy

When you’re focusing on eating a better diet, there’s sometimes a tendency to avoid any food that you previously enjoyed. Some make the mistake of thinking that because they’re eating healthy and improving their diet and lifestyle, they can never indulge in “junk food” or something enjoyable again. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of foods you enjoy, even when you’re focusing on eating better.

Indulgence is okay.

We’re all about eating healthier and improving your wellness through food. But it’s important to understand that indulging in things you like is, in fact, part of your wellness. It’s okay to indulge every once in a while! Holding yourself to an impossible standard and never eating those potato chips you have a craving for, or that morning donut you’ve been lusting after, isn’t realistic. And it can make you start to hate the idea of healthy eating in general, which you don’t want.

The key is balance. Indulging occasionally is okay — over-indulging frequently is not. When you find that happy medium of staying healthy via your diet and still enjoying yourself every once in a while, you’re on a good path.

Indulgence doesn’t have to be unhealthy.

Remember that just because a food is indulgent for you doesn’t mean that it has to be unhealthy. You can indulge in other things that aren’t considered “junk food.” A delicious pasta meal, for example, or some heart-healthy salmon. And keep in mind that you can swap out certain “junk foods” with healthier alternatives — kale chips instead of potato chips or a stick of lean beef jerky instead of a candy bar, for example. That way, you’re giving yourself that indulgence without ruining your healthy diet.

There’s more to life than healthy eating.

At the end of the day, you shouldn’t let your focus on healthy eating run your life. If you become obsessed, that’s also unhealthy! Try to remember that a healthy diet is just one part of a great lifestyle — the trick is maintaining a good balance of physical health, mental health and wellness, and personal fulfillment. You can eat all of the healthy salads and properly portioned superfoods you want, but you won’t be truly nourished if you’re miserable.

Get Back to That Balance

How is your healthy eating journey going? If you’ve avoided indulging in some foods that you love, give yourself a break. There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself to enjoy foods you like, especially if you maintain that proper balance for a healthy lifestyle.

A Flexible Business Model – 5 Benefits of a Vending Route

The freedom that working a vending route provides is one of the great advantages of this type of business. The flexibility that’s built into this business model is something that vending machine operators can enjoy at any level, whether they’re experienced operators or just getting started.

Let’s take a look at some of the great benefits of a vending route and how they give you the maximum flexibility that you’re looking for.

Set your own schedule.

Thanks to the very nature of the vending machine business, you’ll be able to set your own schedule in many ways after you become a vending machine operator. There’s no need for it to a 9-to-5 job, unless you choose to set your hours that way, of course. But for most of us — who need to work around children’s schedules, family time, appointments, schooling, and the other obligations of daily life — vending operation is a great way to work when time allows, not when someone else says you have to.

Use off-site monitoring.

Our off-site monitoring technology is another great way for you to stay flexible when you’re operating your vending business. Off-site monitoring allows you to check products and inventory, monitor vending machine processes, and review sales, all from the comfort of your home office. That means you’re always in charge of your machines no matter where you happen to be or what time it is.

You have access to 24/7 ONLINE SUPPORT.

Our VENDPRO Online Support Center means that you have 24/7 online support from any connected device, wherever you happen to be. The service gives you everything you need to know to service your equipment and serve your customers, all at the click of a button. You can even order new products, new machines, or spare parts if you need to, without ever leaving home. And Tech Support is also available whenever you need it, whether you’re setting up a new machine or experiencing an issue with an old one.

LIFETIME COACHING and mentoring is available.

As long as you’re in business, you have access to our lifetime coaching and mentoring services. Your coach is only a phone call away—that allows you to be flexible with your schedule and your business without worrying about problems that may come up in the future. We’re always here to help!

Enjoy The income.

The great thing about being a vending machine operator is the opportunity it provides for a nice income. Set up your machines in the best locations, monitor them from afar, and watch the profits roll in. That’s good for your flexibility and your business as a whole.

Ready to Get Started?

Interested in learning more about the healthy vending machine world? Get in touch with Naturals2Go to get started on your next business venture.

Healthy Eating Series: What Does It Really Mean to Eat “Paleo?”

There are plenty of diet trends out there these days. You may have heard of the paleo diet before, as it’s very popular among healthy living enthusiasts. But what exactly does this diet entail? What does it really mean to eat paleo? Let’s dive in and get a better understanding of the paleo diet and how it might help change your lifestyle for the better.

The Basics

A paleo diet means eating foods that are similar to what was probably eaten during the Paleolithic era, about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. The idea is to return to this way of eating and cut out foods that became popular when farming became commonplace, about 10,000 years ago or so. Some proponents of the paleo diet contend that as farming changed what people ate — establishing things like dairy, grains, and beans as standard parts of the human diet — our bodies couldn’t keep up and health problems like obesity and diabetes started to rise.

Foods to Choose

Someone following the paleo diet will eat foods like lean meats (especially grass-fed animals), vegetables and fruits, seeds and nuts, and fish. Healthy fish varieties that contain “good” fats like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are recommended.

Aside from the dietary component, the paleo diet also encourages drinking plenty of water and remaining physically active. In this way, you’re eating and living much like our ancient ancestors.

Foods to Avoid

On the paleo diet, you’ll want to avoid grains (barley, oats, wheat, etc.), legumes (beans, peas, lentils, etc.), dairy products, salt, refined sugar, and potatoes. And processed foods are, of course, out of the picture.

Benefits of the Paleo Diet

The paleo diet can be quite healthy for you, especially thanks to the large amounts of vegetables, fruits, and nuts, and then cutting out of processed foods. And it helps many people lose weight, especially because refined sugar is cut out of the diet.

Some health professionals caution about removing whole grains and legumes from the diet, which provide fiber and vitamins, as well as dairy products that can provide plenty of protein and calcium. Those considering the paleo diet may want to ask their doctors if adding a vitamin supplement or additional protein source would be beneficial.

Adjust Your Diet for Better Health

Whether it’s the paleo diet or just a healthier diet and lifestyle in general, your body and mind will thank you when you treat it right. Adjust your diet today and see how you feel.

How to Identify a Good Business Opportunity

As an entrepreneur, you’re always looking for the next viable business opportunity to capitalize on. And it’s easy to get caught up in things that are overhyped or take up far too much of your time. So how do you go about identifying something that is truly a great opportunity? Use these criteria to help make your decision:

1. Consider the market.

First, ask yourself if the customer base for your product or service is there. Do people need or want what you’re offering? When it comes to healthy vending, the answer is yes. And that’s especially true in times like these when contactless service — something vending machines easily provide — is highly sought after.

2. CONSIDER THE LONGEVITY.

Now, think about the longevity of the business opportunity you’re considering. Will it last? Will there be a need for it in the future? Is the demand on the rise? Is it recession-proof? Again, healthy vending meets these criteria — the industry has done well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn, and it’s safe to assume consumers will be looking for healthy, convenient snacks and meals as time goes on.

3. Do you have the resources you need?

It’s easy to get ahead of yourself and fail to think about what kind of resources you’ll need to not only start your business but keep it up and running. Make sure you consider start-up resources and the costs associated with keeping things going in the future. As far as healthy vending goes, partnering with Naturals2Go makes this one easy — we’re here with 24/7 user support and lifetime coaching, not to mention help with machine placement.

4. DOES IT FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE?

This one is more on the personal side of things. Consider how much time and energy you’ll be putting into your venture. Will it take away time from your family? Will you enjoy the work? How will it allow you to show your strengths?

The fact is, a healthy vending operation is a great business opportunity for nearly all entrepreneurs. And it’s easy to grow and scale as your business ramps up. With the support of our team, you’ll be able to launch and run your very own business venture in a market that’s booming.

Your Next Business Opportunity Awaits

Ready to learn more about the world of healthy vending and find out more about why it’s a great opportunity for you? Contact Naturals2Go online to get started.

You Can’t Outwork a Bad Diet – 5 Ways to Improve Your Daily Nutrition

Some people make the mistake of thinking that as long as they exercise, they can eat whatever they want. This isn’t true. Exercise is very important, of course. But you still won’t be healthy or have the body and mindset that you want if you eat poorly, even if you exercise constantly. To put it simply, you can’t outwork a bad diet!

Here are five ways to improve your nutrition on a daily basis:

Consume less sugar.

You don’t eat sweets very often, so you don’t consume that much sugar, right? Wrong. It turns out that reducing your sugar intake is about much more than cutting out sweets. Things like white bread, sugary juices, packaged snack foods, and excessive amounts of alcohol all introduce large amounts of sugar into our diets, which can contribute to excess weight and other problems.

Eat more vegetables and fruits.

Sometimes, the most basic advice is the best. Adding more veggies and fruits to your diet is always a good idea. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are packed with vitamins and minerals, as are citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits as well as berries, which are packed full of antioxidants.

Choose whole grains.

Whole grains have a higher fiber level than regular grains, and they offer other important nutrients as well while cutting down on sugar levels. Choose whole-wheat bread over white bread, and try substituting whole grain pasta for regular pasta.

Watch out for trans-fats.

Trans fats aren’t made naturally in the body, and your body doesn’t need them in any way. They’re fats that come from processed foods and fried foods, and they’re just not good for you. They raise your LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) while lowering HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). And they cause you to gain weight and put you at a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other health troubles. Stay away from the processed stuff and focus on eating good fats from foods like lean meat, nuts, and oils.

Reduce your sodium intake.

Too much salt in the diet puts you at a greater risk for high blood pressure and associated heart problems. And it’s not just table salt that’s the problem — processed foods, condiments, and packaged snacks often contain high salt levels that you should stay away from.

Make Improvements Starting Today

When it comes to your diet, it’s much harder to reverse a bad one than it is to maintain a good one. Start eating healthier today with the suggestions above — you’ll be glad you did.

Why Vending is the Perfect Business Opportunity

It’s not often that two industries happen to align perfectly. But the health and wellness industry pairs with the vending machine world in a way that is practically seamless. For entrepreneurs, it’s an ideal business opportunity, and the timing couldn’t be better. Here’s why:

HEALTHY EATING IS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER.

You’ve probably noticed that healthy eating is more popular now than it was, say, two decades ago. With the huge societal push toward healthier diets, not to mention all kinds of niche dietary choices like organic foods, specialized diets, gluten-free foods, veganism, and vegetarianism, etc., healthy vending is situated in the perfect place at the perfect time.

Younger buyers are opting for convenience over cost.

With the busy, on-the-go lifestyles of the modern world, people are choosing convenience over cost — especially younger consumers. To put it simply, people don’t mind paying a little more in order to get something fast, healthy, and convenient. And that’s what the world of healthy vending is all about.

People still need vending machines.

It’s easy to think that people would be using vending machines less now that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed much about our daily lives. But the truth is that people still need and are using vending machines, especially as things start to reopen and people head back to the office. It’s all about strategic placement — if your machines are placed in areas where there’s a lot of foot traffic, you’ll get results, pandemic, or no pandemic.

CONTACTLESS SERVICE IS ESSENTIAL RIGHT NOW.

Another reason why the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t decimated vending sales is that vending machines actually provide a significant advantage when trying to avoid interacting directly with other people: contactless service. All one has to do is make their selection on the keypad, and they’ve got ready-to-eat food without ever interacting with anyone else. Lots of people are looking for that right now!

You’ll make a lasting difference.

Beyond all of the financial and marketing reasons that vending is the perfect business opportunity right now, there’s one other important reason: you’ll be helping people and families to eat healthier and live better lives. That’s something that you can feel good about! Get in touch with Naturals2Go to learn more about getting started in the healthy vending industry. There’s no time like the present!