How does one introduce healthier food choices to employees?
If your meetings require food, look to avoid serving less-than-healthy foods. For instance, instead of doughnuts or pastries, you could substitute whole-grain mini bagels or low-fat bran or fruit muffins. Offering diet drinks, water and small quantities of 100 percent fruit juice instead of regular soda is another healthy alternative. Vending machines should also include healthy choices. Fresh or dried fruits are great options, along with low-calorie, low-fat healthy snacks, such as granola bars, 100 percent juices, pretzels, nuts, seeds, cereal boxes and yogurt. SANDRA CARPENTER, MS, Med, LDN, RD, CDE, BC-ADM, CNSD, is the weight management/nutrition program manager at UPMC Health Plan. Reach her at (412) 454-7662 or carpentersk@upmc.edu.
