Eating for life

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  As the Air Force continues to downsize, each Airman becomes more vital to the mission which means it's more important now than ever to ensure Airmen are focused on their total well-being. One aspect of well-being that is sometimes overlooked is maintaining a healthy diet.

"Diet plays a bigger role than most people think," said Leah Beckham, Health and Wellness Center health and fitness specialist. "People think they can eat whatever they want and just go exercise a lot, but diet and exercise go hand-in-hand."

People who eat junk food high in trans and saturated fats, as opposed to nutrient-rich foods, may feel more sluggish and have less energy, she added.

Keeping a healthy diet can be difficult for some Airmen who work long hours and may not have access to a kitchen to prepare meals. Too often these hungry, rushed workers reach for a quick, microwaveable meal that can be loaded with saturated fat and not provide adequate nutrients. But, not all of these meals are created equal and Beckham urges Airmen to read labels and go for the healthier options. Backham warns even the leaner meals can be high in sodium, so moderation is key.

One convenient and affordable option is the Dining Facility. There are a variety of meal options available, with plenty of healthy choices for patrons. Though the menu is set by Air Force Services, the dining facility here is dedicated to providing Airmen with sensible choices.

"We try to have healthy options available as much as possible," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Thomas, Red River Dining Facility store room NCO in charge. "For example, we keep lots of fruit available so Airmen can have a balanced meal."

Healthy eating impacts nearly every aspect of a person's life and has a direct effect on an Airman's ability to accomplish the mission.

"I am energized throughout my work day and pass my PT test with a 90 or above every time," said Senior Airman Jamie Walden, 2nd Operations Support Squadron, who attributes her fitness largely to her healthy diet. "I am able to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get in a workout and run PT."

Walden eats several small meals a day consisting of egg whites, chicken, sweet potatoes, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eliminating junk food and high sugar snacks was a challenge but has made a big difference.

"It took a few weeks to get used to the structure and cut out the sugars and junk I was eating, but as soon as I saw a difference, I never wanted to go back to the bad eating habits," she said.

Though it isn't necessary to make a change as dramatic as Walden's to live a healthier lifestyle - small changes and practicing moderation are enough to significantly improve an unhealthy diet, said Beckham.

"There is no such thing as off-limit foods, it's just about moderation," she said. "You can still enjoy your favorite foods, just eat less of them."

A diet with drastic changes and no leniency can cause someone to burn out and abandon their healthy eating habits all altogether.

No matter how big or small the change, any improvement in eating habits is a step in the right direction - a step that can benefit your career as well as your overall quality of life.