Many of us work long hours or shifts, and find it very hard to keep healthy and regular eating patterns.

We know that working irregular hours disrupts the body’s natural body-clock, may affect eating patterns and have a negative effect on health, putting shift workers at a higher risk for weight gain and chronic disease.

With that in mind we prepared six tips to help you stay healthy while working irregular or shift hours.

1. Plan your meals

If you’re working nights aim to have your main meal before you go to work. This will keep you feeling full while at work and prevent you snacking throughout your shift. If you’re going to sleep when you get home, just have a small meal after your shift as it can be hard to sleep on a full stomach.

2. Prepare your meals in advance

Preparing your meals on your day off means you can have healthy options within reach. Invest in lunchboxes for easy storage and transport.

3. Make the freezer your friend

Cook items in bulk and freeze extra portions for healthy meals when you don’t have time to prepare anything. Dinners such as shepherd’s pie, lasagne, chicken casserole, beef casserole and spaghetti Bolognaise can be made in bulk and frozen, ready to reheat when you are busy.

4. Bring your own snack

Reduce temptation to turn to vending machines and snacks high in sugar and fat by bringing your own snacks to keep your energy up. Snacks such as fruit, vegetable sticks and hummus, yoghurts and rice cakes are full of healthy nutrients. Choose high-fibre carbohydrate sources such as wholegrain breads and pastas. High-fibre carbohydrates release their energy slower, keeping you feeling fuller for longer during your shift.

5. Keep hydrated

Bring a bottle of water to work and keep it at your work station. You can infuse water with fruit for more flavour without the calories.

6. Moderate caffeine intake

It may seem like a great idea, having caffeine to keep your energy up throughout your shift but it will disturb your sleeping pattern further.