By I am all for improving the nutritional value of food at the DFAC but if the short order line remains, fast food is widely and easily available on post, and servicemembers do not receive nutritional training I think this will do little to address obesity:
Hold the mystery meat: Military bases soon could be serving up more fruits, vegetables and low-fat dishes — under the first program in 20 years to improve nutrition standards across the military services, The Associated Press reports.
It seems the measure could not only trim the fat, but the Defense Department’s budget as well.
While the Pentagon spends an estimated $4.5 billion a year on food services, it tallies upwards of $1.1 billion a year on medical care related to excess weight and obesity, the AP reported.
Under the Military Health System’s new obesity and nutrition awareness campaign, led by first lady Michelle Obama, menus at some 1,100 military dining halls will include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lower-fat entrees.
The new program will expect each of the armed services to update menu standards for the first time in two decades and ensure that healthier food choices are available, the AP reported in a story about upgrades to military dining facilities. [Stars & Stripes]
11:33 am on February 12th, 2012 1
I first ate in a DFAC in 1985 and remember a salad bar, skim milk, vegetables, and baked fish. Plus we all scored 300 on our APFT and ran 20 miles a week. What the heck are they talking about healthy alternatives?
11:38 am on February 12th, 2012 2
I can remember the only choice we were offered in the chow line was “Do you want it or not?”
2:15 pm on February 12th, 2012 3
Agree with #1. I saw the same.
I also remember the “egg scare”. You can only have one scoop BUT you can have two grease dripping sausage pattys.
Bottom line, you can lead a troop to the chow hall, but you can’t make the fat-ass eat an apple or greens.
2:41 pm on February 12th, 2012 4
20 miles a week?…although I am all for juicing to eat tasty vitamins and nutrients, I’d be afraid of troops not getting enough calories if they’re eating healthy in the sense that most of mean it.
8:36 pm on February 12th, 2012 5
Some mess halls I have eaten in over the years had severe problems. One at Fort Campell served Chili Mac and short order for three dinners in a row but at least it did have a small salad bar.
The vast majority have plenty of healthy food but it comes down to will power. I saw a lot of overweight soldiers choosing cheeseburgers over lean chicken breast.
9:27 pm on February 12th, 2012 6
All the DFAC’s in Area I save money on their menu to subsidize the CG’s Mess at CRC. So all the HQ folks and KN’s can eat like Royalty and feel good about their status in life, you know..the haves and have nots.
.
11:52 pm on February 12th, 2012 7
Just imagine if commanders and 1st Sgts, maybe even battalion commanders, CSMs, and chaplains would drop in and have lunch or dinner at the DFAC from time to time. Or if the staff duty was required on his tour to take his meals there, and make a duty log/staff duty journal entry in reference to the quality and quantity of the chow, and if the food on the serving line matched the menu.
Nahh- first, someone would have to give a shit.
9:27 am on February 13th, 2012 8
Vince, you speak of the old days, never to be duplicated. I remember plenty of days on duty where that was a requirement.
11:09 am on February 13th, 2012 9
The only healthy choice would be to replace the DFAC cooks
3:47 pm on February 13th, 2012 10
There is only one solution, lets call it the “permanent solution.”
Cannibalize the PT failures and phase backs.
/talk about recycling
//it would be good for the environment