National Nutrition Month® reminds Liberty members to eat right Published March 14, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- March is National Nutrition Month® and the Health and Wellness Center is holding true to this year's theme, "Nutrition: It's a Matter of Fact." National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. "National Nutrition Month® is a way for us to re-inform people of what they already know," said Staff Sgt. Natalie Gatewood, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron nutrition counselor. "We have various commissary tours, cooking demonstrations and nutrition seminars." The Health and Wellness Center also plans on visiting the base schools to discuss nutrition with the children. "I don't think there is anything you can do for yourself that impacts your overall health more than watching what you eat," said Sergeant Gatewood. "Just drinking more water and eating more fruits and vegetables can significantly impact your health." According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a healthy diet is one that: · Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products; · Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; · Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. As a whole, people don't put the importance on nutrition that they need to, said Sergeant Gatewood. Most people look at a snack cake and see a snack cake, but when she looks at a snack cake, she sees high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and excess weight. People are always trying to lose weight and stay healthy. One of the easiest ways to do that is to modify their diet. For more information on National Nutrition Month®, call the HAWC at 226-2710.