Workplace wellness programs are now available at about half of U.S. employers with 50 or more employees, according to a 2013 RAND Health study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Wellness programs not only extend to keeping employees active such as lunchtime walking programs but encourage healthy eating habits as well. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services state a healthy eating regiment "limits intake of sodium, solid fats, added sugars, and refined grains and emphasizes nutrient-dense foods and beverages."
Encouraging employees to pack a well-balanced lunch might not only improve their overall health and wellness but keep money in their wallets as well. The average American consumer spends about $53 a week or $2,746 per year on lunch, according to a 2015 Visa survey.
The American Diabetes Association offers a list of “quick” lunch ideas employees can use to build a meal. Here are six healthy options an employee can include in their lunchbox.