Healthy Eating Tips for Night Shift Workers

The work culture in urban India has witnessed a drastic change. The number of people working night shifts has seen a rise in the last few years. Not just working night shifts in the office, many people who are into the creative field, prefer working at night. However, have you ever given a thought to the impact on your health because of the change in your work schedule? Unfortunately, many people have no choice but to work night shifts. If you too work night shifts, this blog is for you. Here are some nutrition tips that will ensure that you stay healthy even if you work night shifts.

Health Risks Faced by Night Shift Workers

Before we start discussing healthy eating tips, we need to get an idea about the health risks associated with night-shift workers. The human body is designed to be active during the day and rest at night. This is the reason why we need to eat less at night so that our body can focus on repairing itself. However, when you shift from this cycle, it affects your health. Heart disease, peptic ulcers, slow metabolic rates, obesity, liver damage, and diabetes are some of the common health issues that are faced by night shift workers.

4 Healthy Diet Plan for Night Shift Workers

To prevent further damage to your health, it is necessary to switch to healthy eating habits. Binging on snacks, aerated drinks, and coffee is quite common among night shift workers. Switching to healthy alternatives can reduce the health risks.

• Say no to Sugar
• Include more Protein in your Diet
• Cut down on Caffeine
• Avoid Unhealthy Snacking

 1. Say no to Sugar

Sugar and salt are the two necessary evils. Too much sugar can lead to a number of health problems over the years. Night shift workers consume a lot of sweetened tea, coffee, and aerated drinks. The effects of white sugar and aerated drinks are, however, more damaging for night shift workers. The reason is your body’s ability to process sugar at night decreases. This is the reason why you need to avoid sweetened beverages and aerated drinks. Instead of aerated drinks, you can prepare a delicious smoothie loaded with fruits to stay healthy. Thanks to the KENT Turbo Grinder and Blender machine, you can prepare your favorite smoothie within minutes.

 2. Include more Protein in your Diet

Night shift workers often feel drowsy at work, of course for obvious reasons. Choosing the right food items not only helps in staying awake but also decreases the dependency on caffeine. Including protein-rich foods such as eggs, tuna, cottage cheese (paneer) and peanut butter can help you stay focused and increase your alertness. Foods that are high in carbs such as potatoes, and bread have a sedating effect. An easy way to include more protein is to carry your own food instead of buying wafers or eating fast foods. For instance, you can pack some boiled eggs for your office. Smart kitchen appliances such as the KENT Instant Egg Boiler machine makes it easy to boil 7 eggs in minutes.

3. Cut down on Caffeine

Drinking too much coffee or tea is another habit that night shift employees need to avoid. Instead of drinking endless cups of coffee or tea, carry some healthy foods such as fruits and nuts. Try to drink only 1 or 2 cups of coffee and make sure that you avoid caffeine four to five hours before your shift ends. The reason is caffeine stays in your system for a long period of time and will make it difficult to sleep. The habit may take a while to implement but will definitely help you in the long run.

4. Avoid Unhealthy Snacking

A majority of the night shift workers are obese. The reason is night shift workers snack throughout their shift timings to avoid boredom or stay energetic. Constant snacking on unhealthy food items will result in accumulating empty calories resulting in weight gain. Snacking is not an effective way to boost your energy. Instead of eating unhealthy snacks, you can go for walks, stretch or get some fresh air.

Last Few Words

Working night shifts is a necessity for a number of people. However, just because you work on night shifts, you don’t need to follow unhealthy habits that affect your health. Following the tips mentioned above can help in preventing a number of health issues that you may face at an early age.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Is working the night shift good for health?

Working the night shift can have negative effects on health. It disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and increased risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Night shift workers may also experience increased stress, reduced mental alertness, and disrupted social and family life. Proper scheduling, adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these effects.

2.How do I prepare my body for the night shift?

Preparing your body for the night shift involves establishing a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring a dark and quiet sleep environment, and practicing good sleep hygiene. Adjust your sleep routine gradually before starting the night shift, avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime, and consider using blackout curtains or earplugs. Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and engage in regular exercise to promote alertness and overall well-being during your shift.

3.How to Stay Healthy in Night Shift?

To stay healthy during night shifts, prioritize sleep by creating a dark and quiet sleeping environment. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on off days. Stay active and exercise regularly to boost energy levels. Eat balanced meals and avoid heavy, greasy foods that can cause fatigue. Stay hydrated, limit caffeine intake, and take short breaks to stretch and relax.