Diet technicians help Airmen stay healthy

by Master Sgt. Stephen Staedler
440th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

8/10/2014 - POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- There's no question that the Air Force wants healthy Airmen.

Mind, body and spirit - the three components that comprise a healthy Airman - are outlined in the Air Force Core Values, Air Force Standards and the Airman's Creed. Of course the component that's of most interest to the diet technicians of the 440th Airlift Wing is body.

The wing's diet technicians help develop and implement nutrition plans to keep Airmen at their peak mental and physical ability.

"This is a very interesting and necessary career field," said Master Sgt. Houston Gilliand Jr., NCOIC, professional services, 440th Medical Squadron. "Our team (Nutritional Medicine Flight) has information and resources available to help every Airman in the wing lead a healthier lifestyle."

It should come as no surprise that the way to start the journey to a healthier life is through the foods Airmen choose to eat.

"I think most people know what they should and shouldn't eat, but it's all about practicing good eating habits," said Airman 1st Class Allison Hixson, diet technician, 440th MDS. "The goal is to cut out a lot of the unhealthy snacks and make sure you're getting the right amount of fruit, protein and vitamins, because together they affect how your body works every day. As long as you're getting the right amount of nutrition from your meals, your body will function a lot better."

In addition to advising Airmen on the best foods to eat, Air Force diet technicians perform a wide variety of duties, including:

· Promoting sound nutrition practices and providing a supportive environment for in-garrison and deployed military operations that optimize human performance
· Performing a variety of management and clinical duties, including nutrition assessment and patient education, menu planning, conducting patient interviews and training nutrition personnel
· Formulating and implementing policies for nutritional medicine service and serving as an advisor to the commander in matters of nutrition and dietetics.

The geographic location of any military installation and the local foods and drinks people consume poses a challenge to our diet technicians. Pope Army Airfield is in the heart of sweet tea country, a high sugary drink that people need to drink in moderation, Gilliand said, adding a tasty alternative is water with a slice of lemon or cucumber to give it a little flavor.

"There are a lot of different things out there for those who don't like straight water," he said.

The bottom line is that Airmen need to be physically fit and ready to deploy, and making healthy eating choices is the best way to do that.

"The Air Force is pushing for a lifestyle of healthy living," said Gilliand. "The key is to make smart healthy choices, exercise and eat in moderation. Do that, and you'll be fine."

For more information on healthy eating, or to speak to one of the wing's diet technicians, call 910-394-3299.