JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” which encourages a return to the basics of healthy eating.
While there is no one diet that is right for everyone, it's important to follow a healthy eating plan that keeps your unique lifestyle in mind while also keeping you fit-to-fight.
“A diet with too many limitations, unrealistic goals or one that constantly deprives you is not something that will help you reach your long-term health goals,” said Aracelis Gonzalez-Anderson, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Health Promotions coordinator. “Small changes over time can lead to long-term success because you’re adopting healthy eating patterns that become a lifestyle change, not a short-term fix.”
Keeping the pantry stocked with items that can be quickly made into a healthy meal is one tip Gonzalez-Anderson recommends to those who may be new to healthy cooking.
“There’s no reason to be intimidated by healthy cooking,” Gonzalez-Anderson said. “Focus on your motivation for eating healthy. It’s about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health and stabilizing your mood.”
Maintaining a balanced diet of protein, healthy fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals is the key to nutritional success, Gonzalez-Anderson said.
Drinking enough water is also an important part of nutrition. Experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend eight 8-ounce glasses every day.
While most people make good choices when they cook at home, many people often feel there are no healthy options when eating out or when eating on base.
But 2nd Lt. Kyle Schuster, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Health Promotions program assistant, says that is simply not true.
“We often hear people say there aren’t any healthy options when eating on base, but Randolph has more healthy options than people realize,” Schuster said. “Randolph scores very high on the Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool, which measures the availability and promotion of healthy options offered on base.”
The commissary now carries pre-made, healthy meals that make it is easy for Airmen to make nutritious choices while shopping, Schuster said. The Exchange also offers a variety of better-for-you choices including salads, low-calorie sandwiches and healthy snack options.
Another important part of nutrition is physical activity.
“Doing regular physical activity can make you feel good about yourself and it can have a number of benefits for your health,” Gonzalez-Anderson said. “Experts recommend 30-60 minutes, five times a week of physical activity, which can include things like cardio, resistance training or flexibility work.”
Schuster also encourages people to take advantage of the information and classes offered at the Randolph Health Promotions office.
“It’s easy to forget about prioritizing fitness and nutrition in our hectic lives, but it’s important for all Airmen to remain fit-to-fight in the Air Force,” Schuster said. “The resources are available to them, but it’s up to the individual to take advantage of them and be proactive with their health and nutrition.”