Corporate Wellness Programs: The Importance of Healthy Eating
Employees spend almost a third of their day in the company. This means that many of them could eat two main meals of the day (breakfast and lunch) in the company. At work, employees work under stress and feel physically and mentally exhausted from time to time. Studies show that stress increases people's cravings for food and they most often consume foods that are high in fat or sugar. Therefore, choosing the wrong foods in the company cafeteria during these times can affect health, well-being and productivity. In the long term, regular consumption of such foods can lead to...

Corporate Wellness Programs: The Importance of Healthy Eating
Employees spend almost a third of their day in the company. This means that many of them could eat two main meals of the day (breakfast and lunch) in the company. At work, employees work under stress and feel physically and mentally exhausted from time to time. Studies show that stress increases people's cravings for food and they most often consume foods that are high in fat or sugar. Therefore, choosing the wrong foods in the company cafeteria during these times can affect health, well-being and productivity. In the long run, regular consumption of such foods can lead to health complications such as being overweight or obese, increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, increased lipid levels, etc.
Today, office cafeterias offer employees a variety of dining options. The priority of the worksite cafeteria is to provide foods that employees will purchase, not necessarily foods that promote health, as the taste of the food takes precedence over the nutrition of the food. We all know that delicious food means heavy consumption of oil, butter, cream, mawa, salt, sugar etc in food. Employees eat either breakfast and lunch or at least lunch in the company cafeteria almost every day. It is therefore very important that they are provided with healthy and nutritious options.
How will providing healthy food options benefit a workplace:
1. No afternoon slumps:We know that our brain needs glucose to function, be alert, and function throughout the day. Eating foods high in fat and sugar makes the stomach feel heavy, making the person sluggish and sleepy. Therefore, it is very important to have a nutritious, light and tasty afternoon lunch available to combat afternoon post-lunch slump. This also helps in staying away from unwanted cups of coffee, tea, and other options that one may seek out immediately after lunch to combat sluggishness.
2. Boosting Morale:A healthy diet promotes emotional and physical well-being. Being happy and calm helps the employee build a positive relationship with colleagues and improve creativity at work since there is minimal stress associated with the job.
3. Fewer diseased leaves:A healthy diet ensures that the body receives all the nutrients needed to build, improve and strengthen the immune system. Good immunity ensures good health and less disease.
What can be done to have a cafeteria with healthy foods?
Today, Corporate wellness programs Measures designed by health professionals include assessing and advising on the office cafeteria, planning healthy menus with interesting recipes, and having conversations about healthy eating so that employees understand how important health is at work too.
What do these healthcare professionals do? cafe Nutritionist In Mumbai Have healthcare professionals, including trained nutritionists and nutritionists, evaluate the canteen menu operated by external agencies, calculate the calories of the foods served in the menu, and inform employees about their nutritional quotient. Alternatively, they can also design nutritious and interesting menus, keeping meal planning principles in mind. Planning healthy snacks is also the responsibility of the company's dietitians and nutritionists. Therefore, the late evening hunger pangs need not be treated with vada pavs, samosas, french fries etc. Healthier options can be made available to employees.
Companies today are becoming aware of the needs of health-conscious employees. These employees can replace the tea and coffee with the green tea, lemon tea, buttermilk or herbal tea provided in the office. Additionally, companies can fill the office vending machines with healthy snacks like Makhanas, Kurmura, Jowar Puffs, Unfried Peanuts, Roasted Chana, etc. to provide employees with healthy snack options. Fruits can also be provided to cafeteria employees to combat hunger late in the evening.
Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are the conditions that mainly result from unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits. It is very important to pay attention to the food consumed, whether at work or at home. A corporate wellness program should aim to increase workforce productivity, and planning balanced and tasty menus is an essential part of these programs.