Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - January/February 2024 - 31

PRACTICE
self health
FOR BETTER
LEADERSHIP
BY CHRISTINA BODANZA, CEC, CDM,
CFPP, CDP, PCII
THIS ARTICLE APPLIES TO
EVERYONE. Unfortunately, it is
going to apply mostly to those who put
themselves last. We know who they
are from the moment they walk into
the department, with a spring in their
step and a smile on their face, asking
each person about the challenges
of the day. Our managers check on
each team member, each area and
position-at least they try to-until the
first crisis appears to draw them into
the vortex. And yet, still they rise like
a mighty surfer, ready to head off into
the next wave of uncertainty. These
planned detours are generally called
" special events. "
I ask the question, what have you done
for yourself lately? If it was eating a
five-minute power bowl at your desk
between emails, you probably felt like
that was a victory. The paradox is that
we are in the healthy eating business.
We not only know what constitutes
good nutrition, but the benefits of diet,
a healthy environment, and emotional
well-being.
Not to belabor what we already know,
here are some no-nonsense strategies
for you to be at your best. For yourself,
and your team.
Meal Prep
A eureka moment for me was the time
I was placed on a GI soft diet. Abruptly,
the impulse to substitute a bowl of
spicy noodles, a leftover burrito, and
a slice of pie for lunch was out of the
question. Meal prep is critical. Prepare
a week's worth of healthy, grab-and-go
and quick-to-heat entrees you can pull
from the freezer and toss into your bag
on the way out the door.
Lunch Break
Take one. That means out of the office
and away from your desk. Stop by
a microwave with your grab-and-go
entree and enjoy the meal you prepped
in peace and quiet. And don't forget
a cold and frosty beverage or hot and
soothing cup of tea.
Pivot
If there was one word that everyone
wanted banned during the pandemic it
was this one. But really, we just needed
to repurpose it by pivoting mentally
instead. So, break up with your email
app and instead watch funny animal
videos, or crack open a good eBook or
an article. If you really can't break
free, make it a cooking video on
international cuisine from some exotic
location. The idea is to interrupt the
traffic loop in your mind and replace it
with some rest and relaxation.
Exercise
Take the long route back to the
office. Stop at a bench and do some
leg stretches and a lunge or two. If
someone notices your actions-good!
Maybe they will try it too.
Smile
Comment authentically on someone's
fashion choice or hairstyle. Make a
joke about the wait for an elevator or
the length of a hallway. Cheering up
someone else will lift your own spirits,
and you walk away feeling just a little
bit better about your contributions to
the day-and theirs.
The beauty of a list of go-to
techniques is that there is room for
more strategies. Depending on the
community or campus, opportunities
NUTRITION & FOODSERVICE EDGE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 31
Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - January/February 2024

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