Military Nutrition, Essay Example

Nutrition experts have been raising concerns about the diet and nutritional values of food supplied to the armed forces.  Laurie Tubbs[1] has emphasised the important need for correct nutritional values in food combined with regular exercise regimes.  She pointed out that the elite combat units do not devote sufficient time to gaining the right sort of nutritional food and the lack of access to gyms and exercise facilities (Tubbs, L. 2012).

The military is being educated in this regard and making step improvements towards getting the balance right. The Navy in particular has been introducing ‘health food alternatives’ in their vending machines.  Tubbs indicated that it is important to gain good nutritional values from food intake prior to deployments.  It is important to gain self-discipline and eat sensibly, for example 4-5 small meals per day are far more value than one big meal of low calorific and nutritional value (Tubbs, L. 2012)

I would agree with Tubbs in so far as eating the proper nutritional food is vital to remaining at peak performance, particularly in combat positions.  Further, the need to control alcohol intake and consumption of sodas which are known to put on weight. There are also diets like that of DASH that can help prevent gaining high blood pressure or hypertension that in turn can result in the more serious illness of diabetes.  (National Strength and Conditioning Association, 2012).

Tubbs pointed out that those who maintain logs of food intake (diet) and exercise are far more likely to be successful by demonstrating self-discipline.  She stated that breakfast was the most important meal of the day and that military personnel should ensure that they hydrate and take fluids throughout the day.  Tubbs has been working extensively with the US Military and in particular the Navy in the determination of making nutritional and dietry improvements to military personnel.  One of the important points stressed is the need for military personnel, who are in the process of working up to be deployed, should maintain physical fitness and build a good nutritional food regime.  Combat conditions often fail to provide the right conditions for eating healthily and as such it is important to build up resistance.

References

National Strength and Conditioning Association. (2012, 9 18). Optimizing Performance. Retrieved from National Strength and Conditioning Association: http://www.asca-lift.org/Home/

Tubbs, L. (2012, 9 19). Adjunct Professor, Adjunct Professor in Nutrition at Norfolk State University (NSCA, Interviewer)

[1] Adjunct Professor in Nutrition at Norfolk State University