You may already know all about nutrition and how to feed yourself and your family well most of the time; however, the demands of a military move can sometimes make eating healthily a much more difficult proposition, as eating processed foods become an easier option during this transitional period.
Your levels of stress may well be at an all-time high during a military move and you are also likely to feel the urge to indulge in comfort foods loaded with fat, salt and sugar. These foods can rob you of a balanced mood, energy and good health, however, so you need to stick with the simple requirements for healthy eating – particularly during such a stressful time.
The healthiest plan for you and your family is to consume a varied diet that includes vegetables and fruits, lean meats, legumes and eggs, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats from plant oils and nuts. When planning your next meal, think about using a ten-inch dinner plate and dividing it into various sections, with half the plate full of fruits and vegetables, a quarter with lean protein (three to four ounces of meat) and a quarter full of grains and starches (pasta, bread, rice).
The MyPlate plan from the US Department of Agriculture offers advice on choosing your starches and the consumption of low-fat dairy products. The website Military OneSource also provides an interactive health and wellness course that can help you to make rational choices about food during relocation.
