Would you call your workplace healthy? Bash and Brenda teach management systems that enhance the psychological health of your workplace, but the best teams are not of just sound mind. They start out the day feeling physically well, by eating healthy foods…not an easy feat in an industry where there’s little time to prepare or even eat at regular intervals. Here are a couple of ways you can ‘brown bag’ your health to work each day.
Tip 1: Prepare for Tomorrow
Hopefully, you’re already eating fresh veggies with dinner. Take 5 extra minutes to peel a few more vegetables to add to your lunch box for tomorrow. They’ll be easy to grab from the fridge on your way out the door in the morning. Fresh peppers are sweet, crunchy and satisfying. Radishes are peppery and refreshing.
Tip 2: Cut to the Chase
Each season brings special sales on produce and other healthful snacks at the grocery store. Instead of spending time scouring the paper for special deals, just ask your supermarket produce attendant what’s healthful and on sale at your next grocery visit. She’ll send you directly to the right section, so you’ll have little time wasted finding what’s more affordable and freshest.
Tip 3: Be Adventurous
Branch out with fresh green beans, raw coconut, or make this year the first time you try kohlrabi or kumquats . Adding a low fat dressing is also a great way to add a flavorful punch to your fresh greens.
Tip 4: Community Table
So many times we find ourselves gathered around a project at work. Make sure the center of that meeting includes healthful snacks. A pineapple sliced in half, cubed, and sprinkled with a bit of strawberry Jello granules is eye catching and loaded with vitamin C and fiber. The tart taste of the fruit energizes the group and gets everyone interacting even before the meeting begins.
Tip 5: Drink Up!
Most stores have sales on bottled water weekly, reducing the cost to 30 cents or less per bottle. Pick up a case at your next visit, then start your morning rounds by passing out a bottle to everyone and toasting the day. Raising a glass of pure, clean water as a group says ‘all for one and one for all’ and is emblematic of the streamlined work you’d like to accomplish for the day. Plus, drinking water keeps your mind more alert and gives you more energy.
HTC’s March Recipe for Healthier Workplaces
Bash’s Healthful Kale Salad
We love this salad because it’s inexpensive, delicious and nutritious (and it doesn’t matter how many times you’re pulled away at work, it stays crisp and fresh tasting).
- 4 cups finely shredded Kale (washed and dried before slicing)
- 4 cups finely shredded Brussels sprouts (washed and dried before slicing)
- ½ cup chopped Pistachios
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 Granny Smith Apple
- ¼ cup olive oil
- juice from one lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Wash and dry kale, then chop the kale into thin strips. Wash each sprout and peel off damaged leaves. Using a paring knife, slice the sprouts into thin shavings. Julienne the Granny Smith apple. Toss the kale, apple slices, Brussels sprouts, dried fruit and nuts together.
In a separate bowl, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon. Slowly drizzle olive oil into the lemon juice while beating vigorously.
Toss salad with dressing. Salt and pepper as needed. Add parmesan cheese to taste. Enjoy!