Snack-happy workers fall face down - VIRGINIA GALT

When their energy flags on the job, 42 per cent of working Canadians grab a coffee or scarf down a sugar-loaded snack to get themselves over the hump, according to a new survey.

Pop is another popular pick-me-up, Workopolis found in a poll on workplace eating habits.

However, the buzz from these snacks and beverages is short-lived and can leave employees feeling even more sapped than before, added Workopolis, which commissioned nutritionist Kristen Schiener to analyze the survey results.

“Many Canadians are resorting to a pop or sugary snack when they're feeling tired and then experiencing the yo-yo effect — they have a brief surge in energy, followed by a substantial crash,” Ms. Schiener said.

The survey of 577 working Canadians, conducted for Workopolis by Decima Research, found that 30 per cent rely on coffee alone to kick-start their workday.

Six per cent are “starved for time” and skip lunch.

“Fast food fanatics make up 5 per cent of the Canadian workforce and rely on hot dogs or a slice of pizza for energy,” Workopolis reported, and 10-per-cent eat a sandwich or a salad on the run.

Ms. Schiener said the good news is that 62 per cent of working Canadians pack a healthy lunch at home. Even so, few take enough time to savour it.

Only 9 per cent indulge in a leisurely lunch, the survey found.

Ms. Schiener said unhealthy eating habits take a toll on productivity.

“Skipping breakfast or running on coffee alone is like trying to drive a car on fumes, which we all know is not sustainable,” she said. “Grab a piece of fruit on the way in. It's easy to eat on the way into work and is the perfect answer for anyone claiming they have no time for breakfast.”

Take some healthy snacks for later in the day as well, she advised.

More than half of those surveyed indicated that their workplaces do not provide any healthy snack or beverage options, added Workopolis president Patrick Sullivan.

“Vending machines are a fixture in many Canadian workplaces; the contents of which are contributing to our waistlines and not our companies' bottom lines,” Mr. Sullivan said.

Ideally, employees should aim for balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to maintain their energy levels, and drink plenty of water, Ms. Schiener said.

“A lack of fluids can lead to difficulty concentrating, and increased effort for physical work.”

She also recommended that more Canadians join the ranks of the leisurely lunchers.

“Even if you don't have a full hour to go out to lunch, take the time to make lunch a priority,” Ms. Schiener said.

“Spending a few minutes mid-day on lunch will give you a much greater return on investment in terms of energy later in the day.”