This March, Dietitians of Canada is encouraging Canadians to eat well at work in celebration of Nutrition Month 2015. Almost half of Canadians (45%) say, that eating healthy meals and snacks while at work is challenging, according to an Ipsos Reid poll conducted for Dietitians of Canada.
“The workplace is the ideal setting to promote and practice healthy eating habits,” says Kristyn Hall, a Dietitians of Canada Nutrition Month spokesperson from Calgary. “Research shows that eating well at work can boost concentration and productivity.”
Employers also benefit from workplace wellness initiatives. Healthy employees are less likely to be absent from work and more likely to perform well. Dietitian-led workplace wellness initiatives have been shown to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 60%, lower heart disease risk by lowering blood pressure and improve healthy eating behaviours like increasing vegetable, fruit and fibre intake.
Throughout the month of March dietitians across Canada will be sharing their food and nutrition expertise and serving up tips to: combat rushed mornings; improve choices at meetings, events and in the workplace; revive lunchtime; fight the mid-day slump and manage commuter cravings.
Tips include:
- Avoid the drive-thru. Try fast, make-ahead breakfasts like whole grain muffins or a homemade breakfast sandwich.
- Get the most out of your meetings. Order brain food, not drain food!
- Did you know? In a company of 100 staff, celebrating each birthday adds eight slices of cake a month! Celebrate everyone’s birthday together instead.
- Midday slump sinking in? No need for caffeine! Energize with a walk, some water or a small snack.
- Long commute? Before you head home, grab a drink to wet your whistle. Sip on water, a plain latte or tea.
Staying on top of healthy eating can be extra tricky when juggling a full work schedule and managing family life. Luckily, there are ways to get help with nutrition, meal planning, preparation and grocery shopping.
