Proper nutrition prepares Airmen for fitness tests

Published June 17, 2010
By Jonathan Hicks
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Proper nutrition may help airmen prepare for their Air Force physical fitness tests.

According to Maj. Stacy Van Orden, 81st Medical Group dietitian, there's not much difference between men and women when it comes to nutritional needs.

"Men might require more calorie intake, but both men and women should have a balanced diet that comes from 45-55 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fat and 20 percent protein," she said.

"It's also important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for good nutrition," Major Van Orden added. "The Air Force is way below the national average for consuming fruits and vegetables based on data from the Centers for Disease Control. Healthy snacks will help with the craving for unhealthy processed food such as chips and cookies."

For Airmen who need to lose weight, cutting out 3,500 calories per week equals one pound lost.

"In addition to calorie cutting, eating at least three meals a day will help speed up the metabolism," advised Major Van Orden.

"Believe it or not, waist measurement really is a good indicator of overall health and probable heart problems," she pointed out. "However, Airmen should be careful about taking too many supplements, but a daily multivitamin is a good thing."

To make an appointment for a nutrition consultation, Airmen should contact their primary physician at the base hospital and ask for a referral.

For more information, call 376-5066.