3 ways to encourage better food choices at work
The majority of us will spend around a third of our waking hours at work, so this is a good place to start when looking to improve well being. Poor eating habits during the day form a significant part of the problem for those struggling with their weight. The workplace can also be a big encourager for mindless eating, particularly during the afternoon slump. Watching our peers indulge can have a contagious effect, and eating unhealthy food in a certain environment can quickly become habit. Stress and anxiety also play their part, with a double pronged attack of weakening our ability to resist temptation, and making us crave comfort food.
So, employers undoubtedly have a key role to play in helping their staff to eat well. Here are three simple ways they can start the ball rolling:
1. Make it Easy
When we’re busy, a fast food lunch is often the easiest option. Less nutritious meals are quick to grab on the go and if we’re short on time, we are less likely to seek out alternatives. To help encourage staff to bring in fresh food, employers need to ensure any staff kitchen areas have a fridge, microwave, utensils and crockery. Some workplaces also provide free fruit and subsidise healthier options in the canteen, such as salad bars or baked potatoes.
However, when you’re working late to finish a project and the canteen is closed, often vending machines are your only option. They can be a very convenient source of temptation if they are filled with the typical fare of crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks, but by switching over to some of the huge array of healthier snacks available, such as popcorn, protein bars, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, this is no longer the case. Also for workplaces without a canteen, vending machines can be a nutritional lifesaver, providing access to fresh wraps, sandwiches and salads.
2. Make it Clear
Healthy menu options must be easy to identify and, where applicable, canteen staff should be knowledgeable about the lower calorie options available so they can advise. Participating in relevant national campaigns and awareness weeks focuses attention and keeps the conversation going. Posters around the workplace reminding people of initiatives such as Food For Life and Change4Life can help too. Also, ideas like cookery workshops or tasting fairs in the workplace show commitment, get staff involved and offer opportunities to try new foods and understand how easily old favourites could be substituted for something healthier.
3. Make it a Habit
Creating a culture where staff feel able to take their full lunch break is vital. We all know it’s important, yet there remains a reluctance to break the habit of mindlessly eating at our desks, trying in vain to get on top of our inbox. Employers need to lead by example here, encouraging a definite break and giving employees the chance to stretch their legs, get some fresh air and enjoy a proper meal. This in turn improves performance and concentration, plus helps avoid the afternoon slump.
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