Avoid eating at your desk
One in three of UK workers are likely to skip their lunch breaks as work pressures and stress prevail. Even though we are aware of the value of taking a lunch break for wellbeing.
As that to-do list keeps on growing, it seems that the minutes of our lunch break keep shrinking, as we struggle to find the time to carry out all of our jobs.
A quarter will only take a lunch break if they feel their workload allows it, while 13 per cent of employees skip meals in the workplace altogether.
The study, conducted by Aviva, also revealed that stress results in 19 per cent overeating whilst at work, it's understandable - a couple of biscuits in the afternoon with a cup of tea would calm anyone down.
Dr Doug Wright, head of clinical development, Aviva UK Health says:
"It's well documents that eating more healthy can improce general wellbeing and life expectancy, so there are countless benefits to adopting this appraoch in the workplace. It's also important for people to take a break from their desks where possible as this can improve both morale and efficiency for employees."
Research found that emplyers do recognise the importance of lunch breaks and eating well. Nearly half of workers are encouraged to take a break.
However, healthy options for lunch aren't always available.
Dr Wright continues: "Employers can help by offering healthy food options to support and encourage their staff to eat well, and by removing barriers that still exist to taking a proper lunch break.
"Employees too need to break the habit of skipping lunch or eating at their desks. A cultural shift in the workplace towards proper lunch breaks will improve overall employee wellbeing as well as productivity."
To encourage you to eat better whilst at work Avivia put together a list of foods that should be eaten at lunch, those that can be eaten often and those that we should avoid. The traffic light system is as follows:
Red - avoid these as often as possible: Jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread, butter, sweets, fizzy drinks, chocolate
Amber - eat these in moderation: White bread or wraps, cheese, processed meat, bacon, marmite, crisps, biscuits, cakes, fruit juice cartons (often high in sugar)
Green - try to eat these everyday: Brown bread, granary or wholemeal wraps and rolls, real meat like chicken or turkey, salad - including lettuce, tomato, cumcumber, tuna, salmon, sardines, carrot sticks, fruit, yoghurt, water
Femalefirst Taryn Davies