As a Corporate Nutrition Consultant, I recently presented a corporate nutrition session at Speciality Fibres and Materials Ltd on how good nutrition practices link to improved mental well-being.
The presentation to the company’s employees explained the link between good nutrition and mental health.
I described how diet can both positively and negatively impact the production of the ‘happy hormones’ serotonin and dopamine.
I then explained in practical terms how the employees could put these nutrition tips into practice by suggesting simple, quick recipes they could use at home and quick ‘go-to’ snacks they can eat whilst in the office or when working remotely.
The feedback from the session was fantastic with the Human Resources Manager giving me this glowing 5-star review:
‘Jonny has delivered for us a session on nutrition and how it links to mental health. The session was very informative. Jonny also shared with us various recipes that can be easily implemented in everyday cooking. Our staff really enjoyed it!’
How Can A Corporate Nutrition Consultant Improve Workplace Mental Health?
While initiatives like yoga classes and mindfulness workshops are gaining traction, one aspect often overlooked is the role of nutrition in fostering mental well-being.
Incorporating a corporate nutrition program, by working with a Corporate Nutritionist can offer a myriad of benefits, not only for physical health but also for mental resilience and productivity.
This could be in the shape of hiring a Corporate Nutrition Consultant for an engaging talk on the subject, and or regular input by the Nutritionist on what healthy snacks can be offered in the workplace in a bid to optimise employee mental health and well-being.
Please read my blog on Nutrition for Mental Health.
Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
The relationship between nutrition and mental health is profound.
Research has consistently shown that what we eat directly impacts brain function and mood regulation.
Serotonin and dopamine are known as the ‘happy hormones’ as they promote good mental well-being.
Symptoms of low serotonin and dopamine include:
- Low energy
- Sadness
- Mood swings
- Lack of motivation
- Poor concentration
- Poor sleep
- Digestive problems
What we eat has a big impact on our levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Causes of low dopamine and serotonin include low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet and low carbohydrate consumption.
In the case of omega 3s, they are needed to synthesise dopamine, alongside helping serotonin work better by facilitating the release of serotonin from neurons.
In the case of carbohydrates, they are needed to increase insulin production, which is the hormone that balances blood sugar.
Insulin is needed to help our brains make serotonin, therefore if insulin is not activated less serotonin will be made.
This is why as a Nutritional Therapist I generally advise against low carbohydrate diets, as they can certainly have a severely negative impact on an individual’s mental health.
Enhancing Cognitive Function
Incorporating nutrient-dense foods into employees’ diets can enhance cognitive function, memory, and concentration.
As stated above a deficiency in omega 3s can certainly negatively affect an employee’s concentration and motivation and therefore overall performance.
Foods rich in Omega 3s such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, eggs, walnuts, kidney beans, tofu, and avocadoes have been linked to improved cognitive performance and a reduced risk of mental health problems.
Mood Regulation
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in mood regulation and emotional well-being. Serotonin as already mentioned, is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
Carbohydrates are needed to facilitate its synthesis via the activation of insulin.
What is important in this case is that the right type of carbohydrates are consumed to keep a steady supply of insulin and not big surges and dips.
Therefore, the diet should be based on complex carbohydrates such as oats, basmati rice, sweet potatoes, wholewheat pasta, quinoa, lentils, and fruits and vegetables.
By incorporating a balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates, employees can help stabilise mood and mitigate the risk of mood disorders.
Building a Healthier Culture
Implementing a corporate nutrition program not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to a healthier organisational culture.
When employers prioritise the well-being of their workforce, it fosters a sense of value and belonging among employees.
Shared meals and wellness initiatives create opportunities for connection and camaraderie, strengthening relationships and morale within the workplace.
Read more about the benefits of Corporate Nutrition, by reading my blog on The 5 Powers of Corporate Nutrition.
Improving Productivity and Performance
It is generally agreed that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
By investing in the nutritional health of employees, employers can reap the rewards of improved productivity, creativity, and performance.
Research has shown that employees who eat healthily are less likely to experience absenteeism and less likely to need corporate health services like GP appointments and consultant referrals resulting in lower healthcare costs and higher profitability for businesses.
Book Engaging Talks on Nutrition
Jonny Carter is a regular corporate nutrition speaker, presenting on various topics, including Nutrition for Mental Health, Gut Health, Nutrition for Increased Energy, and Healthy Snacks at Work.
Being a Corporate Nutrition Consultant I can be booked for engaging talks both in-person and online.
Drop-in Sessions
Drop-in sessions are also very popular with corporate companies. This is where I can be booked for an agreed amount of time, where individual employees can ‘drop in’ to ask for my expertise on their diet to help optimise their health.
They can also discuss how I can help them in more depth if they have conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or want to improve issues such as poor sleep, energy, or weight gain.
The employee then could book a full in-depth Nutrition Consultation with me if they wish.
Corporate Fitness
Alongside being a Nutritional Therapist I am also a fully qualified Personal Trainer with over 13 years of experience.
I am an experienced Corporate Exercise class Instructor, taking corporate fitness sessions including running clubs, bootcamp, and spin classes. Currently working with Mercer Marsh and 10 Brindley Place.
Therefore, corporate companies can get the ‘best of both worlds’ as I can combine a nutrition session with a Corporate fitness session.
For example, when working with the law firm Shoosmiths I presented on ‘Healthy Snacks at Work’ then over the lunch period I took a corporate running group for some of the employees.
Please read my blog on the 5 Amazing Benefits of Corporate Exercise Classes.
Incorporating a Corporate Nutrition program can yield significant benefits for both employees and employers.
By prioritising mental health through proper nutrition, organisations can create a supportive environment that fosters well-being, resilience, and productivity.
Therefore, booking sessions with a Corporate Nutrition Consultant is a great way to facilitate good employee mental well-being through nutrition.
Then, potentially combining this with corporate fitness is a great way to enhance these benefits even more and facilitate a well-rounded corporate well-being program.
