Experienced the 'graveyard' shift after lunch at a conference or workshop?  Have you thought about what you ate for lunch and whether that made any difference to your energy levels?  We've been observing the impact various food choices have on participation levels and think it's time to change the way we cater for these events.

We'd recommend:

• Replacing scones, muffins, biscuits and cakes with fruit, nuts and dried fruit, cheese and crackers and high fibre options, for example muesli bars.
• Replacing fried foods, pies, wontons and thick sandwiches with a range of healthy salads, soup, salad roll-ups, and make-your-own rolls or sandwiches with a range of fillings and fruit.  Make baked or fried options a small part of the meal rather than the whole meal.
• Replacing mints and sweeties with healthier options, or having none at all.
• Considering ways in which you can demonstrate that your people are important without rewarding them always with food.  Some clients are choosing to provide tea and coffee with no food for morning and afternoon tea, as they do in the workplace.  This has been readily accepted by participants, and those who require sustenance at that time bring their own food.
• Locating a venue that has outdoor space for walks, fresh air and fresh thinking time.