Encourage Nutrition, Decrease Cost

Supporting a healthy diet at work benefits everyone.

Studies show promoting better nutrition in the workplace can raise productivity, reduce sick days, and reduce the number of work-related accidents.

Good nutrition also leads to a healthy BMI, which helps reduce company cost. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2000, the total cost (direct and indirect) attributable to obesity was estimated at $117 billion, and between 1987 and 2001, diseases associated with obesity accounted for 27% of the increases in medical costs.

Medical expenses for obese employees are estimated to be between 29% and 117% greater than medical expenses for employees with a healthy BMI.

Experts agree that eating foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help people lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight.

Unfortunately, the more common workplace meals usually consist of vending machine snacks high in sodium and/or fat, fast food lunches, and sugary drinks.

During a staff luncheon, encourage the following tips:

Use smaller plates. With a salad plate, portions are automatically cut.

Be precise. Find out exactly who will be attending to avoid leftovers and second helpings.

Offer options. Try a vegetarian dish and a lean protein dish to keep calories and fat in control.

Spice it up yourself. If you’re going for sandwiches and salads, get the condiments and dressing on the side. Going light on extras like ranch dressing and mayo can save hundreds of calories.

Get pizza. This saucy and cheesy treat may not seem healthy, but you can make it that way. Order a thin crust, vegetables for the topping, and opt for light cheese.

Go H2O. Too much coffee can cause jitters, and soda may have 100 calories or more per serving.

To help employees make better choices, tack up posters or tabletop reminders about healthy food options.

Also, send an e-mail reminder with the following portion control and healthy eating guide from WebMD:

Each day consume:

1.5-2 cups fruit

3 cups vegetables

6-7 servings grains: 1 slice of bread, 1 cup cereal, etc.

3 servings low-fat dairy: 1 cup milk or yogurt, 1.5 ounces cheese

5-6 one-ounce equivalent servings protein

5-6 portions (teaspoons) oils and fats

100-300 “extra” calories from snacks, dessert, alcohol or overeating