By Cindy Arnoldus, Certified Sports Nutritionist

As the clock wanes toward noon, employees begin to disappear to restaurants and break rooms. It's lunchtime! Time to refuel for the second half of the day.

But after lunch, many employees return tired and sluggish, losing energy as the day progresses. They slump in their chairs and stare at computer screens like zombies, seemingly incapable of getting anything done.

Don't worry. Your employees aren't lazy. The problem is that they are experiencing a lack of energy due to low blood sugar level.

Most people don't eat the kind of lunch that gives them the sustained energy they need, resulting in a need to binge on candy and sweets an hour after lunch. After this temporary sugar rush, they are left with less energy than before.

It is no boss's place to take his/her employees aside and give them a sound talking to about eating a healthy lunch. However, there are some things you can do to motivate your employees to stay healthy, giving them more energy during the work day.

1. Have your vending machines stocked with healthier snacks like, energy bars, dried fruit, pretzels, fruit snacks and fruit juices. Sure, these are still snacks and are not the best source for nutrition, but they are better than twinkies, doritoes and M&Ms.

*Provide free healthy treats for your employees as often as you can. Bring in a fruit or vegetable tray and let them indulge themselves on carrots, celery, apple slices and strawberries. When presented with something free, most people will choose that over candy and pastries that cost $1.00 a piece.

Consider providing free bottled water once a week. When your employees finish with the purified water, they will have an empty bottle on hand to refill as often as they like. Water is vital to sustaining energy, but most people don't drink nearly enough.

*Many businesses provide their employees with free or discounted gym memberships. This is a great incentive, and the perfect way for your employees to keep in shape and stay vital for work.

If you choose a gym near your business, employees can go for a quick workout during their lunch break. This will go a long way toward increasing metabolism. Working out during lunch also prevents the consumption of excessive restaurant food, which takes more energy to digest than it gives back to the body.