Healthy eating in workplace target of National Nutrition Week
9 to 15 October was National Nutrition Week and this year's theme was Healthy Eating in the Workplace, which targeted employees and service providers who provide food to workplaces
POLOKWANE – Last week, 9 to 15 October was National Nutrition Week and this year’s theme was Healthy Eating in the Workplace, which targeted employees and service providers who provide food to workplaces.
Unhealthy workplace eating patterns have become one of the causes of South Africa’s growing obesity problem. Healthy eating can affect productivity in the workplace. Studies have shown that employees who follow an unhealthy diet have found to have a 66% increased risk of lower productivity than those who followed a healthy diet.
Tebogo Mokgothadi, a qualified dietitian in the city, who is also responsible for the Akani Foundation Nutrition Programme, said during National Nutrition Week, various nutrition departments and dietetics took initiative in educating their respective departments about healthy eating.
“On Friday, 9 October, a group of community dietitians in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality gathered to educate staff members of the sub-district on healthy eating and then engaged in exercises with a physiotherapist,” said Mokgothadi.
Mokgothadi said the Sekhukhune Nutrition Department organised aerobics, a health walk, as well as a question and answer session which quizzed their employees on healthy eating options.
She encouraged residents to stay healthy.
“Let us ensure we prepare our lunch the night before if our mornings are hectic. Let us choose the healthier options and take charge of our health!”
