An effective breakout area and food options can boost productivity, well-being, and collaboration. Employees should avoid eating in areas used for food preparation or storage as this poses potential cross-contamination and safety risks.
Break rooms and employee lounges provide safe environments to eat lunch in, though outdoor seating areas and nearby parks and public spaces also present options for dining.
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly
PB&J sandwiches are a timeless childhood favorite and a leisurely lunch choice, providing three essential nutrients for good health: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
The original peanut paste sandwich first made its debut as an exclusive tearoom treat in the early 1900s, according to an article in Boston Cooking School Magazine published in 1901 that suggested spreading “peanut paste” mixed with currant or crabapple jelly on finger sandwiches as a spread.
Food workers must stay hydrated during breaks and consume healthy food options to boost productivity and make them feel happier at work. Therefore, workplaces must provide sufficient break areas to support this vital practice for food workers.
2. Apples
Food workers taking breaks during their shifts should prioritize eating fruits and vegetables like apples for optimal health and disease prevention. Apples contain plenty of fiber, which aids digestion.
Food workers should prepare their lunches or snacks to bring with them for break periods at work to save money and meet any dietary restrictions they have. Doing this may save them both time and money!
However, if workers cannot bring in their meals, they may be able to access an employee lounge or break room instead. Ideally, this area would be separate from food preparation areas to prevent cross-contamination; alternatively, local restaurants or cafes near their work may provide quick bites during their break period.
3. Nuts
Nuts are nutrient-rich foods commonly called nuts, including hazelnuts, pine nuts, almonds, and pecans. However, according to botanists, only certain species qualify as actual nuts: walnuts, peanuts, and pecans fit this description because each has one seed that does not naturally break open upon reaching maturity; other snacks like sunflower seeds and chestnuts do not.
Nuts are integral to many plant-based diets, including vegetarianism and Mediterranean eating styles. Physicians’ Health and Nurse’s Health Study have found an inverse relationship between nuts consumption and incident hypertension.
Food workers can prepare meals or snacks before work or purchase food at nearby restaurants and cafes during breaks. Regular, restorative breaks are crucial to their physical and mental well-being; should this become an issue, they should consult their employer or human resources representative on workplace policies regarding breaks.
4. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit has long been an international favorite, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoyed alone, baked into bread or added to trail mix, or mixed into granola, hot cereals, and salads. Dried fruit also keeps well at room temperature without needing refrigeration – an ideal snack option for food workers on the move!
Dried fruits often contain preservatives and high amounts of sugar, so it is wise to read the ingredients list before purchasing dried fruit products. Some dehydration processes involve natural dehydration, while others involve special machines like kilns or atmospheric dryers for further processing.
Squeezing fruit to check its dryness is the easiest way to tell whether or not it has the appropriate moisture levels, and it will usually leave no moisture residue on your hands after breaking apart easily without much moisture remaining on them. Food workers should avoid touching ready-to-eat items with their bare hands as this could introduce germs that cause foodborne illness.
5. Pretzels
Pretzels are an increasingly popular snack worldwide and can be found in food stores and restaurants. Although low in calories and fat, pretzels contain excessive sodium, which could pose health concerns such as high blood pressure.
A pretzel has a rich and varied history. According to legend, Ottoman Turks attempted to invade Vienna, Austria, in 1510. Monks in a monastery baking pretzels heard the enemy tunneling and alerted Vienna against potential destruction – they were later given their coat of arms, which still appears on pretzels today!
Pretzels can be made using sesame, poppy, pumpkin, or caraway seeds and typically come dipped in salt – although you could also try spreading butter on them for added flavor! They make great accompaniments for soups and salads alike, and in Germany, children are given them on New Year’s Day to bring good fortune and prosperity!
6. Hummus and Carrots
Though hummus might be seen as an ordinary snack, its extraordinary qualities can be revealed by adding roasted carrots to its recipe. Roasted carrots lend a rich orange color and subtle sweet notes to this hummus dish, which can be enjoyed alone as a dip with carrots or spread on sandwiches and wraps for lunch!
Carrot hummus is an excellent addition to smoothies, providing extra fiber and potassium in each sip. Its olive oil addition adds an impressive salad dressing or sauce!
No food from home may be brought to work during breaks; however, employees should abide by any relevant workplace policies regarding eating at work. A short break and mindfully eating may help boost productivity and increase job satisfaction; employees with any questions regarding break times or options for eating should contact their supervisor immediately.
