Introduction:

First, the bad news. Although the modeling of a space frontier diet occupied a prominent place in the original proposal for this mission, the specifics of the project were not available prior to crew selection. As a result, a few of you have signed on for research which might have given you pause, had you known.

Now, the good news. This project has not been concocted on the spur of the moment. As much as fifteen years of hard work has gone into creating this version of wetware support. It is not Fear Factor. You will not be asked (at least by me) to eat live bugs or subjected to living and/or working conditions which you find onerous.

During the mission you may wish to eat or drink items which are not included in the diet we are testing. Keeping in mind the limited space (pun intended) in the hab, you are welcome to bring items which constitute comfort foods, if you must. The only caveats are that you consume privately and report consumption of non-sim items, so our findings will not be skewed.

That being said, I remind you that this is merely a fifteen day experiment, not a lifelong commitment. You may not agree with the dietary choices made, the underlying premises, or the methodology used to track this study. However, cooperation, flexibility, and a sense of humour would be gratefully appreciated by all. I will warn you that if you suddenly turn into George Bush, Sr. and start complaining about broccoli and you did not state your aversion in the pre-mission query about diet likes and dislikes, I may have to hurt you.

Time Frame Restrictions:

As the name of the study implies, we are not looking at a fully established space colony. On the contrary, the model is of a fledgling human lunar outpost, a mere three months into the first crew rotation. We will have available only what dried supplies were shipped in with us as well as the start of a small greenhouse. Both variety and quantities of fresh food will be limited.

Nutrient Balance:

The backbone of the meal plan is the Canada Food Guide and portions are measured in accordance with the Exchange System of the Canadian Diabetic Association. Given the level of physical and mental stress associated with extreme conditions, the model diet is high protein, high fibre, and low salt. There is no meat and little dairy in the diet. Protein is provided at every meal, usually in the form of legumes (nuts, seeds, beans, soy).

Starches will take the form of complex carbohydrates. Homemade bread, vegetable pastas, multigrain hot cereals, and assorted baked goodies will provide an interesting variety to tempt most palates. While we will have some fresh vegetables, as a sim for what would available in the greenhouse, these will be amply supplemented by a variety of dehydrated items.

While no carbonated or alcoholic beverages are provided, there will be an abundance of clean water and thus the ability create a wide variety of juices, and hot drinks. Caffeine users will be glad to know that there will be coffee, tea, and chocolate. For those with hypertension or those trying to avoid it, there are tisanes (herbal teas), decaf, and hot cider.

Even though I do not imbibe myself, I strongly suspect that one of the first personal projects on the moon may be to build a still. However, projections indicate that the materials (potatoes, etc.) and corresponding free time will not be available at this stage.

Similarly, although fruit is an essential part of any diet, fresh fruit will be scarce for years into the settlement. To meet our minimum daily requirements we need your indulgence and your vigilance. While dried fruit is good nutrition, it may also be a powerful laxative for unaccustomed consumers. Vitamin C drops will be the candy of choice on this mission to compensate for the lack of citrus.

In order to accurately model this phase of frontier settlement, it is advisable to supplement the daily meals with a multi-vitamin. These will be provided and consumption is voluntary. However, they are highly recommended to reduce the risk of deficiencies which might adversely affect your performance.

Crewmembers who are unaccustomed to a legume-based diet are invited to use digestive aids. Papaya contains enzymes which ease digestion and improve adsorption of nutrients from many foods. These fruity chewables and instructions on their use will be provided.

Payload Limitations:

Water can be created in abundance on the lunar surface. Rocket fuel is expensive. In no scenario is it rational to pay for shipping water to the moon. Prepared foods are water intensive. Food and beverages in this project will be freeze-dried, dehydrated, or otherwise powdered.

Packaging has a similar problem. Excess materials are heavy to ship and are immediate garbage, in many cases. Canned and bottled foods have both problems, requiring us to ship water in a heavy container. The only such items classified as in-sim for our purposes are those already on site but which would normally be shipped in a more realistic form, such as cooking sauces.

Meal Structure:

Breakfast takes place from 6am to 8am and will consist of starch, fruit, and protein. Hot bread and hot drinks will be ready at 6am. Each morning a hot meal dish will be prepared, such as hot cereal (no, not just oatmeal), eggs, or pancakes.

With hot cereal toppings, may be added (nuts, fruit, honey, nutmeg, cinnamon, etc.). Egg dishes can be plumped up with vegetables, spices, or even powdered cheese. Fruit, nuts, or syrup can add zing to flapjacks.

Those preferring a one-handed breakfast can top their morning bread/toast with high protein nut butter or fruit preserves or both.

Elevenses is a mid-morning break. There will be fruit, beverages, and starch available to get you through to lunch. This snack will be comprised of muffins, scones, or equivalent during the first week. Adjustments will be made as we go along to favour preferences.

Lunch should ensure mental and physical insulation from the extreme conditions. Every day a different homemade soup and complementary side dishes will provide another high protein but otherwise light meal. Given that this break comes in the middle of what will be a strenuous day for most, the emphasis is on both nutrition and ease of digestion.

Afternoon Tea is a far cry from the British version. Instead of a big meal, it is more of a Canadian incarnation where one can choose from hot or cold beverages and snacks which may be sweet or salty. Once again it is a stopgap to give us a break and get us through to the next meal.

Supper is designed to be a more leisurely affair, in that the physical (although rarely the report-writing) workday is finished for most. After a day of simple fare, we relax with cuisine from India, Thailand, Mexico, China, Canada, and other exotic countries. Recipes are prepared with delicate stomachs in mind. Table condiments will include enough powerful spices to satisfy even the most asbestos gastric system.

Recording of the results from this simulation is both quantitative and qualitative. Careful recording of ingredients and procedures will be collected as part of a project to create a cookbook for future crews. The qualitative reporting is where you come in. Don't panic (in large friendly letters). The researcher gets to do all the writing. All you need to do is eat and voice your opinion on every part of every meal. You are welcome to be as honest as you like, but be polite, or no dessert.