Our nation’s military is a force to be reckoned with. Every day, the brave people of this country who give their very being to ensure the country’s welfare, wake up early, train and do their best every day.
Many wonder how seemingly average citizens can become military powerhouses. While exercise, training and morale boosters like challenge coins play a part, one major factor is how military diets utilize healthy foods to get the most out of the soldiers who eat them.
Why the Right Food Is So Important in the Military
Because the United States military branches consist of some of our nation’s finest, eating right is crucial to ensuring peak job performance from all members—from soldiers and sergeants to branch-specific roles.
If they ever go to war or into a country torn by war or battles, all soldiers must get the proper nutrients to keep their bodies and minds strong. On the flip side, on peaceful days, they need to eat well just in case of an emergency or do tasks like training new recruits and traveling across bases without tiring.
What’s in a Military Meal?
Because of the sheer amount of physical activity those in service engage in, they need to eat high amounts of calories to keep their body fueled, whether they come from standard garrison meals or well-balanced MREs. And what those calories contain nutritionally is crucial
Strengthening Muscles With Protein
Protein is essential for building and healing strong muscles and partially supplying energy to the body. Military personnel typically get their protein fill through low-fat meats like chicken, turkey burgers and dairy products.
Keeping the Brain Sharp With Brain Foods
Being physically strong is only part of the soldier success equation. Keeping their brains healthy with brain-boosting foods is crucial so they can handle the stress and engage in the tough, quick decision-making needed in service. Fish with omega-3 fatty acids, like the superfood salmon, helps with feeding the brain.
Fruits and Vegetables Help Prevent Health Risks
It’s well-known that vegetables can help prevent health issues like strokes or heart disease and are wonderful for reducing blood pressure and regulating blood sugar. All those benefits are also valuable for soldiers, as they can’t afford these types of health problems in their line of work. Dark leafy greens like spinach are perfect for staving off these conditions.
Energy Through Carbohydrates
Although the human body can get some energy from protein, the ideal primary energy source is carbohydrates. Soldiers require tremendous amounts of energy, so those in the military benefit from high-carb foods like rice, beans and bread. Since soldiers have to endure large amounts of fitness, it’s important for them to have enough stamina and endurance.
DIY Nutrition for a Military-Inspired Lifestyle
Feeling inspired by the military’s focus on effectiveness and efficiency? You can weave these principles into your own diet—no MREs required! First, remember to focus on healthy eating by getting the protein, brain foods, fresh produce and healthy carbs your body needs.
Then, start thinking about which foods you can easily work into your diet. You’ll struggle to stick to your new habits if you try to overhaul your entire life in one fell swoop.
An easy place to start is with Nature Jim’s fresh sprouts. Whether you pick them up at your local grocery store or order a bag of seeds to grow at home, it’s easy to add sprouts to all your favorite meals and snacks—blend them up in protein shakes, add them to pasta sauce or sprinkle them on burgers and sandwiches.
With a small amount of effort and planning, it’s easy to utilize healthy foods just like our U.S. military members, and help your body function like a well-oiled machine.
About the Author
George Reynolds
Nature Jim's Sprouts Owner and CEO
Since 1996, George has been working hands on with all thing’s spouts, sprouting and sprouting seeds. He is also a natural health and well-being enthusiast who believes in the power of good health habits. George’s focus on healthy food, nutrition and exercise aligns perfectly with his many years of professional experience as the President of Nature Jim’s Sprouts and Reynolds Industries.
George firmly believes in the health benefits of sprouts and makes them a part of his daily diet. His favorite way to eat sprouts is raw and on sandwiches and salads.
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