Healthy Snacking for Healthcare Workers: Convenience Without Compromise
Healthcare workers face challenging shifts day after day. Not only are the hours long, but the responsibilities are many, and the stakes are high. Quality patient care depends on healthcare workers being able to completely focus on the task at hand.
Healthy snacks can play an important role in making that happen. Where some types of snacks can send energy levels spiking up and then bottoming out, healthy choices make it possible to maintain a steady level of energy as the hours add up.
To make sure your people have access to the kinds of healthy snacks that will allow them to be at their best, get help from the experts at InReach. Call today to learn more!
The Right Fuel for Focus and Stamina
Sitting down to a proper meal isn’t always possible in the middle of a busy healthcare shift. And, when the time does present itself to eat a meal, it’s often not a particularly healthy one, simply due to the limitations of time and access to better options.
So, how do healthcare workers get the calories they need to keep going when they can’t take a full lunch or dinner break? They snack. Snacks are great for getting energy into the body quickly, but not all snacks are created equal.
The best snacks for sustained energy and focus are those that include plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Examples of healthy snack ideas that fit that definition include things like mixed nuts, Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and more. On the other end of the spectrum, snacks that are heavier on sugar and carbs might provide a temporary energy boost, but they are often accompanied by a crash that comes later. Those types of snacks can certainly have their place, but they probably shouldn’t be the only option available.
Convenience Is a Necessity
Good snacks for healthcare workers not only need to provide lasting energy, but they also need to be as convenient as possible. The reality of this work environment is such that snacks will usually be eaten on the go, perhaps when walking from one end of the building to the other.
So, the right snacks for your people will be portable. They will also be easy to acquire quickly during the day. That could mean having vending machines installed in strategic locations or a micro market placed near the center of the building where most employees will pass by during their shifts. Putting healthy snack options in a place where everyone can find them conveniently will make it far more likely for those snacks to be consumed during the day.
Covering a Range of Dietary Needs
Another factor to consider when presenting your teams with healthy snack options is the dietary restrictions that certainly exist for some individuals. Within a large group of people, some are sure to be lactose intolerant. Others will need to avoid gluten. Some will only want to consume plant-based choices, or will have to steer clear of products that contain a specific allergen.
It’s important to build a diverse inventory of products to account for this. With plenty of items on hand in a range of categories, it is likely that everyone will have at least a few things to pick from when a snack is required.
Variety Is the Name of the Game
At InReach, we are proud to make it possible for healthcare facilities—and all kinds of institutions—to give their people a wide assortment of healthy office snacks to choose from. From healthy fare to more indulgent treats, we make it easy for your employees to select the perfect food and drink items for their needs.
Proudly part of Sodexo, InReach offers global reach, customized attention, and a large, growing buying network that keeps food costs low and quality high. Contact us today to learn more.