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March is National Nutrition Month and an excellent time to talk about healthy eating.
Not only that, it’s a great way to spread awareness about a healthy lifestyle and smart dieting in the workplace.
Given that 42% of Americans are considered obese, it’s essential to tackle this topic in workplace health programs. Obesity leads to serious, chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For workplaces, this can lead to issues with employee absences, increased healthcare costs, and lowered productivity.
Below, explore 21 unique and fun ways to talk about nutrition this month!
Each year in March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics invites the public to learn more about nutrition. The annual campaign was created by the academy to inspire individuals to develop healthy eating habits and make informed food choices.
The 21 ideas below are easy ways to get talking about smart eating habits at work.
The theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” Highlight employees’ heritage and cultural customs around food this month by having them bring in specialty dishes that are unique to their culture. Doing so offers a special, inclusive event that can open up discussion about both nutrition and culture.
Not surprisingly, there are a ton of ways to get free, reputable nutrition facts to share with your employees. Check out the printable resources you can hang up around the workplace or email to workers on the Nutrition.gov site. Get insight on everything from recipes to food waste prevention to food safety information.
There’s a longstanding rumor that eating well is costly. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s free Shop Simple app, it makes it easier to eat well for less. Not only does it locate stores that accept SNAP, but it also provides budget-friendly recipes for all budgets. One of the best parts of the app? It also shows local farmers market events.
Everyone could eat more fruits and veggies, right? Each week, this challenge offers a goal to hit within seven days — starting simple with eating at least one fruit and veggie the first week and progressing from there. The ultimate goal is to aim for five fruits and veggies daily!
It’s easier than it sounds, we promise. Plus, there’s no doubt you have at least one green thumb in the office who loves to garden! Aside from learning more about how natural food grows, research shows that gardening also helps alleviate issues like depression, too. That’s a double workplace wellness win. Check out our post, The TotalWellness Garden Project for more details on starting one!
If you have an adventurous office, a blind taste test contest can be a lot of fun. Have plates of healthy foods like guava, pickles, kimchi, jicama sticks, and more. Blindfold two “contestants” and have them try the foods. Whoever guesses the most foods correctly wins a grocery gift card. Do a few rounds with different foods to let the employees who want to participate do so. Just be sure to ask about food allergies!
Create a punch card or stamp card that your team members can use for National Nutrition Month. For every meal they eat a fruit and veggie, they get a stamp. After 30 stamps or punched spots, offer them a reward like a grocery gift card.
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Our payroll stuffer this month will focus on the important topic of Nutrition. It covers topics important to your employees such as:
Increasing Your Nutrition IQ
More and more people are learning to read the labels when grocery shopping, but so you know what all the terms mean? Learn how to decode a few of the more confusing food label phrases.
Three Surprising Superfoods
Learn about the many health benefits of mushrooms, quinoa, and pistachio nuts.
Surprising Fact about Mushrooms: Mushrooms as medicine have been used for centuries in Asian cultures. Today, maitake and shiitake mushrooms are being studied for potential cancer-fighting properties. Studies are being done to see if the shiitakes may also help boost the immune system and fight heart disease.
Never heard of quinoa? It is a grain with a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a nutty flavor when cooked. It is higher in protein than other grains and the protein is provides is a complete protein meaning it includes all nine essential amino acids just like animal protein.
Pistachios rank as one of the most popular nuts that contain high amounts of phytosterols. These are substances that are known to help lower cholesterol in your body.
Why Kids Overeat and How You Can Help Them Stop
Overweight and obese kids face serious health concerns. The extra weight puts kids and teens at risk for many health problems, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. By understanding why kids overeat, you can help your child get on the right path to a healthy weight.
For the full version of this document, please contact luann@visitaag.com.