Packers hire full-time nutritionist

As part of their efforts to improve player performance and health in any way they can, the Packers have hired a full-time nutritionist to their football staff.

Adam Korzun is the team's first director of performance nutrition and will oversee the food made available in the team's cafeteria as well as advise players individually on their diets. The Packers hired him from the University of Oregon, where he'd been the athletic department's director of sports nutrition since August 2012.

The Packers have been upgrading their dining facilities regularly the last several years, most recently with the cafeteria built adjacent to the locker room that was finished late last season as part of the current Lambeau Field expansion project. In the past the team had consulted with outside nutritionists.

"(Korzun) is a very intelligent guy and knows what he's talking about," defensive back Micah Hyde said. "I'm excited about sitting down and having a talk with him."

Though Korzun's hiring was announced today, he's been with the Packers since at least the start of training camp. He addressed the players as a group on Friday, the day they reported for camp.

"His main thing was tell us not only what to eat, but when to eat it," receiver Jordy Nelson said. "I'm sure there's certain things you're supposed to eat at certain times. You're probably not supposed to have protein shakes in the middle of the day but more as a recovery after working out. Or if it's food, after a workout, eat more of this, for dinner eat more of this. He'll get a feel for how the cafeteria is set up and then we'll continue to get informed."

During training camp the Packers provide all meals for their players, and during the season most players eat at least breakfast and lunch at the team's facilities, and some dinner.

The cafeteria usually serves five or six entrees, a salad bar, several vegetables and several fruits.

Defensive back Jarrett Bush said he plans to meet with Korzun on an off day early in camp.

"I know (Korzun) is going to work with the chefs and what they purchase," Bush said. "Individually it's up to you to meet with him and see what he can improve when you go back home. He has a lot of control here with what food we have."

Korzun has a master of science in nutrition with an emphasis on exercise physiology from Boston University. He's worked as a sport dietitian for several sports for the United States Olympic Committee, and in April 2009 he became a full-time dietitian for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. He also has consulted with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Indians.