Celebrate National Nutrition Month
Wellness Benefits of Making Time to Dine
It’s true that each meal we enjoy won’t be an hours-long, multi-course venture. In fact, some of us struggle to prioritize a break for lunch during our busy day and often feel that scarfing down fast food in our car is the only answer to getting a meal. As a wellness-first foodservice management company, we want you to have time to dine, which is why our readiness standards are designed to maximize a 30-minute lunch break so your time can be spent dining, instead of waiting in lines. Setting aside time to mindfully eat a full meal allows the body to regulate its digestive, hormonal, and inflammatory responses which allows your body to optimally absorb the nutrients of your meal. When we consistently eat overly processed foods in a rushed or stressed manner, our body shifts toward stress and inflammation, leaving us at a deficit. When you’re dining with us, we want to avoid this at all costs, which means during each service time, our teams make sure they’re ready and waiting with a variety of food options that make designing a healthy meal fast, easy, and convenient without sacrificing your health.
Still feeling the stress of a busy day? Tips for Slowing Down and Mindful Eating
The lunch rush typically happens between 12pm-1pm, if you find your days getting away from you frequently, plan for snack breaks and try to visit the café before or after the busiest times. Throughout your day, observe when you start feeling hungry and plan to have a healthy snack with a mix of protein set aside to support your body until your main mealtime. A good example of a healthy snack with protein would be a grab and go item featuring fruit and nuts or freshly made hummus with carrots and celery, both of which are frequently available in our cafes.
Sugar and corn syrup spike blood sugar levels, insulin function, cholesterol levels, and inflammation all while compromising immune function, which can be stressful on the body. Instead of reaching for cookies, cupcakes, and chocolate, select snacks and foods that feature whole foods, real ingredients, protein, and healthy fats.
When we practice slowing down and giving our full attention to the food we’re eating, our lunch break counts toward wellness by allowing your entire body to rest, digest, and absorb nutrients that will help you combat stress and thrive throughout your day. Instead of scrolling on your phone, select a quiet place to sit down, take a couple of deep breaths, and fully appreciate what you’ve chosen to fuel the rest of your day with.
