health.mil

Erika Christ  |  health.mil

August 03, 2012

As part of an initiative to improve military readiness, defense leaders are encouraging service members, retired beneficiaries and their families to make better nutritional choices and take charge of their health.  Recently the services have been sharing best practices and introducing a number of culinary programs designed to improve service members’ physical and mental wellness, as well as resiliency.  Here is a roundup of some innovative programs aimed at reducing obesity and raising awareness about nutrition.

Recently, the Air Force instituted a Go for Green program, based on a successful Army model, which provides a color-coding system enabling airmen to easily identify healthy food options at dining facilities. Menu items are labeled in green (eat often), yellow (eat occasionally) or red (eat rarely), depending on nutritional value and impact on performance.

The Army employs the Go for Green program as part of its broader Fueling the Soldier program. Launched in 2011, Fueling the Soldier has changed how dining facilities feed new recruits. The intent is to set a good nutritional example for soldiers from the outset of their careers. The Army’s also offers a Go for Green nutrition guide app for smartphones.

As part of its 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative, the Navy is preparing to launch a Fueled to Fight program soon. This nutritional system syncs up with the color coded Galley Go Green program and is fine tuned to meet warfighters’ nutrition needs. In addition, the Navy Operational Fuel and Fitness Series introduced in January 2012 incorporates sports science-based fitness training and nutritional fueling strategies. NOFFS recently released an iPhone fitness app that includes tips on eating healthy and exercising.

The Marine Corps’ own Fueled to Fight initiative is being carried out by Semper Fit in support of its High Intensity Tactical Training program. In addition to a stoplight labeling system, dining halls now feature more whole grains, low-fat dairy and fresh fruits and vegetables. Some installations, including the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma now offer healthy cooking classes. Marine Corps leaders anticipate that these improvements will lead to higher physical and cognitive performance, as well as increased resilience and combat readiness.

Read more about healthy living.

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