Managing in a 24/7 operation: making the right food available for the night shift

Just as humans evolved to sleep at night, we evolved to eat all of our meals during the daytime. We do not digest food as well at night. The result is weight gain, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal problems. It is therefore important to eat smaller portions and make appropriate food choices.

Unfortunately, often the food choices most widely available at night are fast food, doughnuts, and vending machine snacks. If you have a 24-hour cafeteria, make sure it serves healthy food choices for overnight eating. If you don't have a 24-hour cafeteria, arrange to have vending machines with healthful snacks. Also, arrange for access to refrigerators and vending machines so employees can bring in appropriate meals.