Just because they're in space doesn't mean astronauts need to cut down their food intake. In fact, NASA estimates that male astronauts consume about 3,200 calories a day while in space, while women eat about 1,900 calories. The food they bring along is especially designed to meet their caloric needs and to provide them with the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and strong.
Dehydrated Foods
In the early days, astronauts ate foods out of small containers that looked like toothpaste tubes. Astronauts could eat them directly from the tube by squeezing the paste out. They also had small pouches of powder or creamy substances. To eat those, they had to insert a needle or small tube into the pouch, add water and then shake until ready to eat. Later, NASA switched to dehydrated food. Although they still needed added water, the final consistency was more chewy, rather than soft as a paste. The dehydrated foods are anything from chicken to spaghetti or scrambled eggs.
Snacks
While most of the foods the astronauts eat are dehydrated, they also can take some snacks of their choice. According to a 2006 article in Space.com, past astronauts have taken cookies, crackers, nuts, granola bars and M&Ms. The foods are balanced with added vitamins, but the chefs in charge of the food also consult with the astronauts to make sure they pack food they like. Astronauts are asked to try 20 to 30 items and choose their favorites.
What They Don't Eat
Astronauts can't take anything into space that can produce crumbs or break into small particles. That means bread is not allowed, and neither are salt and pepper in their regular form. According to NASA's official website, astronauts bring a liquid form of salt and pepper into space. Crumbs are dangerous in space, as they could get into instruments, clog air vents or get into the astronaut's nose and lungs. Instead of bread, astronauts can take tortillas into space, as these don't crumble.
Fad Diet
The astronaut's diet is also the name for a very-low calorie fad diet. Also known as the "space diet," the astronaut's diet contains fewer than 500 calories per day. The diet is supposed to help you lose up to 6 lbs. in two days and excludes all carbohydrates such as grains and fruits. The diet is considered dangerous because of its very low caloric content and lack of nutrients.
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