New years, new you

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ciara M. Travis
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  After a holiday season with several opportunities to feast, many will use the beginning of the new year as a chance to get in shape and get a grasp on their personal eating habits.

Ramstein's Health and Wellness Center makes it easier to commit and follow through with a healthier lifestyle change.

"Modifying your lifestyle can be as simple as setting realistic goals for yourself and just following through," said Tech. Sgt. Darren Banks, HAWC noncommissioned officer in charge. "The little things like eating breakfast or parking at the back of the parking lot to get an extra minute of brisk walking can make a healthy difference towards a more nutritious lifestyle."

Along with moral support, the HAWC also offers a class, Battle of the Bulge, every Monday during the month of January (excluding Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 17, in which case the class will be offered Tuesday, Jan. 18) from 3 to 4 p.m.

Battle of the Bulge, open to all ID card holders, was created to assist members of Team Ramstein in warding off any extra weight accumulated during the holiday season. The class, designed to make weight loss and nutritional fitness easier, will act as a learning tool to those interested.

While changing little things helps us individually, the overall Air Force mission is in the hands of each Airman.

"Resiliency is very important when it comes to a healthy lifestyle because as Airmen, we are expected to be able to spring back into shape and recoil quickly after being stretched to an extreme limit," said 1st Lt. Lindzi Howder, HAWC nutritional program manager.

While being physically fit in the military is important, everyone should be concerned with their own health.

"Being physically fit is the ultimate weapon against the enemy, and while fitness is important while on active duty, it is also important on the civilian side," said Lieutenant Howder. "The idea is to set realistic and attainable goals so you aren't setting yourself up for failure."

Like any goal, weight loss and a healthy mindset should be taken slowly and practically.

"You have to make small changes in behavior before you can change an entire lifestyle," Lieutenant Howder said.

An example would be -- instead of drinking no more soda, running three miles a day and cutting all junk food out of your diet all at once, you need to step things down. Perhaps first cut the soda out and then work a longer run into your workout regimen.

With lifestyle changes usually come excuses; however the staff at the HAWC leaves no room for excuses.

"We at the HAWC feel that lack of time is not an excuse -- better time management and planning creates an easier chance to squeeze in time to work out," said Lt. Col. Peggy Ann Cain, HAWC flight commander.

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine to work out for a minimum of 150 cumulative minutes per week. However, if weight loss is the ultimate goal, it is encouraged to engage in 60 minutes of intense work out a day, three to five days a week.

"Ask for somebody to keep you accountable, because changing to a fit and healthy lifestyle isn't easy on your own," said the colonel. "Here at the HAWC, we are more than happy to offer help and support when people ask for assistance."

If interested, contact the HAWC to reserve a seat in the next Battle of the Bulge class at DSN 480-4942 or Commercial at 06371-47-4942.