Mission Nutrition

This lesson introduces the building blocks of a healthy eating pattern and how they relate to Navy performance. Learn about macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and hydration. Understand how these nutrients fuel daily tasks, support training, and protect long-term health. Key concepts include digestion, nutrient absorption, and how nutrition impacts physical and cognitive readiness.

Master the principles of energy balance—how to match what you eat with what your body needs. Learn about metabolism, Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), and how body composition affects performance. This lesson also covers strategies for gaining or losing weight safely, understanding portion control, and maintaining energy availability to support physical readiness and injury prevention.

Explore the connection between what you eat and how you feel. Learn how specific nutrients—like omega-3s, B vitamins, and antioxidants—support brain function, emotional resilience, sleep quality, and stress response. This lesson encourages critical thinking about food choices in high-stress environments and introduces practical strategies for supporting mental wellness through nutrition.

Food safety is mission safety. This lesson focuses on preventing foodborne illness through proper storage, preparation, and handling—especially in shipboard and field environments. You’ll also learn how to decode food labels to make informed choices, evaluate health claims, and use tools like the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list to spot added sugars, sodium, and processed fats

Bridge the gap between knowledge and action. This lesson focuses on real-world application, from planning meals to making smart choices in the galley or while underway. Learn how to build performance plates, read menus critically, prepare balanced meals with limited resources, and fuel effectively during training and long shifts. Interactive scenarios support problem-solving and habit-building.

 

Align your nutrition with your physical training. This lesson explores the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) and how to pair fueling strategies with workout phases (pre-, during, and post-exercise). Learn the principles of nutrient timing, hydration strategies, and recovery fueling to get the most out of physical training and reduce injury risk.

For more information link to the NOFFS nutrition page.

Strong communication supports stronger teams. Learn how to talk about nutrition in a clear, motivating, and respectful way—whether you’re supporting peers, leading a team, or working with a healthcare professional. This lesson includes goal-setting strategies, behavior change principles, and how to tailor messages for different audiences.

Take your fueling to the next level. This lesson focuses on optimizing nutrition for sustained performance in physically demanding environments. Learn how to fuel for endurance, strength, and operational tasks using the performance plate model. Key topics include glycogen management, hydration, and the strategic use of snacks, electrolytes, and recovery foods.

Not all nutrition advice is created equal. Learn how to critically evaluate research studies, spot red flags in media headlines, and assess the credibility of information sources. This lesson builds skills to separate fact from fiction and make confident, evidence-based nutrition decisions in an information-heavy world.

Fuel your body and support mission resilience through sustainable eating habits. Learn how food choices impact the environment and operational food systems, and discover ways to reduce waste, support local sourcing, and choose nutrient-dense foods that align with long-term health and mission sustainability. This lesson highlights the intersection of operational readiness and global responsibility.

Every Sailor has unique needs. This lesson addresses tailored nutrition strategies for females in uniform, service members with high-energy needs, those managing chronic conditions, and others with unique demands. Learn how to apply core nutrition principles while respecting individual differences in physiology, lifestyle, and duty assignment

Supplements can help—or harm. Learn when dietary supplements may be appropriate, how to assess product safety, and what to look for in third-party certifications. This lesson reviews the Department of Defense’s dietary supplement policy and teaches you how to spot risky or banned substances that can compromise health or career.