NUTRITION
P O W E R F U E L I N G A H E A LT H Y B O D Y
FIREFIGHTERS’ PERFORMANCE PLATE By Maureen Stoecklein RD
Shifting from highly processed, high sugar, and high fat foods at the station to fruits, veggies, unsaturated fats, grains, legumes and lean meats improves performance and overall brain and body health, while increasing career longevity.
Much of what firefighters encounter during a shift is out of their control. From call volume to the nature of calls and their timing, to mealtimes and hours of sleep, to outdoor climate and shift dynamics – these are out of the firefighters’ hands, but each can have a serious impact on short and long-term health. Statistically, firefighters have a life expectancy that is far shorter than the rest of the population. Cancer, heart disease, and strokes are just a few of the leading causes of death, both on the job and in retirement. These health challenges take a serious toll, leaving firefighters physically and mentally exhausted, injured, sick, and sometimes unable to perform on the job.
W ITH S O MUCH OUT OF OUR CO NTR O L, IT’S IMPORTAN T TO F O CU S ON WHAT CAN BE CO NTR O LL ED, SUCH AS T HE FOODS W E CHOOSE.
72
|
CRAC KYL MAGAZ I N E
Premium fuel optimizes mind and body functioning to make us better prepared for the physical and mental stressors we encounter on shift. This means firefighters need to stay ahead of their hydration needs, eat more fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed foods. These strategies are always important, and not just on work days. Firefighters, unlike professional athletes, don’t have the luxury of knowing when “game time” will be, so we need to arrive at the station well-rested, hydrated, and properly fueled. We’re athletes who need to consider recovery strategies to prepare for the next shift. The body functions best when our brains, muscles, tissues and organs are hydrated and well-fueled. Eating more whole foods like fruits and vegetables, and adopting a Mediterranean diet – one that is rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, fish and unsaturated fats
– can improve a firefighter’s energy systems and performance, boost overall well-being, brain and body health and increase career longevity. Small changes each day will have a tremendous impact on the quality of time we spend celebrating and enjoying our years of service to the communities we serve. By choosing high quality food, firefighters not only increase their ability to work effectively and efficiently on a daily basis, but also set themselves up for a healthier and more enjoyable retirement.
T H E F IR E F IG H T E R S’ P E R F O R MA N C E P L AT E IS D E SIG NE D TO IL L U ST R AT E T H E B E ST E L E M EN TS F O R F U E L ING T R A INING , SH IFT WO R K DAYS, A ND R E C OV E RY DAY S WH IL E SU P P O RT ING NU T R IT ION A L NE E D S F O R O P T IM A L H E A LT H A N D DA ILY P E R F O R M A NC E .
