Help employees eat healthy at workplace events

Rewarding employees with pizza may be a popular way to celebrate a workplace success, but it isn’t exactly the healthiest choice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says employers should “encourage healthier food and beverage choices at workplace meetings, conferences, parties and other events.”

Here’s what the agency suggests:

• Half of all food served should be fruits and vegetables, “without high amounts of added fats, sugars or sodium (salt).”
• Offer vegetable-based proteins, such as beans and legumes.
• Select a variety of 100% whole grain products, such as quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal and pasta.
• If offering meat, fish or poultry, serve portions that are 3 ounces or smaller and baked, broiled, steamed or grilled.
• Serve cheese in small portions (half-inch squares or smaller).
• Provide a selection of healthier condiments.
• Put out low-calorie snacks.
• Limit the amount of sweets. “Mini” desserts are a good option, CDC says.
• Offer water and low-calorie beverages.

March is National Nutrition Month. Learn more at eatright.org/nnm.