DVIDS – News – Soldiers learn to improve performance at Fort Drum Nutrition Symposium

Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) participated in a nutrition symposium held at Fort Drum on April 25, 2024. The event was intended to expand the dissemination of nutrition and dietary programs at Fort Drum and inform Soldiers across the garrison of healthy practices and theories to improve performance in an alpine environment.

The nutrition symposium was aimed at increasing Soldiers’ understanding of the importance of proper nutrition while building and maintaining physical and mental readiness.

“The way you fuel your body will impact your physical performance,” said Capt. Michelle Thompson, director of nutrition. “And if you can refuel properly here, it will result in better physical training and allow you to be better on the field.”

Proper nutrition plays an important role in the overall health and performance of military personnel, especially those in harsh environments with increased physical demands.

This symposium provided Soldiers with valuable information about their specific nutritional needs and strategies to improve performance and prevent injury.

“The purpose of the Nutrition Symposium is to bring leaders and Soldiers together to learn all we can about nutrition,” said Sgt. “It starts with what they eat when they wake up, all the way to everything they’re given in the field during foot training,” Public Health Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Harper said.

During the symposium, soldiers learned about the importance of fueling the body with the right nutrients to support physical and cognitive performance.

Soldiers also received instruction on meal plans, hydration strategies, and supplements that can support their overall performance.

By providing service members with the knowledge and tools to make informed nutritional choices, the Army enables them to meet the physical and mental demands of a difficult mission.

This holistic approach to nutrition education helps ensure Soldiers are properly prepared to perform at their best in a variety of environments and situations.