CHICAGO, Jun 30, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Unhealthy snacks lingering around the
company office are derailing employees' efforts to stay healthy, a U.S. study
finds.
A study investigating workplace eating habits sponsored by Peapod Business
Delivery, shows that 63 percent of workers find it a challenge to eat healthy in
the workplace. Seven percent of respondents report they eat healthier in the
office than at home and workers cite unhealthy snack options as the number one
obstacle to eating healthy while at work, the study says.
"One of the best ways to support healthy lifestyles in the workplace is also one
of the easiest," Cathy Leman, a Chicago registered dietitian and certified
personal trainer, says in a statement. (Companies can) "Offer a variety of
choices like fresh and dried fruit, yogurt, whole grain crackers, nuts, raw
veggies with low-fat dip, hummus, baked pita chips and oatmeal raisin cookies."
The study shows there are major disparities in the workplace between what people
want and what they are getting.
-- 47 percent cite having too many tempting snack options in their workplaces as
the top reason they are not able to eat healthy.
-- 28 percent claim they are fully satisfied with the amount of healthy snack
options provided to them in the workplace.
-- The food employees want most in the workplace is fresh produce, but only 36
percent of companies regularly purchase fruits and vegetables.
-- The food employees want least is candy, yet 1 out of 3 businesses provide
candy to employees.
No sample size or margin of error was provided.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International