When I’m having a particularly bad day at work, I often find myself studying the vending machine offerings. Since I can’t drink wine at the office,  which would really improve my mood, it often comes down to a choice between Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Doritos.  Apparently, I’ve got lots of company out there.  A new study suggests that unhealthy snacks available at the office are too tempting to resist. 

The study investigating workplace eating habits sponsored by Peapod Business Delivery, showed that approximately two out of three employees find it a challenge to eat healthy in the workplace and almost half of respondents blame unhealthy snack options as the number one culprit. Skokie, Illinois-based Peapod, an online grocery delivery service, is a subsidiary of Royal Ahold in The Netherlands, 

Cathy Leman, a Chicago-area registered dietitian and certified personal trainer who provides worksite nutrition services to local corporations and businesses, suggests employers stock break rooms with healthy choices like fresh and dried fruit, yogurt, whole grain crackers, nuts, raw veggies with lowfat dip, hummus and baked pita chips, and oatmeal raisin cookies.

Survey findings show that there are major disparities in the workplace between what people want and what they are getting. The top food employees want in the workplace is fresh produce; however only 36 percent of companies that provide food for employees regularly purchase fruits and vegetables, according to the study. The least desired food item that employees want in the workplace is candy. However one out of three businesses make it available on a regular basis, the survey said.

While an apple would be healthier, I have to admit it won’t do as much for my mood as a piece of chocolate. I don’t think I’d be too happy if that wasn’t an option. How about you?

 Loading …