R 311337Z OCT 12

ALCOAST 467/12
COMDTNOTE 6200
SUBJ: PERFORMANCE NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS
1. Are you getting "ripped" or ripped off? Coast Guard (CG) members
must fuel their bodies with proper nutrients to function at peak
performance. To assist you in making the most informed decision about
nutrition and supplements, the CG Health, Safety, and Work-Life
Directorate would like to share some great resources.
     A. Operation Supplement Safety. This new program which is
featured at http://hprc-online.org/dietary-supplements/opss, is an
initiative of the Human Performance Resource Center. This site will
educate service members, retirees, and their family members about
dietary supplements. Supplements are a multimillion dollar industry,
but they are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Be
informed and know what and why you are taking supplements. This site
is a great resource to get the straight scoop on your supplement
questions.
     B. Navy Operations Fitness and Fueling Series (NOFFS).  The
http://www.navyfitness.org/nutrition/ website features a great
workout and nutrition system. This site, designed by Athletes
Performance, has information that can help improve your exercise
performance, decrease your recovery time from strenuous exercise,
prevent injuries due to fatigue, and provide the proper fueling
suggestions required during times of high-intensity training and
weight control. Dont waste your workout by not fueling your body
properly.
     C. Choose My Plate. This U.S. Department of Agriculture website,
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ has menus and up-to-date nutritional
information to help you and your family eat healthier. Of particular
note is the new Supper Tracker Food Log, which can help plan and
analyze your diet to ensure you are getting all of your required
nutrients.
     D. Choose Health Options for Wellness (CHOW). You can go to
http://www.uscg.mil/worklife/docs/CGCHOW2012.xls to access an
assessment tool designed to help CG units evaluate their environment,
and determine the extent to which people have access to healthy food
options. This tool can also assist food service personnel to modify
galley menus.
     E. Regional Health Promotion Managers (HPM).  HPMs are Work-Life
professionals that have a great depth of knowledge and experience in
health promotion and are an excellent resource for learning how to
live a healthier life. HPMs can provide guidance in calculating exact
caloric intake needs and can help design exercise and physical
activity programs to achieve maximum fitness goals.
     F. Primary Care Manager (PCM). Members are encouraged to consult
with their PCM before starting any exercise or weight loss program,
especially if they have been inactive for a long period.
     G. CG SUPRT Health Coaching.  This is one of the newest services
the CG offers to active duty, SELRES, civilian employees and their
family members. In this program, a coach will work with each
individual to help develop and promote healthy life style changes.
You can call 1-855-CG SUPRT (247-8778) or schedule online coaching
sessions at:
https://www.achievesolutions.net/achievesolutions/en/cgsuprt/Home.do
2. What, when, and how much you eat can have a huge impact on your
performance and on achieving your fitness goals. The CG is committed
to making changes to help fuel personnel for optimal performance. I
recommend all units and individuals use these resources to make
healthy changes to their diet.
3. POC for this ALCOAST is Mr. Tim Merrell, COMDT (CG-1111),
202-475-5146, or Timothy.M.Merrell(at)uscg.mil.
4. RADM Maura Dollymore, Director Health, Safety, and Work-Life,
sends.
5. Internet release authorized.