Freedom of choice Published Jan. 4, 2012 By Kathy Viau Health Promotion Dietitian GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Freedom of Choice. We cherished it. We fought for it. We died for it. This is America. But now... choice is killing us. Recent research has found that we make close to 250 food decisions every day. From a wellness standpoint, sometimes we get it right - "I'll have my dressing on the side, please" and sometimes we don't - "Make my meat lovers supreme with extra cheese and don't forget the garlic butter sides!" It sure is great to be able to choose, isn't it? Ahh, but as most can attest (and probably preached) - choice does not come without consequence. Good and Bad. Consider this: grilled chicken or double cheeseburger, doughnut or egg white sandwich, apple or potato chips. Choosing the unhealthy food option is a risky consideration. Our eating decisions - all 250 of them - can lead to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many other illnesses. Make too many poor food choices... over time, our bodies, our health, will suffer the consequences. The military is on target with keeping service members well fed. But it is more than simply providing ready access to hot meals. Our military personnel need to be Fit to Fight; the eating environment needs to support this goal. Food is fuel, meant to nourish and strengthen. Thanks to a recent Department of Defense Nutrition Committee initiative, entitled 'm-NEAT' -- Military - Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool - installations worldwide are rising to the challenge of making sure healthy eating choices on Base are readily available and easily accessible. This is not without precedent. The Air Force Caring for People Forum identified 'access to healthy food options' as one of ten top priorities this year. Service members are asking for healthier food choices every day. This is a good sign. Asking for healthier options may lead to choosing healthier options. M-NEAT's goal is to insure choices are available when Goodfellow personnel are deciding between cashews and candy. Fit to Fight is more than just passing the physical fitness test and a catchy slogan. Mr. Garry Capers, the Exercise Physiologist at the Health and Wellness Center refers to it as "striving for quality nutrition and engaging in strenuous exercise (as well as rest and recovery)." Quality nutrition cannot be found in a bag of pork rinds with a list of ingredients that reads: "fried pork skins, dextrose, salt, chili pepper, hydrolyzed soy protein, modified food starch, annatto extract, paprika, sugar, dehydrated garlic, citric acid, silicon dioxide". Exactly what is m-NEAT doing to ensure a supportive nutrition environment on Goodfellow? It starts with an appointed working group, which is comprised of squadron representatives. The group is tasked with surveying the various eating establishments (using m-NEAT criteria). These surveys identify strengths and potential target areas for improving healthy eating practices. Everywhere food is purchased or distributed on base is represented in the survey. The Base Exchange, The Express Class 6 and even the vending machines and worksite self-serve snack bars, are scored on such criteria as 'offers 100% fruit juice,' or 'sells light yogurt with "live and active cultures" seal.' Scores are tallied; areas for improvement are ranked and prioritized. The responsibility of the m-NEAT working group is to develop a strategic action plan to address issues that can make a difference in Goodfellow personnel's eating habits. Stocking high volume vending machines with dried fruits and organic protein bars is an example of a small change that could make a positive long term impact in health. The military is in a precarious situation. The health of our service members is the cornerstone of our country's war-fighting capabilities. Data shows the military mission is threatened by an increasing number of service members being overweight, obese, and plagued with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and frequent sick days. Chronic disease conditions that can be managed - even eliminated - by changes in lifestyle, specifically, concentrating on what we eat and how much we move. The impetus behind m-NEAT is to enhance the eating environment to facilitate changing the behavior. One may not go out of their way to buy a box of raisins but if the choice is right there next to the bag of chips ... raisins just may win. It Seems simple but still involves choice. But it also involves thought. Research has shown that when food choices are made with thought, (controlled, deductive) and not memory (it tastes good), the thought purchase ends up being a healthier choice. Over time, those thought-out choices become habit forming which leads to behavior change. This changes leads to smaller waistlines, a greater sense of well-being and a healthier fighting force. Healthy eating is an individual's responsibility and choice. For the military community, individual choice affects not only the service member, but the entire unit. Through m-NEAT, the healthier choices will be frontline. Stop, look, think. The choice will be there. Choose wisely.