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Nutrition flight helps keep servicemembers fit to fight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Terri Barriere
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  The operations tempo in a deployed environment is non-stop. Working long hours away from family and friends can be stressful and takes a toll on the body; however, grabbing a good night's rest, exercising and eating balanced meals is key to staying fit to fight.

According Capt. Saunya Bright, a 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron Nutritional Medicine Flight dietician deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, being fit to fight is more about overall wellness, not just training and exercise.

"Eating well plays a large role in fitness and helps prepare the human weapon system," she said. "It's not just about training well. You have to eat well to be ready."

According to the captain, a lot of people have trouble eating right, but the nutrition flight is here to help.

The clinic has developed the Body Composition Improvement Program to assist Airmen and Soldiers here with weight-management issues. Under this program, servicemembers can receive one-on-one diet counseling for weight management, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, anorexia and bulimia. Unit briefings on basic nutrition and safe weight loss are also available.

In addition to BCIP, the clinic also offers "Think Fit, Be Fit," a behavior modification class aimed at finding the root of weight problems.

According to the captain, the two classes work hand in hand. "Think Fit, Be Fit" looks more at the why of weight problems and BCIP looks more at the science of it," she said.

Though a common misconception, the weight management classes are not just for Airmen looking to lose weight, but also for those struggling to gain weight as well.

"Anyone can attend the classes," said Captain Bright. "Our goal is to prevent people from ever having to get on the weight management program in the first place -- that's why we're being proactive and why we're having these classes."

Eating balanced meals may also help improve duty performance and decrease combat fatigue, in addition to improving overall health. Captain Bright said a balanced diet is the key to having extra energy throughout the day. She suggests consuming calories from healthy sources as opposed to eating "empty calories," like desserts.

"You want to make sure the calories you intake are able to sustain you throughout the day," she said. "Eating in moderation and having self control are also key."

No stranger to self-control, Airman 1st Class David Mann, a 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain's assistant deployed from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, took note of the advice from the nutrition flight, and is now reaping the benefits.

"I knew I was overweight and out of shape," he said. "And being overweight played a lot on my self-esteem. I wanted to better myself, so when I saw the advertisement for the program I took advantage of it."

Airman Mann lost 14 pounds in three weeks on the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's "Choose to Lose in Iraq" program and said he is still loosing.

Setting realistic goals, dieting and exercising are what Airman Mann, the self proclaimed food addict, says are paramount to healthy weight loss.

For those looking for a good place to start, Captain Bright recommends decreasing sugar sweetened beverages, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and limiting fried foods and desserts.

"I went from doing no exercise to working out six days-a-week," said Airman Mann. "If I can do it, you can do it."

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