Ramstein slims down health myths

Senior Airman Armando Schwier-Morales looks over the display table of food props, which demonstrate the proper proportions of various foods, during the Healthy Living Class at Ramstein Air Base, Feb. 9, 2015. The food items vary from fruits, vegetables, protiens, sweets and beverages. (U.S. Air Force photo/A1C Tryphena Mayhugh)

Ramstein slims down health myths

First Lt. Lindsey Leitz, Health Promotion nutrition program manager, explains the varying levels of fat contained in different types of milk, ranging from whole to skim, during the Healthy Living Class at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 9, 2015. According to Leitz, the fat content of some milk has been the most shocking information for class attendees to hear. (U.S. Air Force photo/A1C Tryphena Mayhugh))

Ramstein slims down health myths

First Lt. Lindsey Leitz, Health Promotion nutrition program manager, demonstrates the difference between a 9-inch plate, which would provide proper proportions when eating, to the 12-inch plates served at many restaurants, during the Healthy Living Class at Ramstein Air Base, Feb. 9, 2015. Leitz teaches about the MyPlate program that breaks down a 9-inch plate into four sections for fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. (U.S. Air Force photo/A1C Tryphena Mayhugh)

Ramstein slims down health myths

Published Feb. 13, 2015
By A1C Tryphena Mayhugh
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- When working in a profession that strongly recommends, and even requires, a healthy lifestyle, it can be confusing or overwhelming to know what is and is not true regarding health and fitness.

The Healthy Living Class held at Health Promotion (formally the Health and Wellness Center) provides the answers to questions one might have in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.

"Most people look to the internet for answers and it's full of misinformation," said 1st Lt. Lindsey Leitz, Health Promotion nutrition program manager and instructor of the class. "One example of a myth commonly believed is that eating after a certain point in the night will cause you to gain weight."

According to information provided in the class, it is actually better to eat a minimum of three meals a day plus snacks, consuming healthy options every two to four hours up to the time one retires. This allows the body's metabolism to remain at its peak performance.

"Metabolism is like a fire," Leitz said. "There has to be enough wood on the fire to let it burn; we need to eat to keep fueling the fire. We have to get rid of the guilt surrounding eating the things we enjoy."

The purpose of the 90-minute class is to educate attendees on healthy eating so what is discussed can be applied to everyday life.
"This course teaches you valuable tools and how to change your mindset," said Lt. Col. James Mullinax, 2nd Air Postal Squadron commander. "I came to the class because I'm trying to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle."

A mindset taught in the class is that fad diets and denying little pleasures is not the best course toward being healthy.

"All foods fit," Leitz said. "That's my main point. If you realize you have a sweet tooth, you shouldn't cut out sweets all together. You have a sweet tooth! Instead, only have one sweet a day and don't shackle yourself to one kind. Change it up each day, just in moderation."

The concepts taught in class can be applied to all walks of life, fitness goals or health issues.

"I would absolutely recommend this class to anyone interested in taking it," said Mullinax. "You don't have to be part of a program to attend."

Airmen are not the only members of the community to whom the class is offered.

"The class is available to anyone -- active-duty, dependents or locals," Leitz said.
"They can walk in based off our calendar schedule (located in the Health Promotion lobby and on Facebook), or they can call and ask for class times. My only requirement is punctuality. If anyone arrives late, I ask them to return at a later date.

"I'm also available to bring the class to them," Leitz continued. "I can come out to units and teach the course or give a 10-minute brief at commanders' calls."

It can be difficult trying to juggle work and personal schedules with a consistent healthy diet. The Healthy Living Class provides the tools for Airmen and anyone else to keep that struggle balanced. When all Airmen are fit to fight, the Air Force can continue to fly, fight and win.

For more information, call DSN 480-4292 or 06371-47-4292.