Posted on Apr 29, 2017
What's a good diet and workout plan for someone who lives in the barracks and pretty much only eats at the DFAC?
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Let it be known:
1. I'm not allowed anything in my room besides a microwave.
2. I'm not trying to spend a lot of money.
3. I'm also looking for more of a crossfit style workout.
1. I'm not allowed anything in my room besides a microwave.
2. I'm not trying to spend a lot of money.
3. I'm also looking for more of a crossfit style workout.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
Your choices will be limited. First of all, do not skip breakfast..that will do nothing but promote unhealthy binge eating later in the day when you get hungry. Besides, eating on a regular schedule is one of the best things you can do on any type of nutrition plan. Depending on your DFAC, you will potentially get the most variety for breakfast. Don't be afraid to have eggs in the morning. More research is showing that the protein provided is one of the most bioavailable and the cholesterol concern may not be as bad a previously thought. You should, however, try to limit the added fats to your eggs. Minimize cheese and limit bacon, sausage patties and biscuits and gravy. You don't need to supplement your breakfast with those every morning. Pay more attention to the cold bar and stock up on fresh fruits. If you like cottage cheese, that can also be a good protein source, but be aware that most cottage cheese has a relatively high salt content. Take advantage of apples, oranges and bananas..these can be a good snack mid morning.
At other meals, do not go to the short order side very often. I know it may be boring, but baked chicken and fish dishes are probably your best choices, along with vegetable side dishes. I hate to say it, but pay some attention to the color tags that are supposed to be present for each entrée. You would be wise to avoid the "red tagged" foods most of the time and try to stick with the "Green" and some "Yellow" choices. If you find yourself tired of main line foods, you might do well to take advantage of cold sandwiches or potato bar if your DFAC offers those. Most DFACs will allow you to get a sandwich and then pop over to the main line to get vegetable side dishes instead of fries or chips.
I know salad bar can be boring, but it is also a way to get some fresh ingredients. Try to get spinach over iceberg lettuce and be creative with the toppings. I often find myself making taco salads with kidney beans, cheese and salsa with ranch dressing.
At other meals, do not go to the short order side very often. I know it may be boring, but baked chicken and fish dishes are probably your best choices, along with vegetable side dishes. I hate to say it, but pay some attention to the color tags that are supposed to be present for each entrée. You would be wise to avoid the "red tagged" foods most of the time and try to stick with the "Green" and some "Yellow" choices. If you find yourself tired of main line foods, you might do well to take advantage of cold sandwiches or potato bar if your DFAC offers those. Most DFACs will allow you to get a sandwich and then pop over to the main line to get vegetable side dishes instead of fries or chips.
I know salad bar can be boring, but it is also a way to get some fresh ingredients. Try to get spinach over iceberg lettuce and be creative with the toppings. I often find myself making taco salads with kidney beans, cheese and salsa with ranch dressing.
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1SG (Join to see)
MAJ Charles Blake - I've not heard that, Sir. I should look into that more. My advice was pulled from things I have heard throughout the years.
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1SG (Join to see) - I've had to change a LOT of my opinions over the years and for better or worse that's how I found Robb Wolf and Dr. Noakes. Dr. Maffefone is another good source.
True story about Dr. Noakes, dietitians in South Africa tried to have his medical license revoked (he's been practicing since the '74) for advocating dietary advice that contradicted theirs... It seems that the nutrition world is getting smarter, but then again we may all be changing our eating habits again in 10-15 years...
Thank you though for not reading any argumentative/negativity in my post. These can get out of hand quickly on line.
True story about Dr. Noakes, dietitians in South Africa tried to have his medical license revoked (he's been practicing since the '74) for advocating dietary advice that contradicted theirs... It seems that the nutrition world is getting smarter, but then again we may all be changing our eating habits again in 10-15 years...
Thank you though for not reading any argumentative/negativity in my post. These can get out of hand quickly on line.
1SG (Join to see)
MAJ Charles Blake , I did find some interesting notions that support that groups of people that live on higher fat and almost zero-carb diets fare well. Considering just how much of our food have an abundance of carbs..even when one might think they shouldn't...maybe there is something to be said about a different look at the American diet.
I don't know if you have ever read Fat, Sugar, Salt by Michael Moss. I hear it is an interesting look at how the food industry uses these ingredients to control our diets and their profits
I don't know if you have ever read Fat, Sugar, Salt by Michael Moss. I hear it is an interesting look at how the food industry uses these ingredients to control our diets and their profits
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1SG (Join to see) - I'll read it for sure then. I love learning about this stuff. We have no problems believing that food is fuel - we need to believe that food is medicine too. What we put in our bodies affects the outcome. Simple as that. If you're on Twitter, follow Dr. Tim Noakes. He and his colleagues will blow your mind. The Russells (CrossFit HQ folks) also blog extensively about the influence of lobbyist for the food and sugar markets. They own dietitians and the food pyramid/plate. Our nutrition concepts are terrible but not just the US. We are the ones that published the USDA Guidelines though, other countries followed it.
Military Athlete anything from their greek operator series is awesome, they also have a limited equipment plan. Meal wise it's all about doing the best you can with what you have and planning ahead.
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It's hard to do at the DFAC I'm afraid. They ration your food. The only way I was able to maintain and stay fit was with BAS and meal prep. I wish I had a better answer for you. I even tried talking to nutrition and they just shove that government food pyramid crap down your throat.
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Have you ever thought about talking to your mess Sergeant? These guys are suppose to be up on diet and such.
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Seafood Diet!!! I'm not so certain you're old enough or unfit enough to worry about the issue too much. You could have a Top or CSM ragging on you, which would alter the picture.
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What might work for one individual might not work for the other...not everything is generalized so do what works for you if you see results. Simply put, eat meats, vegetables, nuts&seeds, some fruit, little starch, NO SUGAR. I know how it can be to eat DFAC food, however, the DFAC does offer variety and options to choose from. As far as CrossFit style WODs, go onto the main page of CrossFit and look at their daily WOD; scale them to your ability. If you unsure of how to do the movements, the main site provides "how-to", but I would suggest you get SME supervision from a box instead of just trying to do this on your own. Many individuals get hurt doing a movement they are unsure about or thinking they are doing them correctly. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me directly.
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Diet: Going through the chow hall, variety is the key. Load up on the fresh fruit and raw vegetables. Easy on the dairy, starches, fats, and fried meats. Sweet desserts only once a week.
PT: Variety is once again the key. If you enjoy it, you'll do it. If it is a chore, eventually you'll blow it off for good.
PT: Variety is once again the key. If you enjoy it, you'll do it. If it is a chore, eventually you'll blow it off for good.
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http://darebee.com/
First I'll start by saying I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but they've got a lot of different both single workouts and workout programs. You might have also seem some of their workouts float around on facebook like the monthly abs challenge and such.
A lot of their stuff is straight up body weight workouts, but they've also got some crossfit style stuff as well. They also have some pages on nutrition, meal plans, and some healthy recipes.
I hope this helps and good luck in bettering yourself.
First I'll start by saying I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but they've got a lot of different both single workouts and workout programs. You might have also seem some of their workouts float around on facebook like the monthly abs challenge and such.
A lot of their stuff is straight up body weight workouts, but they've also got some crossfit style stuff as well. They also have some pages on nutrition, meal plans, and some healthy recipes.
I hope this helps and good luck in bettering yourself.
Fitness blueprints: no-equipment visual workouts, fitness programs and challenges, training and running tips, recipes and nutrition advice.
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If you're trying to lose weight, consider my old Flight Surgeon's "no spoon' diet. The no spoon diet is quire simple: anything that requires a spoon to eat is prohibited. Consequently, you can't eat mashed potatoes and gravy, cereal and milk, ice cream, soups, chili, etc. You can eat meat, salad, most vegetables, toast, bacon, granola bars, fruit. You get the idea. The no-spoon diet is designed to cut down on carbs and increase low carb foods while still allowing some foods with essential fiber and vitamins. If you add drinking lots of water every day to the no-spoon diet it works well.
As for exercise, I'll leave that to people with more experience to advise you.
As for exercise, I'll leave that to people with more experience to advise you.
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Do you read Robb Wolf or Tim Noakes? Look them up on Twitter and get smart on what to eat. You can find it in a DFAC. There are several on post, you may have to travel.
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SPC (Join to see) - nuts. well, that simplifies things then... Talk to the DFAC NCOIC and OIC/civilian in charge - whatever. They need to know how they can help you get the food you want to eat.
if you're seriously trying to go HFLC, the easiest way to skip bread and grains is to load up a bowl of greens from the salad bar and then put on grilled meats along with whatever else you want in a salad. I like raisins and other seeds and nuts. skip the desert section and skip energy drinks and soda.
Eggs are good, don't take the yoke out - it's part of the egg. Eat some bacon, it's protein and animal fat. Some of the sausage gets sketchy due to ingredients and preservatives but bacon is much more unprocessed. eat foods without an ingredient list.
There is a newer trend out there to look at weekly calorie count rather than daily. This leads to some selective fasting with interesting results. I don't have any sources to lay that out for you but people notice when they're off starches and grains they do not feel as hungry. It's OK to skip a meal sometimes. Eat fruit and drink water if all they have is pasta and breaded meat. Buy some almond butter - it's great with apples and bananas.
Your options may be somewhat limited, but don't forget that you've already paid for them - it's free to you. Use everything you can at the DFAC first, supplement only if/when you have to.
if you're seriously trying to go HFLC, the easiest way to skip bread and grains is to load up a bowl of greens from the salad bar and then put on grilled meats along with whatever else you want in a salad. I like raisins and other seeds and nuts. skip the desert section and skip energy drinks and soda.
Eggs are good, don't take the yoke out - it's part of the egg. Eat some bacon, it's protein and animal fat. Some of the sausage gets sketchy due to ingredients and preservatives but bacon is much more unprocessed. eat foods without an ingredient list.
There is a newer trend out there to look at weekly calorie count rather than daily. This leads to some selective fasting with interesting results. I don't have any sources to lay that out for you but people notice when they're off starches and grains they do not feel as hungry. It's OK to skip a meal sometimes. Eat fruit and drink water if all they have is pasta and breaded meat. Buy some almond butter - it's great with apples and bananas.
Your options may be somewhat limited, but don't forget that you've already paid for them - it's free to you. Use everything you can at the DFAC first, supplement only if/when you have to.
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