Food Culture in the Workplace

March is National Nutrition Month—a time to reflect on the importance of healthy eating and recognize the barriers that can make it challenging. For many, food is more than just something we eat—It’s central to how we celebrate, a way to cope with stress or sadness, and often a "go-to" activity when we gather with friends or family. This emotional connection to food is one reason that it can be challenging for some to establish a healthy, balanced relationship with it, often contributing to the idea of "diet culture" or other extremes. In the workplace, being mindful of these influences is necessary to establish a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable making nutritional choices that support their health and well-being.

A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products—while being low in added sugars, sodium, and animal fats—can improve heart and brain health, reduce the risk of chronic illness, and promote longevity. While nutrition is crucial to overall health, for some with goals like weight loss, the focus can quickly shift from well-being to achieving a specific body image or only focusing on a specific number on the scale. This shift for some ties one's sense of self-worth to physical appearance or weight, which can foster unhealthy habits and lead to a cycle of dieting, undermining the principles of balanced nutrition. However, it’s important to note that, for health reasons, some individuals may be advised to make specific changes to their nutrition with guidance from their physician and care team that may include methods to target weight loss, tailored to their personal health needs.

What is diet culture?

Diet culture, as described in Psychology Today, is a view that those who are of a certain body type are healthier, more beautiful, and more successful. It categorizes foods as “good” or “bad,” encourages restrictive eating habits, and can lead to feelings of shame about food choices. The concepts of diet culture are often reinforced through media images and messages, social media influencers promoting products, everyday conversations, and the fitness and wellness industry—commonly seen in statements such as, “I need to exercise so I can burn off that cookie I just ate.” Additionally, this mindset can occasionally extend into healthcare settings, where weight is sometimes viewed as the primary indicator of health concerns, overlooking other important factors.

What are some things to be on the lookout for?

A general guideline recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is that if a diet, meal plan, or product sounds too good to be true, it likely is. While some meal plans, tools, and resources can empower individuals to make positive improvements to their health, it’s important to be cautious of claims that make unrealistic promises, programs that enforce restrictive food rules (eat this, not that), or plans that require purchasing specific products to achieve a goal, without additional support. Be wary of the following:

• Rapid weight loss. Healthy, sustainable weight loss is 1-2 lbs. per week, according to the CDC.
• Restriction of entire food groups or macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, or fats). Balanced nutrition encourages all food groups unless a dietary restriction or health concern limits them.
• Unlimited quantities such as those promoted by the grapefruit or cabbage soup diet. These types of promotions can be misleading and prevent the incorporation of the recommended amount of nutrients.
• Strict meal plans. Meal plans that restrict foods or require repeating the same types of foods can often be unrealistic and difficult to follow long-term.
• Weight loss or “health achievement” without exercise. Regular physical activity is recommended for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

What are the health consequences of dieting?

One key difference between dieting and working toward a healthy, sustainable lifestyle change is that dieting often centers around the hope for quick results. This mindset can create a constant sense of chasing a healthier self without ever truly achieving it or being able to sustain it. Because of this, dieting can harm an individual’s mental health by contributing to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, potentially leading to a negative body image. It can also affect physical health by causing nutrient deficiencies, which may lead to negative effects on mood and energy or, even worse, health complications.

In some cases, these negative effects can escalate into eating disorders, as individuals may adopt harmful behaviors to further attempt to control their weight, appearance, or reach their goals. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) defines eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and OSFED (other specified feeding or eating disorder) as complex medical and psychiatric illnesses that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. Eating disorders can affect anyone, and in the workplace, here are some warning signs to be mindful of:

• Fixation on food, weight, appearance, and dieting
• Avoiding workplace events, get-togethers, or parties—anywhere food might be present
• Difficulties concentrating
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• Withdrawal from co-workers and normal activities
• Noticeable changes in productivity levels
• Evidence of binge eating—disappearance of large amounts of food, candy wrappers, or containers
• Evidence of purging—going to the bathroom immediately after eating
• Excessive exercise.

For information and resources on how to screen for eating disorders in the workplace and support employees who may need help, refer to the NEDA Eating Disorders in the Workplace Toolkit.

How can employers combat the diet mentality and support employees with healthy nutrition goals?

The average workday lasts at least eight hours, and according to one study, most Americans consume at least one meal and often two or more snacks during their workday. The workplace can have a significant influence on the types of food employees consume, as well as the behaviors that impact their food choices. Below are strategies to support a workplace wellness initiative focused on employee nutrition.

• Educate employees on general guidelines and recommendations for healthy eating, balanced nutrition, and healthy food culture by offering a variety of learning opportunities. Offer resources to help employees choose the right path for their nutritional goals while also teaching them how to communicate about food and incorporate it into the workplace culture in a supportive and inclusive manner. Consider methods such as speakers (live or virtual), newsletters, emails, posters, intranet messages, or internal social media platforms.
• Provide healthy food and beverage options in vending machines, break rooms, and cafeterias as well as at meetings and events. Offering healthier choices, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and nutritious alternatives, can support employees in making better choices. Subtle nudges, like making healthier options more accessible or placing them first, can encourage employees to choose them.
• Encourage the consumption of water as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks like soda and other sweetened beverages. Offer water throughout the organization, at meetings, and during events to promote hydration.
• Build a culture of health and support. As WELCOA’s 7 Benchmarks™ outline, support at all levels of the organization is essential for the success of any wellness initiative. For workplace nutrition initiatives to be effective, everyone must support the availability of healthy options. This does not mean healthy options should be the only choice—Balance is key to healthy, mindful eating. However, to support all employees in reaching their well-being goals, healthy options need to be culturally embraced within the organization.

By creating an environment that recognizes the impact of diet culture and embraces a supportive food culture focused on education, healthy options, and empowering employees to make mindful choices, organizations can promote overall well-being and create a healthier workplace.

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  Ashton DeMoss

  Wellness Content and Information Specialist

  IFEBP

  As a Wellness Content and Information Specialist at the Wellness Alliance, Ashton is passionate about supporting employee well-being and advancing workplace wellness initiatives. With over 12 years of experience as a certified health coach, Ashton has worked extensively in the worksite wellness sector, empowering individuals and organizations to prioritize health and create sustainable wellness strategies. Outside of work, she enjoys group exercise classes and participating in a monthly book club to nurture both her physical and mental well-being.