Healthy lifestyles downrange

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHOJA, AFGHANISTAN

03.09.2012

Courtesy Story

1st Brigade, 11th Airborne Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHOJA, Afghanistan - Spc. Tabetha Mckenzie is a food service specialist assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, “Bobcats,” located at Forward Operations Base Shoja. A native of Emporium, Pa., Mckenzie is also a dedicated vegetarian, a lifestyle choice that can be hard to maintain during a deployment to Afghanistan.

"I became a vegetarian mostly for good health,” Mckenzie says, explaining how “the levels of antibiotics, growth hormones, and steroids that are injected in the livestock” carry a lot of negative side-effects for human consumers.

Mckenzie’s decision to be a vegetarian is particularly interesting given her dual roles as a Combat Service Support soldier in an Infantry unit and a food specialist charged with preparing meals for the other soldiers in the unit. Vegetarians in the military are oftentimes perceived with a certain degree of curiosity by their comrades, who have a hard time understanding why a soldier would object to the killing of animals for food.

“It should not be assumed that the choice to pursue vegetarianism or veganism is based solely on one being against animal cruelty. Many people are more concerned about the health issues linked to eating meat,” Mckenzie says. “It’s a personal health decision more than a moral decision.”

Issues of morality and health aside, vegetarianism is not always an easy path to pursue while in the armed forces.

"There is not always a vegetarian option available at the chow hall,” Mckenzie explains, but caveats with “I still have the option of a vegetarian MRE."

Mckenzie found that her new lifestyle has benefits that come with the hassle of eating green.

"I don't feel quite as sluggish. Definitely more energy. Although, for some reason, I crave sweets more now,” said Mckenzie.

When returning from a deployed environment, soldiers who are married and have children must consider how eating green as a lifestyle change can impact the family and others around them.

"My husband is hesitant yet in agreement with the changes. Upon redeployment, we will be tackling the concept and changes together as a family, including my son,” said Mckenzie. "Right now all I can manage is vegetarianism, but, when I get home I will try to become a vegan.”

Mckenzie went on to explain her reasoning behind such a bold switch. "I am concerned by the further health risks associated with dairy products and dairy by-products. Numerous studies have been conducted worldwide on the health risks of drinking milk. The studies not only showed that dairy products do nothing for human adults, it also shows milk produces enzymes inside the human body that have been linked to cancer. As a mother I want to not only do what I can to live a long and healthy life, but also I want to ensure that my child has every opportunity to live one as well."

After extensive research and personal experience as a vegetarian, Mckenzie believes that her fellow soldiers would benefit from a vegetarian diet.

"Those with certain medical conditions should consult their physician before beginning so they are fully aware of their nutritional needs and how they are going to have to now achieve those needs,” Mckenzie warns. "It is important to research and then make an informed decision. You have to want it for the right reasons. It's not a passing fad or new weight loss diet, it's a lifestyle and it's not always easy to maintain. Anyone interested should make sure they know what their getting into and stick with it."

Care packages can help soldiers who are deployed and trying to eat healthier. The Army also provides vegetarian MRE’s in addition to the choice of vegetables and fruit served in the field kitchens. The vegetarian lifestyle is challenging and requires proper planning and determination for a soldier to be a vegetarian amongst a bunch of meat-eaters.

• Date Taken: 03.09.2012
• Date Posted: 03.10.2012 01:45
• Story ID: 85032
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHOJA, AF
• Hometown: EMPORIUM, PA, US
• Hometown: FAIRBANKS, AK, US
• Hometown: FORT WAINWRIGHT, AK, US