Helping Kids and Families Cook & Eat Healthier.

7 Tips for Creating a Healthier Food-Friendly Workplace

1. Encourage healthy breakfast habits – Eating a nutrient dense balanced meal is the healthiest way to start the day. But, it’s also one of the key elements to increased focus and productivity. One way employers can encourage this habit is by creating an employee kitchenette. If you already have the standard kitchenette, go the extra mile and provide a toaster oven, high-end blender and a hot pot.

2. Encourage healthy snacking habits – Skipping a mid-day snack is one of the biggest causes of an afternoon energy crash. It’s no secret that work gets busy, so establish a healthy “snacky-hour” program that reminds and encourages employees to snack on healthy foods in the afternoon.

3. Encourage mindful eating during lunchtime – Stress, also known as “the silent killer” causes havoc on our bodies when eating (even the most healthful foods). Stressful eating leads to abdominal distress and unhealthy eating choices. Both of which can result in attention deficit and energy crashes (due to low blood sugar). Stressful eating also paves the way for chronic illness such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Develop a stress-free eating initiative that fits your workplace’s culture.

4. Encourage a healthy sleeping routine and support naps – A Columbia University study shows that sleep deprived individuals consume an average of 300 extra calories per day. This can equate to 2.5 pounds a month or 30 extra pounds a year. A 10-20 minute power nap can provide a boost of energy, enhanced mental alertness and support healthy eating choices. Encourage power naps during lunchtime or once a day on breaks between 1:00-4:00pm.

5. Establish healthy eating, drink and snack guidelines for your company – Even with the best intensions, workplace leaders can make poor food choices if there is no planning or healthy eating strategy in place. Changes can be as simple as eliminating soda and fried foods and at catered events and adding healthier options such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, quinoa, and wraps. Or giving up the morning donuts for boiled eggs, protein muffins, granola, yogurt or fresh fruit.

6. Create a healthy eating program and support group – A workplace wellness study sponsored by the Department of Labor and Health and Human Services showed that when employees engaged in a healthy eating education and nutrition program were more successful in changing their eating habits than those that were left to do it alone or outside the workplace. By teaching employees how to eat and cook healthier, not only are companies helping their employees get healthier, they’re changing the workplace environment.

7. Engage a healthy culinary workplace expert – According to the social science research network, 65% of the population are visual learners. Unlike traditional nutrition lecture or handout-style training, a healthy culinary workplace uses real food to impact employees and change workplace culture. A culinary workplace expert develops custom healthy eating wellness programs, provides cooking demonstrations, food sampling, shopping tours. All designed to fit your company’s unique culture and specific employee needs.