USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
October 8, 2012 Issue
Proper Nutrition and Staying Fit for the Challenge Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Jesse Gonzalez USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) can prepare for the upcoming physical fitness assessment (PFA) by remembering that good nutrition is the basis for a good exercise routine. In order to lose weight and maintain a proper fitness level, one has to feed the body the proper sources of energy such as carbohydrates, calcium, protein, and fiber, said the Command Fitness Leader, Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Courtney A. Kittrell. These proper sources of nutrition correctly fuel the body and amplify the energy level, producing a more efficient workout and allows a person to achieve the results intended. One can’t just simply workout and expect to lose weight while still eating hamburgers, french fries, cheese sticks, ice cream, cookies and candy. Food is fuel, said Amelia C. Chappell, the fitness boss aboard Enterprise. The body will only perform to the standard of the fuel it is given. This is also where people trying to lose weight often fall short. Sometimes, workout is conducted correctly, but diet is the issue. These two elements absolutely go hand in hand. Overconsumption leads to weight gain. If a person’s overall calorie intake is still exceeding output, no weight loss will occur. Weight loss, chronic disease prevention, and physical fitness require an overall healthy lifestyle. If any of the pieces of the puzzle are missing, goals are much harder to achieve. “A proper diet is close to the earth with minimal processing and preservatives. This consists of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, whole grains and sufficient water,” said Chappell. “Consuming carbohydrates, protein and fat sources that meet these standards every three hours should keep blood sugar levels regulated, meaning energy levels stay elevated and consistent throughout the day. Smaller, more frequent portions are especially important underway when the working days are very long. (This) helps keep cravings at bay.” Chappell added that the body requires the intake of various macro and micronutrients through a proper diet in order to survive. A proper diet will ensure that the body receives nutrient-dense foods that will support its needs without any
unnecessary additives that could potentially be harmful. When adequately fueled, one can expect stable energy throughout the day, a reduction of chronic disease risk and more efficient, stronger workouts. “Appetite and hunger are two different things,” said Chappell. “One is necessary for survival and the other is emotionally driven. Once people begin to seek healthy avenues for happiness, rather than having an emotional connection to their food, they will be successful.” All fitness goals can be accomplished through proper nutrition. This means limiting supplementation. Supplements will not make up for a diet lacking in vital nutrients. Crewmembers need to be mindful that there is little to no regulation on supplements and taking them could entail a risk to one’s health. Information should be obtained from credible, peer-reviewed sources rather than forums and friends prior to relying on supplements. With or without supplements, all Sailors are required to maintain a certain level of fitness. According to Kittrell, when every Sailor enlisted in the Navy, each Sailor took an oath to obey the orders of those appointed over them. One of those orders is to stay within fitness standards. “We are supposed to protect our families at home but we cannot do that if we cannot do our jobs because we are not within the Navy’s physical fitness guidelines,” said Kittrell. “It’s not an option. It’s an order. A Sailor in today’s Navy doesn’t have any room for error in their record including negative marks for a physical fitness assessment. Failing a PFA is just more ammunition to be denied the next step in your career because you failed to maintain what you signed up to do, and that is follow the rules and regulations.” When a Sailor isn’t exercising and eating right, it affects everyone around them. It begins with the individual. A Sailor’s health could be at risk due to high blood pressure, diabetes, bone and joint problems, back problems, breathing issues, etc. If a person has one or all these symptoms, that person now has to spend time out of a workday to go to medical for physical therapy or general appointments. While that Sailor is away from work, another shipmate has to pick up and complete the job. NUTRITION continued on page 3