RP Strength Podcast Army Dietitian Reveals Why Soldiers Struggle With Nutrition | Gerald Ernat
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Apr 6, 2026 
Gerald Ernat, a sports dietitian for the U.S. Army who runs nutrition for the Holistic Health and Fitness system, breaks down common soldier nutrition myths and explains why arriving shredded for selection is a mistake. He describes dining-hall realities, calorie needs during intense training, practical on-the-go food strategies, and the protein-plus-fiber framework for real-world results.
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Common Soldier Nutrition Myths
- Soldiers often fall for social media 'bro myths' like urgent post-workout protein, extreme diets, and miracle supplements.
- Gerald's role is to filter that noise and teach common-sense, evidence-based foundational nutrition practices.
Don't Arrive Shredded For Selection Courses
- Avoid trying to show up shredded for extreme courses like Ranger or BUD/S; enter slightly heavier to allow inevitable weight loss.
- Gerald advises coming in 10–15 pounds heavier because limited food, little sleep, and high output will cause weight loss during selection.
Sneak Calories With Drinks And Desserts
- To add calories in structured environments, prioritize calorie-dense but available options like sauces, chocolate milk, sports drinks, and snacks.
- Gerald suggests sneaking in high-calorie drinks and dessert items when soldiers need to gain weight without extra meal access.