Category Archives: Nutrition

 You are probably thinking that if you’ve seen one vending machine, you’ve seen them all.   Typically, they are chock full of sweets and treats with often the “healthiest” choice being a measly oatmeal raisin cookie or chocolate covered peanuts. Well, there is a new kid on the block, well, at least on a block in Utah.  The LiVe Vending Machine, which is the brainchild of Intermountain Healthcare in Utah, is a full-sized, vending machine (see photo to the left) that doesn’t take money or even dispense snack foods.  Rather, it is a talking vending machine, full of fake foods, which dispenses humorous messages about the healthy qualities, or lack thereof, of the food chosen when you push the corresponding button.  The back talk from this sassy machine is intended to educate Utah middle school and high school students about healthy food choices and positive lifestyle changes in a light-hearted fashion. It is part of a larger, community-based program.  The machine has been test marketed in Utah schools and is wildly popular with both the students and parents.  “Our goal with the LiVe campaign is to approach this important issue from a child’s point of view and offer positive, helpful solutions for families.  LiVe can help children be more physically active and make more healthy food choices,” according to Dr Continue reading →