Healthy Food Choices at Meetings, Seminars, and Catered Events

Work is where we spend a large part of our day and much of this time is spent in meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, presentations and catered events.

Often, the food provided at these events is high in fat and/or sugar, such as cookies, donuts, and candy. These foods are sources of extra calories and few nutrients.

Contribute to the health and well being of your employees by providing healthy food options at work-related events. This will create a supportive environment for healthy eating, and make a healthy choice the easy choice!

Here are some ideas to consider when choosing foods for work events:

At meetings scheduled during “usual” meal times (i.e. breakfast, lunch, etc.)

  • Inform all staff attending the work event whether food will be provided or whether staff should bring their own.
  • Offer smaller portions of food, i.e. mini-muffins or mini-bagels.
  • If possible, minimize lunchtime meetings so employees can use this time to be physically active.

At mid-morning or mid-afternoon meetings, presentations, and seminars:

  • Consider not offering food - we are bombarded with food so it is not always necessary. Instead, build a “stretch break” into the agenda.
  • Consider offering only beverages such as water or juice.

Here are Some Great Healthy Food Choices!

Breakfast

  • Fresh fruit
  • Flavoured low-fat or fat-free yogourt
  • Small bagels cut in half, served with low-fat cream cheese or jam
  • Small low-fat (< 3g) muffins
  • Low-fat fruit bread
  • Tea biscuits served with jam
  • Low-fat cereal bars

Snacks

  • Fresh fruit offered with low-fat yogourt dip
  • Pretzels
  • Raw vegetables offered with fat-free or low fat dressing, salsa, or hummus
  • Baked tortilla chips served with salsa
  • Popcorn with a small amount or no butter
  • Low-fat whole grain crackers (look on label for 3g fat or less/serving)
  • Angel food cake with fruit topping

Lunch

  • Salads with low-fat dressings on the side
  • Broth-based soups
  • Pasta salads with low-fat dressing
  • Sandwiches on whole grain breads
  • Baked potatoes with low-fat or vegetable toppings
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Whole grain breads or roll

Catered Events

  • Select lower fat entrees (12 to 15 g fat or less)
  • Offer a vegetarian entree
  • Choose items that are baked, grilled, broiled, or steamed
  • Choose entrees in tomato-based sauces rather than cream, or cheese sauces
  • Include fresh fruit
  • Include at least one vegetable, fresh or cooked, with no butter or cream sauces added
  • Serve salads with dressing on the side
  • Include whole grain breads

Beverages

  • Ice water
  • Bottled spring or sparkling water
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • Skim or 1% milk
  • Coffee and/or flavoured coffee
  • Hot or cold tea
  • Coffee/tea served with 2%, 1%, or skim milk

Desserts

Choose lower fat and calorie-reduced desserts such as:

  • Fresh fruit alone or with low-fat yogourt dip
  • Angel food cake with fruit topping
  • Small slices of plain cake (2” square)

Adapted from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health “Guidelines for Offering Healthy Foods at Meetings, Seminars and Catered Events”.

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