by Fern Shaw | Jun 2, 2014 | Health and Hydration
There’s no avoiding it. Work an eight-hour day (or longer) and you’ll have to stop to eat at some point. Be it a questionable sandwich or a lavish lunch, workers need grub. But what should you eat to achieve maximum results? And is skipping lunch to polish off that e-mail really such a bad thing? In this 2 part blog, we have a look at both sides.
Eating in the office canteen is good for you. In Finland, at least.
The Finnish have done a lot of research into workplace eating habits. One study by the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare found that workers who ate in office cafeterias, compared to those who brought in packed lunches, were eating more fruit and vegetables. This has a lot to with the fact that in Finland, food provided in canteens must meet national nutritional guidelines.
To be sure, the wisdom of eating in a canteen does depend on the quality of what’s on the menu. Staff interviewed at Barnsley Borough Council in London described the food in their cafeteria as “stodgy” and more suited to manual labourers.
Skipping lunch is bad for you.
As explained in his book about workplace eating habits, Christopher Wanjek found that workers who skip lunch are more stressed, less productive and only end up snacking in the afternoon anyway.
The endless cycle of bad nutrition and low national productivity.
Poor eating choices affect productivity. In fact, it causes this shame spiral:
There’s a lot that has gone into this debate. Next week, in Part II, we’ll thrash this out further. For now, at least we know one thing that’s crystal – keeping yourself hydrated at work can only be good for you. Until next week … drink up!
Excerpts from an article in Quartz.
by Fern Shaw | Mar 26, 2013 | Health and Hydration
Hydration
Verb
A compound, typically a crystalline one, in which water molecules are chemically bound to another compound or an element.
Noun
Cause to absorb water.
Hydration
The process of combining with water; is usually reversible.
Further than the noun and the verb of the word, what is the big, fat, hairy deal with hydration? Is it just a buzzword? A trend? Or, is there actually something more to it?
Short answer:
Yes!
Elaborate:
Well, perhaps hydration is a bit of buzz word and 2 decades ago, we, similar to our animals, referred to our being needed to be kept hydrated as being kept ‘watered’, however, the importance is the same – drinking sufficient water is essential to humans – in fact, it is an absolute necessity.
Why?
Water makes up approximately 70 per cent of an adult’s body, so as petrol fuels an engine to make it run, water is the fuel that runs our bodies (and brains etc. etc).
For a car engine, it’s pretty simple, no fuel, no motion, but for humans, a little more dramatic – you could be doing yourself harm by not keeping hydrated – to the point where you can hardly function and potentially exacerbate any deficiency or illness you may have.
Next week, perhaps you’d like to gather around the water cooler with me for more detail about the importance of drinking the aqua whether at the workplace, the home space or schmoozing the FaceBook.
by Fern Shaw | Jan 30, 2013 | Health and Hydration
Even if you’re making an attempt to stay hydrated, you may be unknowingly consuming foods and drinks that dehydrate you. Certain ingredients can increase urination, cause fluid imbalance, and make you feel thirsty more often. Understanding how these substances impact...
by Fern Shaw | Dec 13, 2012 | Health and Hydration
Encourage your children to eat water-rich foods
At home and in the lunchbox, encourage your child to eat water-rich foods like grapes, watermelon, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes.
Float slices of fruit (such as lemons or limes) in a jug of water
Or be creative with strawberries, clementine segments and any other colourful fruit.
Let your children drink what they want – within reason
Water is always going to be the healthiest drink for both children and adults, but if plain water makes them turn their noses up, give your children a little more freedom. Milk, natural juice, and flavoured water all work. However, to help them avoid a caffeine or sugar addiction early in life; never let them try fizzy drinks (or worse, take one to school). Hydrated children are happy children.
Give your child a straw.
It may sound strange, but we actually drink more when we’re drinking through a straw. With a straw, kids will be encouraged to drink more fluids, and they may enjoy the fun factor of having a straw in their favourite colour.
Use ice cube trays that make fun shapes and use those ice cubes in your child’s water
Nothing quite like the fascination of watching an ice cube shape melt while drinking your water and should the ice cube drop or fall, no mess apart from a little puddle!
Take your child to pick out a new, special cup
Young children are big on ‘ownership’, especially when there are siblings, so once they have their own individual drinking cup, this will encourage them to use their cup for drinking from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun ways to encourage children to drink more water?
To make drinking water more appealing to children, try using colourful straws or ice cubes in fun shapes. Kids are more likely to drink more when they are entertained by the process.
You can also involve them in choosing their own special cup. Ownership of a personal drinking cup can motivate them to use it more frequently. Additionally, floating slices of fruit like lemons or strawberries in their water can add a splash of colour and flavour, making hydration a more enjoyable experience.
How can I keep my child hydrated when they’re unwell?
When a child is unwell, especially with vomiting or diarrhoea, it’s crucial to offer small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solutions. These help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
Incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon or cucumbers into their diet to boost hydration. If your child is reluctant to drink, try offering drinks through a straw or in a fun cup to encourage them. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as these can exacerbate dehydration.
What are creative ways to make water more exciting for kids?
Adding slices of colourful fruits such as oranges or berries to water can make it visually appealing and slightly flavoured, encouraging kids to drink more. You can also make homemade fruit popsicles as a hydrating treat.
Another method is to use novelty ice cube trays that create fun shapes. Watching these melt can be fascinating for children, making the act of drinking water more engaging. Allowing kids to decorate their own water bottles can also add a personal touch that encourages regular use.
How much water should a four-year-old drink daily?
A four-year-old typically needs about 1.2 litres of fluids a day, which includes water, milk, and other drinks. It’s important to spread this intake throughout the day to maintain consistent hydration.
Encouraging regular sips of water, especially during playtime or after physical activity, can help meet this requirement. Including water-rich foods like grapes and tomatoes in their diet can also contribute to their daily fluid intake, ensuring they stay well-hydrated.
What are the best drinks for keeping children hydrated?
Water is the best drink for keeping children hydrated as it is calorie-free and essential for bodily functions. Milk and natural fruit juices can also contribute to hydration but should be given in moderation due to their sugar content.
Flavoured water without added sugars can be a good alternative for children who dislike plain water. It’s important to avoid fizzy drinks and those with high caffeine content, as they can lead to dehydration. Offering a variety of healthy drinks can help maintain interest and encourage regular fluid intake.
by Fern Shaw | May 27, 2012
Are you dehydrated?
A massive 96% of UK office workers are reported to be dehydrated. A mere 2% drop in hydration can lead to a 20% drop in concentration.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining your physical and mental well being. A simple way of determining your hydration status is by looking at the colour of your urine and comparing it with the colour chart on the left.
When you are drinking enough water your body is in balance and your urine will be a pale straw yellow colour (hydrated).
When you have not drank enough water your kidneys try to save as much water as they can and cause your urine to be darker in colour (Dehydrated).
Below are just some of the effects of dehydration:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Painful urination
Thankfully, regaining hydration is simple. One or two cups of water will quickly give the body the water it needs and help you maintain a healthy and active life.
Why not download our PDF and enable yourself to put a chart up in your toilets to help your staff stay hydrated – Download the pdf here.
