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Text Box: Text Box: Gourmet in Microgravity As on earth, people in space need a supply of chemical energy which can be used to do work: food. The astronauts that stay aboard the space shuttle or on the International Space Station (ISS) for extended periods of time need proper nutrition in order to remain healthy and fit to complete their tasks or experiments. Specialized nutritionists ensure that food provided for astronauts has an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals and the correct number of calories. Every astronaut has a different daily caloric intake requirement and his/her meals must be tailored to his/her energy needs. An astronaut's food plan consists of three meals per day and a small snack. Examples of the foods offered by NASA on the shuttles or on the ISS include fruits, nuts, peanut butter, chicken, beef, seafood, candy, and brownies. Astronauts may also choose from a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, orange juice, fruit punch, and lemonade. It is extremely important to provide astronauts with a wide variety of foods and drinks because an astronaut's appetite tends to change in space and because food stimulates the senses while the rest of an astronaut's day may be very lonely and tiring. According to the testimony of many astronauts, they have found to enjoy spicy foods and tart drinks in space much more than when they were living on Earth. Russian Surprise! Since astronauts can remain in orbit for extended periods of time, fresh food is often at a shortage. Unpiloted Russian Progress vehicles are often used to dock with the space station to provide astronauts with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to favorites such as apples, oranges and grapefruits, American astronauts have been surprised to find more traditional Russian foods on the Progress vehicles, including raw onions and garlic! Although not typical to the American space diet, onions and garlic give astronauts and even more diversified and exciting meal plans. Text Box: Fun Facts - There are no refrigerators on the space station or shuttle, only stoves - There is no cold water available on the ISS, only room temperature, warm and hot water - Astronauts often eat warm desserts such as cobbler and bread pudding - Foods that are freeze dried cannot be spoiled by bacteria because of their low water content