HAWC nutrition classes is a way to ease into weight loss regimen

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • TEAM EGLIN PUBLIC AFFAIRS
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  NOTE: This is part one of a three-part series about programs offered by the Health and Wellness Center to assist Team Eglin to eat better, be healthier, feel stronger and boost energy levels. Part two will deal with beginning an exercise regimen.

The holidays are traditionally a time of indulgence; January a time for new beginnings.

Losing weight and living a more healthful lifestyle tops the list of many Americans' New Year's resolutions. There are other ways to ease into a healthier lifestyle for those who break out into a sweat just thinking about the gym.

"Start small," advises Kathy Halliday-Fields, Health and Wellness Center . "Little changes can pay big dividends."

Starting with nutrition is a great way to ease into the journey.

"Simple tweaking to diet can make a huge impact," Ms. Halliday-Fields said. "And you don't have to go to the store and buy all organic foods. A lot of people think foods have to be fresh, but it can be frozen. Set goals that are doable and remember the concept KISS, Keep It Simple, Silly."

Other steps to improving nutrition include drinking more water and cutting down on soda, according to Melissa Brannon, a HAWC registered dietician. Cutting down the consumption from six to two sodas per day eliminates a significant amount of empty calories. It is not necessary to forbid any items since any food can fit into a healthy lifestyle, she said. Eating foods from each food group where variety, balance and moderation are the keys to success.

Another mistake many make when trying to lose weight is not eating enough and exercising more. They become drowsy and fatigued. Remember, it's important to fuel your body to get results, Ms. Fields said.

The HAWC offers myriad programs to assist in building healthier habits, and they are open to active duty, civilians, dependents and retirees.

Healthy Weigh 4 Life begins Jan. 21 and is just one tool available to Eglin personnel. It is a 10-week series that teaches the basic principles of healthy nutrition with cooking demonstrations, eating healthy out and on the go. The two-hour classes tailor to the nutritional needs of the attendees. A follow-up course, Healthy Weigh 4 Life Maintenance, is a support group which will begin meeting this spring.

Kids on the Go is a class aimed at parents and children ages 4 to 8 and 9 to 12. The class takes a hands-on approach to making healthy snacks. The parents and children play games and learn the basics of healthy eating. The next class will be offered Feb. 6.

"It's designed to give parents and kids quick tips on nutrition," said Andrea Moneymaker, HAWC health fitness instructor. "A lot of eating habits are set before we become adults. Trying to overcome years of bad eating behavior is not going to change overnight."

Lighten Up is a seven-week program that addresses behavior change toward nutrition and exercise. The Tuesday classes have already begun, but anyone interested can still sign up on Air Armament Academy Web site. To get credit for the class, however, attendance is required for all classes. The next series begins the first week of March.

Performance Power is a basic nutrition and weight management class for active-duty personnel only. This class begins Feb. 3.

Other nutrition classes offered by the HAWC periodically include Recipe Modification, Meal Planning, Eating on the Run, The Mystery of Food Labels, Food Safety, Exploring My Pyramid, Sports Nutrition, Fad Diets and Dietary Supplements.

No matter what avenue one takes, nutrition is good place to start.

"A lot of what we eat affects how we feel and how we perform," said Fields. It doesn't take a huge effort to begin behavior change. Start small, makes simple changes and move on from there."

To sign up for these and other classes, visit the HAWC or call 883-8022/9035. For more information on classes offered by the HAWC, visit https://civilian.afmcwellness.com/. Individual appointments are available. Other free resources are available online at www.mypyramid.gov, www.fitday.com, https://civilian.afmcwellness.com/ and www.militaryonesource.com.