You can't fight on an empty stomach

An army is really rather delicate. Its equipment is expensive and so are its soldiers, on each of whom millions have been spent. Humans, as any modern knows, are high-tech machines that need constant maintenance. For an army, that means first and foremost feeding the troops. Wars have been lost for lack of food.

On combat duty, American soldiers are fed on MREs, or Meals, Ready-to-Eat. These are virtually indestructible and long-lasting packed meals of up to 1,300 calories each. Of course, as with all institutional food, MREs are not loved. "Meals, Rarely Edible", some soldiers call them. "Mr E" (mystery) is another nickname.

A recent US Army study found that combat troops in Afghanistan on MREs for extended periods tend to lose weight, some catastrophically. High stress, indifferent nutrition and selective eating mean that soldiers on the frontline may not be getting enough calories. This deficit produces fatigue, impaired brain function and poor performance.

What soldiers suffer diet-wise on the warfront, office workers deal with at their desks. Faced with performance anxiety, livelihood-threatening situations and team stress, office workers forget about maintenance, including proper food. Office canteens provide the standard roti-sabzi-rice-dal-salad; greater gourmands can eat oil- and carb-rich chhole-bhature from nearby or have a burger or pizza delivered. Most people no longer bring food from home, and those who do find their colleagues dropping by for a bite. If a deadline presses, lunch is ignored, and the tummy's rumbles silenced with sweet tea from the office chaiwala, or a handful of salty snacks. Erratic eating at work will, as with soldiers, impact your output and mental adaptability.

When one of the world's most famous soldiers, Napoleon, died, conspiracy theories sprouted. Was he poisoned? The arsenic theory ruled until a 2006 study confirmed stomach cancer, possibly caused but certainly aggravated by a military diet: "salt-preserved foods, thoroughly roasted meats and few fresh fruits and vegetables, standard fare for long military campaigns," says the study.

Fresh and balanced is best, and even state-of-the-art military MREs can't do that yet. Nor can office food. So beware. Be efficient so you stress less and have time to eat better. Don't make your office desk a frontline in the battle for your health.