In Iraq, need some advice.

I am a US ARMY Infantryman serving in Iraq.  I make it to the gym as often as possible (usually about 4-5 times a week). Early in my deployment I was seeing some real size gains, but with it getting increasingly hotter here it seems I am now eating and training just to maintain. My weight has also been fluctuating anywhere from 195 down to 185 (I'm 6 foot 3). I'm eating everything I can get my hands on but it doesn't seem to be enough (it's difficult with these ARMY chow halls). I'm also a bit weary about supplements now because we've had a few heat casualties, and being out on mission isn't a good place for a heat related issue.
 
Any help or suggestions would be sincerely appriciated.

Been there and done that when I was in the Marines!

From the chow hall, pocket FRUIT!
Also UNSALTED raw nuts.
Getting and keeping your calories up from calorie dense sources is key.

Creatine helps with water retention and related issues so don't worry about that.
Take your protein with carbs to increase water retention.
Every gram of carbs you store as glycogen stores 2x its weight in water with it!

Try making your training SHORTER.  IF you can get your same volume of training done in 20 minutes vs 40 minutes, you save on calories expended and get a better growth oriented workout.

Hydrate before, during, and after you train.  Use a diluted (1/6) carb drink during training.  Add 5 grams BCAAs to that if you can.  Post training, you want to replace the weight of water lost during training.  So, weigh yourself when you start training, then note any change in weight post training.

Hydrate when you wake up.

Make pre and post training nutrition with carb/protein/creatine a religion.  This is hyperanabolic and also can increase water retention.

Something like this:

Preworkout

(30 minutes out)
    * 0.1 g/lb X bodyweight in Protein
    * 0.2 g/lb  X bodyweight in High Glycemic Carbs
    * 0.03 g/lb X bodyweight in Creatine
(immediately prior)
    * 5 grams of EXTRA BCAA

During Workout

    * 0.1 g/lb X bodyweight in BCAA
    * 0.2 g/lb  X bodyweight in High Glycemic Carbs

Post Workout

    * 0.2 g/lb  X bodyweight of Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
    * 0.4 g/lb  X bodyweight in High Glycemic Carbs
    * 5 grams of EXTRA BCAA
    * 0.03 g/lb X bodyweight in Creatine

It is ok if you don't have exactly these things.  This is just the best growth practice from research and application that we know of.

If you have any specific concerns, let me know!

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good stuff dan

YOU GOTTA EAT BIG, TO BE BIG!!

NASM certified trainer
NFPT certified trainer

Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

Thank you very much for the help with these problems... They took me by suprise, I don't have to deal with them at home. I pocketed a bunch of fruit today, and printed out your post, water proofed it, and put it in my radio pouch of my ruck sack so I can follow it precisely during mission.

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

Salutes to you maverick for serving our country (the greatest country of all)

I thank you for everything you do over there, come back home safe and sound!!!

YOU GOTTA EAT BIG, TO BE BIG!!

NASM certified trainer
NFPT certified trainer

Winter Bulk goal:245-250 by dec 31
Current weight: 235

And thanks Creation! I love what I do. Only four more months and I'm home :P

Anbe Sivam. Period.