How registered dietitians support healthy eating habits for employees

As corporate wellness programs continue to rise amidst a tight labor market, providing access to nutrition support via registered dietitians is critical for a program's success. 

That's because the food used to fuel bodies is what keeps employees well or contributes to them developing many of the chronic conditions that are prevalent today. For example, more than one in three adults struggles with obesity, which puts them at a higher risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer.

Somebody with diabetes that is not managed well is going to cost their health plan three to four times the amount as someone without a chronic condition. Also, people will be out of work or coming to work not feeling well. 

Nutrition proves key to helping employees understand their bodies and manage chronic conditions. Learn more about the ways registered dietitians help support healthy eating habits at work. 

Read more:  Food for thought: Nutrition programs spike employee productivity

Introducing employees to nutrition

Webinars, challenges, meet-and-greets, and bulletin boards help introduce employees to healthy eating in an approachable and non-intimidating way. 

"Often we'll set up a table in the cafeteria at the location I work," says Marathon Health registered dietitian Jessica Mella. "I usually have food to draw employees over, and then I can introduce myself and start a gentle conversation." 

Example webinars and challenges include: 

• Grocery store tour: Review grocery store layouts and strategies for healthy shopping. 
• Healthy snacking: Learn more about making quality, energy-boosting snack choices.
• Hydration challenge: Participants strive to drink the recommended 64 ounces a day and self-report their daily water intake.

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A particularly engaging activity is one that involves eating. Mella conducted a taste-and-learn class for her employer, where employees got to taste and name different root vegetables. 

"Activities like that get our members excited about food and learning new things," Mella says. "We really just want to partner with our clients to start a conversation around food, which is very personal to everyone, and make it less scary and more approachable."

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Meeting employees where they are

Dietary changes are difficult to make and keep. Understanding the reason behind a lifestyle shift helps drive success. A health coach or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can uncover an employee's motivation and help them use their strengths to develop goals.

To support all employees, from workers in the office to those driving a truck, dietitians meet with members in person, over the phone, or via video calls.

"When we're talking about preparing a grocery list and we want to take inventory, it's easy as, 'OK, let me see your pantry,'" says Nicole Boon Lopes, a registered dietitian with Marathon Health who meets with her patients virtually.

Workplaces can further support these endeavors by offering healthy options in breakroom vending machines, creating a wellness committee, or providing healthy takeout meals employees can purchase for less than the price of fast food. 

"We work for working people," Boon Lopes says. "They lead busy lives and maybe don't think about these things that we as dietitians have been trained to know. So we're there to remind patients, to keep them accountable, to give them ideas and lend them a hand. The sky's the limit in working with them exactly where they are, and not pushing them, but encouraging them to make certain changes that will benefit their health."