Naval Special Warfare - 10 Nutrition Tips

Easter is over and Dan is already adding a second portion of cream to his apple strudel... - No problem, because he is "Fighting Fit" and burns the excess calories he consumes for his luxury body with sufficient exercise. But that is not the only measure. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) also takes care of the basic needs of its soldiers, which is why NSW also provides "10 Nutrition Tips". We at SPARTANAT present you these tips:

1. Don't believe anything someone has written about nutrition if they are also trying to sell you something.

2. Read the labels on food packaging. Carbohydrates, protein, and fat content per serving are listed there.

3. Most Americans do not need additional intake of vitamins. But if you want to increase your vitamin intake, then take the affordable products that are taken daily. The "megadose" amounts of expensive miracle vitamins only increase the vitamin content of what you excrete daily.

4. Do not take protein and amino acid supplements. One gram of protein per half kilo (or pound) is the highest recommended amount of protein, even for weightlifting and bodybuilding. Most athletes who are not vegetarians take more than that with their normal diet.

5. Reduce the fat content of your diet to 30 percent (1 gram of fat = 9 calories). Watch out for red meat, peanuts, hard cheese, and anything that is fried.

6. If your endurance is challenged - for example, during long missions, on cold diving days, or during triathlons - load up on carbohydrates with 1,500 calories per day starting three days before the event. At the same time, reduce fat and protein intake. Also reduce your training on these days and avoid exposing yourself to cold on those days.

7. For long, intense aerobic training sessions (BUD/S or triathlons), eat enough carbohydrates to maintain your weight. The best sources for this are pasta, fruits, bread, potatoes, and rice.

8. Eat fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grain products every day.

9. Short-term diets for weight loss are generally pointless and sometimes dangerous. Sustained weight change is achieved only through sustainable changes in your diet and exercise behavior.

10. The most common dietary problem in our country is overeating. Don't eat if you're not hungry. Stop eating when you're full, not when the plate is empty.

Source: The Navy SEAL Nutrition Guide