Did you know that you could see a boost in employee morale and health and wellness simply by providing healthy snacks at your next work function?
A WorkSphere survey showed 30 percent of respondents said the availability of food throughout the day contributes to their workplace happiness. Plus, free food keeps them full and focused on the meeting at hand!
Choosing the right food for your event is crucial. According to an article in the Harvard Business Review, written by psychologist Ron Friedman, Ph.D., the food we eat has a direct impact on our cognitive performance:
- The food we eat is converted by our body into glucose, which provides the energy our brains need to stay alert. But, not all foods are processed the same way.
- Carbohydrates, like pasta, bread and cereal, release glucose quickly. This leads to a quick burst of energy, followed by a slump.
- Foods high in fat (like avocados, nuts and nut butters) provide more sustained energy, but require our digestive system to work harder, reducing oxygen levels in the brain and making us groggy.
Friedman said employees perform better by grazing throughout the day.
Meeting snacks matter! At Vue Columbus, we keep your team fueled with snacks and beverages all day long.
“Spikes and drops in blood sugar are both bad for productivity and bad for the brain,” Friedman said. “Smaller, more frequent meals maintain your glucose at a more consistent level than relying on a midday feast.”
Vue serves up our favorite snacks to all meeting guests, at no additional charge! Great grazing options include; Kashi granola bars, KIND granola bars,That’s It fruit bars, Smartpop popcorn, PopChips, and fresh fruit like bananas, oranges and apples.
Friedman also pointed to research indicating that eating fruits and vegetables throughout the day is good for both the body and mind. The study, in the British Journal of Health Psychology, showed that participants who ate more fruits and vegetables were happier, more engaged and more creative than participants who ate less healthy options.
“Fruits and vegetables contain vital nutrients that foster the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the experience of curiosity, motivation, and engagement,” Friedman said. “They also provide antioxidants that minimize bodily inflammation, improve memory, and enhance mood. Which underscores an important point: If you’re serious about achieving top workplace performance, making intelligent decisions about food is essential.”
Providing healthy food options at your next event is the first step in creating an environment that promotes employee health and wellness. Vue’s caterers are fantastic at incorporating healthier food choices in fun, creative and simple ways.
“Vue loves food set ups that satisfy the hunger of our clients but keep their schedule on track. We have seen huge success with breakfasts that include yogurt parfaits and breakfast strata, and for lunch, options like Greek stations, taco stations, pasta bars, salad bars, and more,” said Michaela Neu Barteldt, Vue Columbus’ wedding sales and marketing coordinator.
“A great way to keep a balance for both health and dietary restrictions is to have at least a side salad or build-your-own element to what you’re offering your guests. That way guests who are more reserved with their diet can build a plate that fits their needs,” she added.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provides the following tips for incorporating healthier food choices at workplace meetings:
- Offer a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables. Ensure at least half of all food served is fruits and vegetables prepared and served without high amounts of added fats, sugars, or sodium (salt).
- Offer 100% whole-grain products in a variety of forms.
- Offer smaller portion sizes and prepare food in ways that reduce added calories.
- Do not offer foods that contain industrially produced (or artificial) trans-fatty acids.
- Offer foods that are reduced or low in salt and sodium.
- Offer healthier condiments served on the side in small portions.
- Offer snacks that are low in calories and high in nutrients.
- Limit sweet treats
- Discourage the practice of “Dumping” or leaving leftovers of less healthy foods (like Halloween candy or birthday cake) in common areas.
- Offer water and low-calorie beverages.
- Vue offers clients a selection of drinks, including: coffee, hot tea, Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Orange Juice, and La Croix – all at no additional charge.
Want to learn more about how our caterers can help you plan a healthy meeting? Contact us to get started.
