Performance Nutrition in the Field

Taking the time and effort to eat properly in the field can pay off in increased mental alertness and physical stamina.

Weight loss in the field is a big deal. When you are in the field, you may burn almost twice the calories as when you are in garrison. Cutting back on calories will deprive you of the energy you need to keep up.

Any quick weight loss during field operations consists mostly of water and muscle, which is detrimental to health and performance. This can cause fatigue and loss of strength.

• Try to eat at least a snack every 3-4 hours. This will keep your stamina up and your morale high.

• Eat all of the rations or at least some of each item to get the balance of nutrients needed. No one item is nutritionally complete.

• Eat high-carbohydrate foods for snacks when on the move - bread, crackers, granola bars, brownies, cakes, dried fruit, raisins, fig bars, Charms, caramels, and gum drops. This will keep your muscles stocked with glycogen, and keep blood sugar going to your brain.

  

• Fluids are essential during field training. The right amount of water can be the difference between the success or failure of a mission. Dehydration can zap your strength and erode your stamina. When ignored, it can lead to kidney or liver failure and death.

• Drink at least 4 quart canteens of water a day and as many as 12 canteens in hot climates.

Food and water are the force multipliers
that can keep you at your fighting best.

Source: http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/dhpw/Wellness/ppnc.aspx - Materials developed by the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Directorate of Health Promotion and Wellness, 2000.