Wholemeal workplace

Did you start the day with an Ulster fry? This is Health Eating Week and employment law specialists, Legal Island, are inviting employers to think about introducing healthy eating in the workplace.

The benefits

Healthy eating and active living with a positive outlook can lead to:

• reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer
• elevated mood, energy and self-esteem
• reduced anxiety and stress
• lower levels of workplace absence.

Desktop health tips

Northern Ireland nutritionist, Jane McClenaghan, recommends the following workplace health programme.

1. Drink at least one and a half litres of water each day. Keep a glass or bottle on your desk so you don't forget about it.
2. Cut back on tea and coffee - they may give you a short-term boost but in the long run they will drain you of energy. Try replacing with herb teas or green tea.
3. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day - research shows it helps increase concentration and energy levels. Start the day with a bowl of wholegrain cereal, porridge or poached eggs on wholegrain toast.
4. Choose healthy snacks. Keep your desk drawer packed with almonds or brazil nuts or eat a piece of fruit between meals.
5. Healthy meals do not have to be time consuming, it's just a matter of making the right choice. Opt for the wholemeal sandwich at lunchtime instead of white bread or choose 70% cocoa solid chocolate over milk chocolate - it contains less sugar and gives you a hit of antioxidants!

Remember

Providing a safe and healthy workplace is an employer's priority, however it is also important to encourage employees to have a healthy lifestyle.

• Healthy eating programmes should be voluntary.
• Know why people are interested in a healthy eating programme - is it for general nutrition information or specific programmes such as heart health?
• What types of programmes have been offered in the past - what did or didn't work.
• Know your target audience.
• Plan when the programme be offered (seasonal, or all year).