Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

When should afternoon workers have their main meal to best support their shift?

1. In the early afternoon

2. During their breaks

3. Before their shift

4. After their shift

The correct answer is: In the early afternoon

Having the main meal in the early afternoon is advisable for those working afternoon shifts because it can enhance their energy levels and cognitive function throughout their work period. This timing allows the body to digest the meal before the shift begins, ensuring that energy is readily available when workers need it the most. Eating early provides necessary nutrients to sustain performance and concentration while on duty, preventing feelings of fatigue or sluggishness that can occur if the meal is consumed too close to the beginning of the shift. Having meals during breaks, while it provides immediate relief from hunger, may not allow enough time for digestion before returning to work, potentially leading to diminished energy levels. Eating before the shift can help, but if the timing is not close enough to the start of work, some individuals may still experience a dip in energy later on. Consuming a main meal after the shift generally does not support the immediate demands of the work, as energy levels would have already been depleted throughout the shift. Thus, the early afternoon meal is a more effective choice for optimal performance during afternoon shifts.