Table 1 Physicians' views of their workplace nutrition

Emotional symptoms

Irritability, impatience, frustration, emotionally drained

Physical symptoms

Tired, hungry, nauseated, feel unwell, hypoglycemic symptoms

Cognitive symptoms

Can't focus, concentrate or think clearly, poor/slower decision making and performance, less efficiency

Negative impact on ability to complete work

Decreased efficiency, lack of focus

Negative impact on interactions with colleagues, other health care professionals and patients

Irritability, less gregarious

Barriers to nutrition

Lack of time

Too busy, no time to eat, heavy workload, timing of work schedules

Limited access to nutrition and water and/or inconvenience

Location of food stations, hours of operation, line ups, no areas to store food from home

Limited food choices

In terms of quality, healthy foods, appeal, variety

Work ethic

Need to get the work done, work and patients come first

Professionalism/doctors attitudes

Inappropriateness of eating around patients, carrying food around, physician does not prioritize personal wellness

Cost

Impact of participating in a nutrition based wellness initiative

Increased awareness of workplace nutrition and impact

Noted their own irregular or poor eating and drinking habits, increased awareness of link between nutrition patterns and mood and performance

Intention to change future nutrition habits

Will snack and drink more regularly, will not skip meals