March is the Dietitians of Canada’s National Nutrition Month.  This year’s theme  Eating 9 to 5! is so timely because it’s something I deal with often in my private practice.  Between long stressful hours, food-filled meetings, a lunch room full of snacks and an office that celebrates birthdays, holidays, retirements and more, many of my clients tell me that  it’s hard for them to stick to their healthy eating resolve while at work.

So, it was no surprise  to read the results of a recent poll conducted for the Dietitians of Canada that showed  45% of Canadians said  eating healthy meals and snacks while at work is challenging.   This is significant because a good diet can boost concentration, productivity and vitality and can also reduce missed days of work by helping to improve overall health.

During this month, Dietitians of Canada (www.dietitians.ca)  has great resources including recipes, tips and practical solutions to some of the 9 to 5 challenges.

• Visit www.nutritionmonth2015.ca    to get workplace wellness fact sheets and watch videos of  registered dietitians sharing Eating 9 to 5!  healthy eating tips.
• For meal and snack ideas, download the free smartphone app Cookspiration and receive daily workplace healthy eating tips by downloading eaTipster
• Download eaTracker to review your food and activity choices, analyze and track your food and activity habits on the go.
• You can also follow Dietitians of Canad on Twitter, @dietitiansCAN

In the meantime, if workplace meetings are one of your challenges, here are a few of their tips:

• Next time you’re planning a meeting that’s scheduled over a mealtime, order healthy food options that will help keep attendees focused and productive
• Put pitchers of plain water on the table to quench thirst, boost hydration and keep workers alert.
• Keep lunch light with salads made with leafy greens and colorful veggies.  Add protein with beans, lentils, cheese and hard boiled eggs.
• Serve wraps filled with lots of veggies and protein such as chicken, cheese, eggs or legumes.
• Replace sweet desserts; offer fresh fruit, yogurt or small portions of treats such as whole grain mini muffins.
• Be sure to schedule an activity break to keep everyone energized