'I'M GLAD THAT I HAVE CHANGED COURSE'

How do I make sure I get through the night shift in good health? How do I get down to a healthy weight again? How do I become fit again? These questions have haunted Jan Willem Zoer for some time. The Process Operator at the Gasselternijveen location decided to change course this year. He lost more than 13 kilos and became an Avebe Vitality Coach to inspire colleagues to work on their health. Jan Willem tells his story.

‘Working in shifts is very stressful for your body. Night shifts are particularly difficult. Your sleep-living routine is reversed and there's a very big temptation to eat unhealthily during the night shift. A nice biscuit, a chicken leg left over from dinner. It's all too easy.

In July of this year I decided that I wanted to do things differently. I found myself overweight and I wasn't fit at all. I started a special nutrition programme and have now lost more than 13 kilos. I also took the step to become a Vitality Coach. I'm now passing on the knowledge I have gained to my colleagues. I'm not someone who likes 

to be in the foreground and I certainly don't want to give my colleagues unsolicited health advice. But what I do want is to show my colleagues that if you want to change something, you can. All you have to do is take the first step. I'm the living proof. Food in the night shift is a topic of discussion among colleagues. There are certainly also colleagues who have health problems or weight problems. Many of those colleagues know that they should be living healthier lives, but there are always reasons not to do so. I'm glad that I've changed course. I feel much better. I hope I can inspire colleagues to do the same.’

Three nutrition tips for the night

BY VITALITY COACH JAN WILLEM ZOER

Hungry? Drink a glass of water to take 
away the feeling of hunger.

Still want to eat? Then choose the healthy alternatives and pay attention to the size of the portions. Healthy alternatives are eggs, fruit or salad. Choose protein-rich and low-carb food. 

Also pay attention to the sugar content of your drinks. Fruit juices and soft drinks contain a lot of sugars. Choose water, coffee or tea (without sugar), for instance.