Good nutritional behaviors fuel Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob M. Thompson
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Maintaining a healthy diet is the basis for general health and well-being. While this is commonly understood, certain lifestyles or other factors can deter people from practicing good nutrition.

March is National Nutrition Month, and while the entire month emphasizes the importance of good nutrition, the 341st Medical Operations Squadron health promotions team aims to see good nutritional behaviors become a daily routine.

Having a proper diet and establishing a daily routine starts with understanding the principles of what good nutrition is.

“Balance, moderation and variety are vital to good nutrition,” said Gabriella Darrow, 341st MDOS registered dietitian. “These principles help ensure our forces are ready for duty.”

Balance entails eating the recommended serving size from each food group.

“We want to make sure we’re balancing out the food groups because every single one of them has something unique to offer us,” said Darrow.

Moderation requires eating the appropriate amount of your food choices to ensure your body is receiving the suitable amount of nutrients needed.

And with variety, not only is it important to have foods from each of the different food groups, but also varying food within each group.

“Different foods provide different types and amounts of nutrients our bodies need,” said Darrow.

By following these principles, it can make maintaining readiness an easier job for Airmen.

“We want our Airmen to be constantly ready,” said Kirk Clark, 341st MDOS health promotion coordinator. “We need to focus on fueling our bodies right so we can perform better and in turn, have a much more productive and ready force.”

In addition to maintaining readiness, good nutritional health supports the comprehensive fitness of Airmen, or whole airman concept. It can also lead to improved warrior lethality and tenacity among the total force.

“Good nutrition keeps our Airmen focused, both mentally and physically,” said Clark. “By fueling our bodies properly, we can drive our health in the right direction.”

For more information or to speak with a registered dietitian, contact 406-731-4292.