Brussel sprouts? Sweet potatoes? Grilled chicken? At Fort Drum, this is not your average military mess hall.

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Army is now, more than ever, focusing on the physical health of its soldiers

  • The post is now offering freshly prepared, healthy food choices, that soldiers can eat on site, during their duty day or take home

  • Soldiers say they are happy to be eating healthier and the fact they can take the foods to-go, ensures they are keeping themselves healthier, even during hectic times

"The Army is changing to the holistic fitness model. It's changing to a new physical fitness. Always be ready to fight," SFC Neil Pascual, the Muleskinner Dining Facility manager said.

In addition to working out, the Army is now focusing on diet. It's a move being happily met by soldiers, who know eating healthy is a big part of not only mission success, but their own.

As part of this new focus, Fort Drum is serving new meals, each approved by a dietician and the chefs, they get to work their magic to ensure healthy still means tasty.

"We started at 10 servings when we started. Now, we're up to 50 servings of each meal. We prep three types of meal every week," SFC Pascual added.

It continues to grow, too. Because these meals are to-go meals, soldiers can grab up to three days' worth at a time, ensuring themselves a good, healthy meal when their day is packed and time is limited.

"It's very important. It provides flexibility when I can take my meal, eat it at my own leisure and get back to work and continue with my day," CW3 Kenneth Robertson said after ordering two meals.

For CW3 Robertson, and so many more, it's what healthy has long strived to become: Convenient.