How to help your employees eat healthier at work

One of the major components of good health is what we eat. If you are a business owner who is interested in promoting your employee's health you may need to become involved in helping them make better food choices while they are at work. Not only does nutrition play a major role in how healthy someone is but obesity has become a serious health threat for many employees and a costly one for many employers. If you want your employees to be healthy which in turn helps them to be more productive adding a nutrition and weight loss component to your employee wellness program can help them do that. Keep in mind that while you can't control what your employees do in their off time you can help them make better food choices while they are at work. Here is what you need to know about how to help your employees eat healthier at work-

- Clear out the vending machines-One of the easiest ways to make a change in what your employees are eating is to change out your vending machines. Today most businesses have at least a couple of vending machines that offer soda, chips, and candy. It becomes a lot more helpful to your employees if they can find healthier options in the vending machines at work. You can have your vending machines changed out to offer bottled water, fruit, and other healthy snacks. Keep in mind that your employees will most likely choose what is available.
- Get discounts from local restaurants-Many employers are helping their employees make healthier choices by obtaining group discounts from local restaurants that offer healthier eating. The problem with making choices is that often times fast food and unhealthy options are cheaper so if you can give your employees some affordable choices for the food they eat they will be much more likely to choose healthier options.
- Revamp the company cafeteria-If your business offers a cafeteria then you may need to do some revamping of the menu. Traditionally cafeteria food is filled with fat, sodium, and few healthy options. Many business owners are changing this by bringing in a registered dietician to help design healthier choices for the employees of the business. While you maynot get rid of all the unhealthier choices by providing more healthy food you will be making it easier for your employees to make better food choices. You can also use your business cafeteria as a place to have food demonstrations and cooking classes that can educate your employees about the benefits of eating better.
- Change the company culture-Often times the very culture of the business can contribute to unhealthy eating. If the employees have bowls of candy on their desk and treats are constantly offered it can make it difficult to make healthy eating choices. In addition, business meetings are often accompanied by donuts and soda, or other unhealthy choices. You can promote an attitude of healthier eating by offering fruit and veggie trays, and bottled water at meetings or even better not offering food at meetings (no one will starve). Birthdays and special occasions don't have to be celebrated with a sugar and calorie laden cake. Lower fat options can be chosen or the person at the center of the celebration can be given a gift certificate to the spa or some other wellness facility.
- Offer weight loss support-Many employees are looking for ways to lose weight. Studies show that weight loss programs at work have a high rate of success. If you are interested in helping your employees focus more on nutrition and losing weight using a reputable weight loss program as part of the employee wellness program can be highly beneficial.