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Nutrition Clinic can help you spring into healthier eating habits

  • Published
  • By Loren Deer
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - March is National Nutrition Month and the 88th Medical Group Nutrition Clinic is here to help with any questions or concerns regarding nutritional health. The Nutrition Clinic offers a variety of classes and appointments to assist patients with making lifestyle changes to improve their nutrition and health status.

“National Nutrition Month is an entire month devoted to increasing awareness about the importance of healthful eating with the goal of guiding people towards evidence-based nutrition information” said Lt. Col. Amanda Denton, Nutritional Medicine Flight commander and Air Force Materiel Command nutrition consultant.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the typical American diet exceeds the recommended intake levels of added sugars, refined grains, sodium and saturated fat, and is inadequate in amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, and calcium rich foods.

The Nutrition Clinic recommends people make gradual changes in their diet by slowly adding healthier options and cutting out excess calories.

Denton said, “Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive. Think about what your plate looks like.  Do you see three foods groups on your plate?  Do you have at least three different colors of foods?  Does your plate contain at least a half cup of a vegetable or fruit?  Our plates should contain a mix of lean protein foods, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.”

The Department of Health and Human Services says plant-based diets are linked to lower risks of obesity, diabetes, and other illnesses.

“Eating a diet rich in plant foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds has been shown to reduce disease risk,” said Denton.

The Nutrition Clinic offers educational courses such as Winning at Losing, Meal Planning, Heart Healthy Class, Plant Based Nutrition and more.

“Our goal is to have patients walk away with a new understanding of how achievable it is to improve their nutritional status.  We support active-duty members, retirees and dependents towards achieving their nutrition and fitness goals,” said Denton.

The nutrition clinic is in the basement of the Wright-Patterson Medical Center near the main elevators. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on all federal holidays.

To sign up for any nutrition class or for additional information, call the clinic at (937) 257-8815.  For information on nutrition and healthy eating, visit USDA website My Plate at www.choosemyplate.gov.