Have soldiers monitor themselves for signs of dehydration or illness. Maintain Adequate Food Intake 1. Encourage soldiers to eat at least two balanced meals per day. Individuals should not use the field as an opportunity to lose weight. Although depressed appetite and monotony reduce acceptance, personnel must consume their rations.
Field rations contain all the essential nutrients needed to maintain health and physical fitness.
Soldiers need to eat some of all the food items issued to ensure adequate nutrition and salt intake. Failure to replace salt can lead to salt depletion, dehydration, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, or more serious problems. This can occur when soldiers are sweating and drinking, but not eating. Do not restrict water or beverage intake with meals or the amount of food consumed might also decrease. Commanders should monitor serving lines, watching to see what and how much soldiers eat, and intervene when appropriate to prevent problems from developing.