Ask a Dietitian

What are you doing to stay healthy at the workplace?  Your employer may have a few programs available for the staff but have you taken part?  Make this year the year you get on board and take charge of your health and fitness.  Here are some tips for getting started:

1. Drink more water:  Consider filling up a glass water jug and placing it on your desk when you arrive to work.  Try to get through the jug each day.
2. Drink less coffee:  Consider switching 1 cup of coffee for 1 cup of tea and add a glass of water in between each coffee.  You’ll likely cut calories from cream and sugar and some agitating caffeine.  You might even feel better.
3. Bring your lunch:  You have way more control over what you eat when you make it yourself.  Bring leftovers, pack lunch the night before and include 3-4 food groups.  Just think of all the money you will save
4. Add a fruit.
5. Visit a registered dietitian.  It might even be covered on extended health.
6. Get moving:  Make a plan for your week.  Which day can you go to the gym at lunch, what days will you go for a walk? Choose a day where you bring your workout gear to work so you can go directly to the gym after work without stopping at home.
7. Stretch:  Get up every hour and stretch your legs, touch your toes, reach for the sky and shrug your shoulders.  Find a yoga class near you.
8. Strength:  If you don’t do any strength training yet, you should.  Consider hiring a trainer to help you set up a program.
9. Massage:  Regular massage therapy can be preventative and therapeutic.  Check with your extended medical plan, you may have coverage for a certain number of visits each year.
10. Take a break:  Be sure you take some time to breath, step out of the office, eat away from your desk, take your vacations and call your kids.  You deserve to live with less stress.

Keeping your employees happy and healthy is one of the many challenges employers face when running a successful business.  Healthy initiatives at the workplace are becoming quite common place.  From ensuring that seating is ergonomic, to brining in speakers on family health or stress management, to chair massage and in-house yoga classes, the options are endless.  However, how do you know you are getting quality people in?  There is a new website called www.wellnessvancouver.com to help guide you is choosing your services.  You can find information on nutrition, meal delivery, health education, fitness classes and spa services.

The Bottom Line: 
Your health is worth the time investment and you deserve it.