Army dietitian takes top award with fresh menu

Captain Nicola Martin's main work was a programme for young recruits. Picture / Mark Mitchell

The New Zealand Army's first dietitian has bagged the top award for her work in improving nutrition in the armed forces.

Captain Nicola Martin this week won the Dietetic Association's Nestle young achiever award.

A former clinical dietitian at Auckland City Hospital, Captain Martin's main work was a nutrition programme for recruits at Waiouru.

"For most of them, it might be the first time they're away from home, and it might be the first time they've had to make their own choices when it comes to nutrition."

Captain Martin developed a comprehensive nutrition education programme and also introduced a revised menu. Steamed rice is now more common than hot chips or wedges at lunchtime, and sauces are increasingly an optional side dish.

"For example, rather than having cauliflower or broccoli that's drowning in cheese sauce, we now serve the cheese sauce in a jar on the side that's self service.

"We're not taking away all of those choices, we're just limiting the frequency with which they might be available. Whenever those foods are there, there's always healthy options to choose from instead of those products."

Sports drinks are now available after physical training, and snacks such as muesli bars and fruit are available three times a day to aid recovery and to maintain energy levels.

Captain Martin aims next to look at developing nutrition standards and nutrition education in the whole defence force.