GRAFENWÖHR, Germany—The U.S. Army will implement Go For Green, a menu-labeling system that rates foods based on how they affect physical performance, in dining facilities worldwide by next year reports the Stars and Stripes.
The system uses a traffic light system where green labels denote nutrient-rich foods that are low in fat and calories; amber labels are placed on higher calorie foods lower in vitamins and minerals; and red labels will be for foods with the highest fat and calorie content. Red foods are deemed "performance limiting foods” by the Army.
The Go For Green guidelines were developed at the Army facility Fort Benning, GA in 2007 and are based on fat content and complex carbohydrates. The system is already implemented in some Army medical facilities.
The Army is trying to say away from the term “healthy” because it doesn’t appeal to younger males, said Lt. Col. Dianne Helinski, nutrition adviser for the Army Food Program at Fort Lee, VA in the Stars and Stripes article. In stead, the program will highlight foods that support the “solider athlete.”
Helinski added the Army is trying to boost soldiers’ intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs).